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Water:
Phosphorus Bills
Our Position: support
Bill Number: HB 5368-5369
Sponsor: Reps. Terry Brown and Mary Valentine
Legislative Session: 2009-10
These bills would restrict the use of lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus. Fertilizers containing phosphorus would still be available for use on newly planted lawns or lawns where soil tests indicate that phosphorus is needed. Fertilizer products containing phosphorus would still be available by request at retailers.
Contact
Gayle Miller, Sierra Club - 517-484-2372 or gayle.miller@sierraclub.org
Background
Many of Michigan's lakes and waterways have experienced significant algea blooms as a result of excessive phosphorus. Algea and excessive weed growth results in degraded water, low oxygen levels and poor conditions for fish and aquatic animals.
One of the main sources of phosphorus is lawn fertilizers. Unfortunately, many consumers fail to test their lawns and/or don't read fertilizer containers, resulting in over application, which then runs into waterways. Most Michigan soils have adequate phosphorus in order to grow grass successfully. These bills will not affect agriculture.
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