2002-05-07 P & Z Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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From to 4298629 at 4/24/02 11:00 AM Minnesota Department of Agriculture 90 West Plato Boulevard St. Paul, Minnesota 55107 (651) 297-1629 News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 19, 2002 Contacts: Michael Schommer, Communications Director, 651-297-1629 Jerry Spetzman, Water Quality Advisor, 651-297-7269 MDA says new phosphorous law is good news for Minnesota lal;es and streams ST. PAUL, Minn. - The future is looking a bit clearer for Minnesota's 10,000 lakes today after govemor 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 phosphorus is applied to soil, it can wash off into nearby lakes, streams and rivers where it accelerates algae growth. Excessive algae growth diminishes 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 Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) regulates fertilizer sales and use. As such, the MDA 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 tlus issue," Commissioner Hugoson said "Several years ago, we put together a program in south :-'1inneapolis to build awareness of phosphorus issues among homeowners near Lake Harriet. We had encouraging results, and this law extends the benefits statewide." While 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 5oil, tree l~ves, grass dippings and pet waste are other major sources of phosphorous. Vvnen 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 stonn drains clear and do not rake lawn debris onto the street; Sweep up sand for reuse or oontact 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 2h and 3'12 inches; When mowing, discharge grass clippings into the lawn and away from paved surfaces; Sweep up any grass olippings that land on sidewalks, driveways or other hard surfaces; Reseed bare spots in your lawn and keep seeded areas moist for three to four weeks; Pg 002/003