Maryland Lawmakers Propose Lawn Fertilizer Regs
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland lawmakers are considering new regulations for lawn fertilizer because it harms the Chesapeake Bay if it isn't applied properly.
A Senate committee heard bills on Tuesday that would require cuts in the amount of nutrients in lawn fertilizer and tighten commercial lawn-care regulation. Another measure would limit how and when homeowners could use fertilizer.
Lawmakers are seeking to regulate fertilizer because it can run off lawns and spur oxygen-robbing algae blooms in the bay. The Environmental Protection Agency says there is more turf acreage in the bay watershed than any other crop.
The bills follow a measure passed last month in Virginia that bans the sale of fertilizer containing phosphorus for use on established lawns.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
