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BOSTON, Mass. — Legislation that would limit the use of phosphorous-containing fertilizers and reduce phosphorous runoff into area waterways passed in the Massachusetts State House and Senate last week.
"This legislation will help improve the water quality in our rivers, reducing the presence of phosphorus, and save millions of dollars for communities across the Commonwealth," said state Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), who serves as the Senate Vice-chair of the Joint Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Agriculture.
If signed into law, the legislation will restrict phosphorous-containing fertilizer use in areas where it is most likely to cause environmental damage through runoff. Retailers who sell phosphorous-containing fertilizer must keep it separate from non-phosphorous fertilizer, and post signs explaining the regulations.
Finally, the legislation would give the state's Department of Agriculture the authority to create restrictions of phosphorous use.
Eldridge credited state Rep. John Fernandes (D-Milford) and state Sen. Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge) with filing the legislation. He added that the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the 495/MetroWest Partnership had all worked for the bill's passage.
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