Frosh and fertilizer
First there was a ban on phosphates in laundry detergent, then there was a ban on phosphates in dishwasher detergent. And now, Sen. Brian Frosh of Montgomery County is suggesting we reduce the polluting substance in our fertilizer. It's not an outright ban, according to the description of the bill; more of a reducing. Here's the synopsis:
"Requiring specified fertilizer to be labeled in a specified manner; prohibiting a person from using, selling, manufacturing, or distributing specified fertilizer after a specified date unless it is low phosphate fertilizer; requiring specified manufacturers to reduce phosphorus levels from lawn care products by a specified amount, by a specified date; requiring specified manufacturers to report annually to the Department of the Environment; and authorizing the Department of the Environment to adopt regulations."
Phosphorus becomes a pollutant when too much of it seeps into the waterways from fertilizer and sewage plants. Along with nitrogen, it is responsible for much of the problems in the bay. The bill had its first reading today.
Comments
I wonder if Mr. Frosh has asked the farmers how that will affect their crops. Simply banning a fertilizing agent may be a short term gain but what of our ability to feed ourselves? You can't outlaw a widely used product unless you have something just as good waiting in the wings without incurring problems and our food sources are not something that I'd like to see have problems.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | January 24, 2008 11:17 AM