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<br />. <br /> <br />turf, which needs extra phosphorus. Testing is required to be done through the <br />University of Minnesota Extension Service. This section allows us to have the <br />users of fertilizer prove our point, that phosphorus is not needed. <br /> <br />Plymouth's ordinance requires a couple of important things that other ordinances <br />do not. If phosphorus is used, Plymouth restricts its use on frozen ground and <br />requires it to be watered into the soil. Both of these requirements are geared to <br />avoiding run-off from carrying the phosphorus to water bodies. <br /> <br />~ 1999 Amendment - In 1999, Plymouth amended its Lawn Fertilizer ordinance to <br />include homeowners as well as commercial applicators and noncommercial <br />applicators (parks departments, golf course grounds keepers, etc.). That <br />amendment is attached to this memo. This does not mean Plymouth is giving <br />tickets out to homeowners for the improper use of fertilizer, but it does put all <br />users of fertilizer on notice that it is improper and not necessary to use <br />phosphorus. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Education/Advertising - Since mandatory compliance with a fertilizer ordinance <br />through enforcement is impractical (except for commercial applicators), it must be <br />combined with a strong education program to be effective. The ordinance adds emphasis <br />when saying phosphorus is not needed and is harmful. Newsletter articles educating the <br />public on the subject, newspaper ads identifying those businesses that care enough about <br />the environment to carry non-phosphorus fertilizer, and signs in stores that sale fertilizer <br />informing the public that phosphorus is illegal are some of the tactics used by Plymouth. <br />The Lake Orono Water Quality Task Force, with staffs help, is willing to take on the <br />education side of this issue. <br /> <br />Louise Watts on of the Ramsey/Washington Watershed District (651) 704-2089, is <br />another very valuable source of information. She is finalizing a list of the most asked <br />questions regarding fertilizer that will be an excellent educational tool when finished. <br />Ms. Wattson is also in the process of identifying groups and civic leaders to carry her <br />message. Groups like the Boy Scouts and horticultural societies. She believes that the <br />Extension Service is the right agency to coordinate this educational effort. <br /> <br />State Controls - Currently, a Legislative Task Force is considering the issue phosphorus <br />in fertilizer. It sounds likely that state rules on this subject will be developed. However, <br />due to the special interest groups on this task force and industry resistance, these rules <br />may be several years away. Staff recommends that the city does not wait for the state to <br />act. Jerry Spetzman, Department of Agriculture (651) 297-2200, is the point person for <br />this legislative task force. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Stores Selling Fertilizer - An inventory of stores in Elk River that sale fertilizer is being <br />conducted. Those stores that have non-phosphorus fertilizer available need to be <br />identified and promoted for being environmentally minded. Certain national franchises, <br />