Pinellas County to propose fertilizer ban for clean water

November 3, 7:30 PMTampa Bay Sustainable Agriculture ExaminerRobin Montanye

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Blue Fertilizer - Picture by Kym McLeod www.sxc.hu

At the October 27, 2009 meeting of the Pinellas County, Fl. Board of Commissioners, with over 150 residents and business people of Pinellas County in attendance, the commissioners directed their staff to draw up a fertilizer ordinance for them to consider at a future time.

The Need for a Fertilizer Ban

The ordinance that is being drafted is in direct result of the voices that were heard at that meeting stating that there was a definite need for a fertilizer ban during the peak of the rainy season in order to protect the water of the Tampa Bay watershed. Those who have cast their voices for a ban have said that studies have shown that storm water runoff is a main source of pollution in the surface water supply in the Tampa Bay area and improper fertilization techniques and their overuse is a large portion of those pollutants.

The Debate Between Environmentalists and Business Owners

In attendance were views from both sides of the debate, from environmentalists and residents that were concerned for the water quality of the area to landscapers and business owners that were afraid that such a ban would cut into their already reduced profit-margins. These business owners didn't say that a ban wasn't needed, but they were asking that the ban not be so stringent that it would cut into their business. It was stated that educating the public would be just as effective since properly applied fertilizer, in the correct amounts and at the right times, does not influence the pollution in storm water. The commissioners are left with the task of finding an equitable solution that will protect the area's water supply while keeping the needs of local businesses and residents in mind.

Fertilizer Ordinances in Other Areas

Other cities and counties in the area have passed ordinances similar to the one that is being proposed. Gulfport and St. Petersburg both have a ban in effect on the usage of fertilizer during the summer months and Commissioner Ken Welch asked his staff to call commissioners in Sarasota County to see how their ban, passed two years ago, effected their water quality, their residents and the local agricultural, landscaping and nursery businesses.

The Board will discuss the issue further at a future meeting.

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