Seeking Greater Restrictions On Phosphorous In Lawn Fertilizers

Delegate Galen Clagett, a Frederick Democrat, is seeking greater restrictions on phosphorous in lawn fertilizers.

A Frederick lawmaker expects his bill to help the Chesapeake Bay will be passed in the House of Delegates this week.Delegate Galen Clagett, a Frederick Democrat, is seeking greater restrictions on phosphorous in lawn fertilizers.

Phosphorous in the bay encourages algae growth that uses oxygen in the water that fish and other wildlife need. His bill would reduce the allowable level of phosphoric acid in fertilizers in future years from 5 percent to .5 percent.

The bill would not affect fertilizers used for agricultural purposes or by licensed landscape contractors.Clagett said that he exempted those fertilizers in an attempt to target his efforts toward residential properties.

Farmers have said that lawn fertilizers are a part of the problem of excess phosphorous in the Chesapeake Bay, he said.

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