OLYMPIA – Legislation to take often-unneeded phosphorus out of lawn fertilizer was signed today by Gov. Gregoire. Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Mount Vernon, is the second sponsor of the measure to reduce the phosphorus getting into waterways, resulting in algae blooms and clean water issues.
“Lake Whatcom is under serious threat from algae blooms,” Morris said. “This is a common-sense solution that keeps lawn care up, but also tackles a growing health and environmental threat.”
House Bill 1489 prohibits phosphorus use in lawn fertilizers, except for fertilizers being used for phosphorus’ intended use of growing new or damaged turf. Phosphorus getting into lakes or streams help water weeds and algae grow, which create nuisance and safety issues for those in the water or using it as a water supply.
The clean water, green laws effort is a follow-up to a law developed in 2006 to ban phosphorus is dishwashing detergents.
The 2011 legislative session is scheduled to end April 24.