Common-sense water-quality bill sidetracked in House
Rep. Dick Dodge’s proposal to limit residential use of fertilizers containing phosphorus brings a common-sense solution to a real problem – something of a rarity at the Statehouse recently.
House Bill 1032 seeks to limit residential phosphorus use and requires fertilizer distributors and commercial lawn care companies to educate consumers about the restrictions as well as the reasons behind the restrictions.
The bill does not restrict agricultural use of the fertilizer.
Unfortunately, it appears unlikely the bill will get a hearing.
Overapplication of phosphorus causes the nutrient to run off into streams, rivers and lakes. And an overabundance of phosphorus feeds unwanted algae blooms, including toxic blue-green algae, which produce nerve toxins.
The toxic algae blooms, like those that caused the closure of Grand Lake St. Marys in Ohio, also threaten the water quality of northeast Indiana’s prized lakes. Dodge, a Republican representing constituents living in lake areas, likely understands better than most legislators the importance of protecting the state’s waters from pollution.
Generally, phosphorus is most needed when a lawn is new. Research shows most lawns don’t need regular application of phosphorus. So, too often, applying phosphorus to a residential lawn is a wasted effort that can harm water quality.