Residents in favor of the law believe it will stop the chemicals that soak into lawns via fertilizers and wash into water systems during Florida’s rainy season (June 1 to Sept. 30). Six council members voted to pass and one member, Frank Reddick, voted no and asked for more information on the economical impact of the decision.
But many residents believe the ordinance is a win-win.
“I feel very strongly that this is a very good idea,” said council member Harry Cohen. “This can really improve the quality of our drinking water, the water in the bay and the tourist economy.”
Other council members who were supportive in passing the law believed it could promote the innovation of newer, safer fertilizer products that are compatible with the environment.
Among surrounding communities, it seems that Tampa is merely a predecessor when it comes to fertilizer prohibitions. On Tuesday, Pinellas County passed a summertime ban with a fine of $100 for any violators. Retailers in the community were banned from using fertilizer displays containing the chemicals and the stores are forced to post notices about restrictions.
Holly Greening, executive director of Tampa’s estuary program presented a report that deemed 79 percent of the nitrogen in Lake Tarpon came from fertilizer, as opposed to animal waste or septic tanks. According to the estuary program, in order to remove a pound of nitrogen from an environment like Lake Tarpon, it would cost about $3,500.
Their research concluded that nitrogen flowing from water runoff caused an abnormal increase in algae blooms in fresh and salt water systems. The multiplication of blooms significantly depleted the amounts of oxygen in the water which is used by other species in the ecosystem. Many fish and plant life die from this unnatural occurrence.
“I think this ordinance is taking the wrong approach,” said former state Sen. John Grant to council members. “What you’re going to do is simply cause people to drive outside the city limits for fertilizer.”
Grant also stated that the Department of Agriculture has conducted plenty of research involving the problem, and that the law would economically hurt small businesses and yard care companies.
After the procedures, City Council Chairman Charlie Miranda gave his closing thoughts on why the law should be passed.
“What’s the reaction if we don’t do it - is this a cure all? Absolutely not. Is it a beginning? Yes it is,” Miranda said. “This is a combination of working with nature and doing the right thing to change our mindset and start in the right direction.”
