TRENTON — New Jersey lawmakers, as part of a plan to control the flow of pollutants into the state’s waterways, today passed what’s being described as the nation’s toughest restrictions on fertilizer. The legislation, approved by both the Senate and Assembly, would require that 20 percent of nitrogen contained in fertilizer be a slow-release variety to prevent it from...
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A file photo of a biplane flying over Barnegat Bay. TRENTON — New Jersey lawmakers, as part of a plan to control the flow of pollutants into the state’s waterways, today passed what’s being described as the nation’s toughest restrictions on fertilizer.
The legislation, approved by both the Senate and Assembly, would require that 20 percent of nitrogen contained in fertilizer be a slow-release variety to prevent it from easily washing into waterways during rainfall or lawn watering.
Gov. Chris Christie has indicated he will sign the legislation as part of a more comprehensive package to address the problems of the Barnegat Bay.
Nitrogen causes algae blooms that deprive water of oxygen and kill marine life. In New Jersey, environmentalists maintain — and scientists from Rutgers University concur — that nitrogen is the primary reason for the slow death of salt water bodies, particularly the Barnegat Bay.
"This multi-bill package will turn the tide on the degredation of Barnegat Bay, an ecological jewel and an important economic driver for our state," said Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex), sponsor of the legislation in his chamber. "This is a monumental day for the environment."
Under the legislation, licensed professionals would not be able to apply fertilizers within 10 feet of a waterway; a 25-foot buffer would be established for homeowners doing their own applications.
In addition, homeowners would be barred from applying fertilizer on their lawns between Nov. 15 and March 1 and whenever the ground is frozen. Licensed professionals could not apply fertilizers between Dec. 1 and March 1.
The legislation also bans the use of phosphorus in fertilizer to protect fresh water bodies such as lakes and streams.
Golf courses are exempt from the regulations.
"It’s a very strong endorsement that this is the right way to go in terms of reducing fertilizer pollution in the state’s waterways and putting Barnegat Bay on the pathway to becoming healthier," said Tim Dillingham, executive director of the American Littoral Society.
Some fertilizer manufacturers already have products that meet or exceed the standards set by the legislation; those that do not will have one year from the bill’s implementation to comply, Dillingham said.
Lance Latham, spokesman for Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., has said his company has tried to stay ahead of the issue by anticipating the desired changes in products.
"We’ve supported enacting the strictest nutrient limits in the country and believe the legislation’s affectiveness would be improved by following the scientific recommendations of Rutgers on both slow-release nitrogen content and consumer education," he said.
The New Jersey Sierra Club applauded the legislation and noted its importance in protecting drinking water and the coastal tourism industry.
‘‘This is the strongest, most comprehensive bill regulating fertilizer in the county,’’ said Sierra Club executive director Jeff Tittel.
Part of the plan to save Barnegat Bay includes early closure of the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant in Lacey Township, Ocean County, and the construction of two new facilities.
Oyster Creek, the oldest operating nuclear plant in the country, uses 1.4 billion gallons a day from the Barnegat Bay to cool its reactor. The warmer water is then dumped back into the bay, which further damages marine life.