Model Residential Fertilizer Ordinance January 15, 2009 EPC Meeting

Model Residential Fertilizer Ordinance Nitrogen as a component of fertilizer is a stimulant to landscape/turfgrass growth but also a stimulant to the growth of unwanted algae/phytoplankton in our waterways. This can lead to low dissolved oxygen, fish kills, and dying off of seagrass beds Fertilizers and their effects on water quality is an issue discussed statewide and nationally

Model Residential Fertilizer Ordinance The Urban Turf Fertilizer Rule was promulgated by FDACS in 2007 Purpose of the rule was to lessen the threat from fertilizers to water quality Rule uses mandatory reformulation and improved labeling guidelines for how to use fertilizer

Model Residential Fertilizer Ordinance 2007 Florida Legislature formed the Florida Consumer Fertilizer Task Force Six workshops produced a final report to the Legislature in 2008 One of the recommendations was the creation of a state model ordinance for local governments Local governments could adopt local stricter ordinances if they had impaired waters or state/federal TMDL requirements

Impaired Waters

Model Residential Fertilizer Ordinance This background led to the TBEP effort to develop a Model Ordinance for Tampa Bay local governments through multiple workshops, use of best science, and an attempt at consensus Dr. Scott Emery will follow and walk us through the water quality issues that are the basis for the Model Ordinance

Model Residential Fertilizer Ordinance The biggest area of lack of consensus is in application timing. Drs. George Hochmuth, Associate Dean for Research IFAS Agricultural Experiment Station and Terril Nell, Chairman, University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Department will provide input on fertilizer needs of landscape/turfgrass during summer months

Model Residential Fertilizer Ordinance Finally, we will hear from Mr. Jack Merriam Natural Resource Director in Sarasota County Sarasota County has already enacted a fertilizer application ordinance with restrictions on summer application of nitrogen and we will learn of their experiences Summer fertilizer blends with no nitrogen are available in Sarasota County

Model Residential Fertilizer Ordinance Staff recommendations will be presented at the end but they basically amount to moving forward with the Model Ordinance to hold Workshops to obtain input from all concerns before reporting on a final recommendation to the BOCC A second recommendation is to work with other TBEP local governments to achieve uniformity in the ordinances to the extent possible