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Sen. Brubaker Introduces Bill To Limit Application Of Fertilizers To Improve Water Quality
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Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) introduced legislation today that would protect water quality by reducing run-off pollution from non-farm fertilizers. Senate Bill 1191 (not yet online) would set limits on the application of fertilizer to turf areas such as lawns, golf courses and athletic fields. The bill would also require all professional fertilizer applicators to be certified in proper application techniques and best management practices to prevent the overuse or misapplication of fertilizers, which contributes to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in rivers and streams.
The legislation would not apply to agricultural operations since the industry is already required to comply with more stringent pollution reduction mandates.
"Pennsylvania's farmers have led the way to implement erosion and sedimentation controls, nutrient management plans and other best management practices on farms to reduce pollution," said Sen. Brubaker, who serves as Chairman of the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Commission. "My legislation would bring residential home owners closer to the pollution reduction practices for agricultural operations and make it easier for the state and local communities to meet federal pollution reduction goals."
Pennsylvania and the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed, which includes more than half of the state's waterways, are under a court-ordered Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) to reduce the levels of nutrients and sediment traveling to the Bay.
Sen. Brubaker noted that similar legislation has already been enacted in the neighboring states of Maryland and New Jersey.
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7/18/2011 |
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