lee county fertilizer ordinance no. 08-08. why is there an ordinance? protect the quality of our...
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Lee CountyFertilizer Ordinance
No. 08-08
Why is there an ordinance?
Protect the quality of our coastal watersPrevent excess nutrients from entering waterways through drainage and runoff
Protect the quality of our coastal watersPrevent excess nutrients from entering waterways through drainage and runoff
Excess nutrients washed away into
storm drains
Nutrients promote growth of invasive weeds and algae
Nitrogen and/or Phosphorous Fertilization
Fertilizer spread in excess or onto paved
areas near lawn
• There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to many factors.many factors.
• Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ.Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ.
• BOCC recognized BOCC recognized need to takeneed to take steps using a steps using a multifaceted approachmultifaceted approach..
• Ordinance vetted through public hearing processOrdinance vetted through public hearing process
• DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals.DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals.
• Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities. enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities.
• There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to many factors.many factors.
• Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ.Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ.
• BOCC recognized BOCC recognized need to takeneed to take steps using a steps using a multifaceted approachmultifaceted approach..
• Ordinance vetted through public hearing processOrdinance vetted through public hearing process
• DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals.DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals.
• Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities. enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities.
A Regulator’s Perspective
What does the ordinance do?
Regulates landscape maintenance practicesSets rules for using fertilizers that contain Nitrogen or PhosphorousRequires registration and training of professional and institutional landscapers
Regulates landscape maintenance practicesSets rules for using fertilizers that contain Nitrogen or PhosphorousRequires registration and training of professional and institutional landscapers
Who is covered by the ordinance?
PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL
EXEMPTIONSAgriculture
Golf CoursesSpecialized Turf
Professional Certification
Commercial landscapers required to take six-hour class for certification
Commercial landscapers required to take six-hour class for certification
Requirements
Fertilizers containing
Nitrogen and Phosphorous
prohibited during rainy
season, restricted
during rest of the year
N/PN/P
N/PN/P N/PN/P N/PN/P
Requirements
Fertilizers containing
Nitrogen and Phosphorous
prohibited during rainy
season, restricted
during rest of the year
N/PN/P
N/PN/P N/PN/P N/PN/P
Requirements
10 ft10 ft
Fertilizer use is also prohibited within 10 feet of a water body, seawall or wetland
Deflectors required on fertilizer spreaders
Requirements
Requirements
Blow or sweep excess fertilizer back onto lawn
Alternatives to Turf Lawns
Can save you time, energy and moneyClasses offered by local extension service
(239) 533-4327
www.fertilizesmart.com