2002-05-01 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ .From to 4298629 at 4/24/02 11:00 AM. Pg 002/003 Minnesota Department of Agriculture 90 West Plato Boulevard St Paul, l\.finnesota 5 S 107 (651) 297-1629 News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, .L\.pril19. 2002 Contacts: Michael Schommer, Communications Director, 651-297-1629 Jerry Spetzman, Water Quality Advisor, 6S 1-297-7269 MDA says new phosphorous law is good news for MDm.esota lakes and streams ST. PAUL, Minn. - The future is looking a bit clearer for Minnesota's 10,000 lakes today after governor Jesse Ventura signed into law a bill restricting the use of phosphorus fertilizer in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington Counties and setting a 3 percent (by weight) limit outside the metro area. Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant growth, but soils in many parts of the state already have an abundance of it. When excess phosphoms is applied to soil, it can wash off into nearby lakes, streams and rivers where it accelerates algae growth. Excessive algae growth dimini!ilbes water quality and can cause problems for fish and other aquatic life. The new law is designed to reduce unnecessary use of the nutrient, but it provides exemptions for farm land and golf courses. It also allows phosphorus to be applied to new sod and to phosphorus-deficient soils. The rv1innesola Department of Agriculture (MDA) regulates fertilizer sales and use. As such, the l\.IDA worked closely with lawmakers and interest groups for the past three years to develop sensible phosphorus legislation. Given the clear benefIts of reducing unnecessary phosphorus use, . MDA Commissioner Gene Hugoson said the new phosphorus law is good news for the entire state. . "This new law is the result of several years of work on this issue," Commissioner Hugoson said "Several years ago, we put together a program in south Minneapolis to build awareness of phosphorus issues among homeowners near Lake Hmiet. We had encouraging results, and this law extends the benefits statewide." \Vhile the phosphorus law will help boost water quality, there are many other lawn care practices homeowners can take to reduce phosphorus runoff into lakes and streams. Yard materials such as soil, tree leaves, grass clippings and pet -waste are other major sources of phosphorous. When these materials move off the landscape and onto streets or driveways, they can be washed into storm drains that lead directly to nearby lakes or streams. The MDA says the following practices can help keep Minnesota~s lawns and lakes healthy: Keep storm drains clear and do not rake lawn debris onto the street; Sweep. up sand for reuse or contact your citY for proper disposal; Direct water from downspouts onto your lawn and away from the house and paved surfaces~ Mow high and often, keep mowing height between 2~ and 311z inches; _ When mowing, discharge grass clippings into the lawn and away from paved surfaces; Sweep up any grass clippings that land on sidewalks, driveways or other hard surfaces; Reseed bare spots in your la"'"D and keep seeded areas moist for tbree to four weeks;