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2011 SESSION

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SB 1055 Fertilizer; regulation of application and labeling, report.

Introduced by: Richard H. Stuart | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Fertilizer; regulation of application and labeling. Prohibits the sale, distribution and use of lawn maintenance fertilizer containing phosphorus beginning December 31, 2013. The prohibition does not apply to starter fertilizer, manipulated manure, yard waste compost, products derived from sewage sledge, soils containing fertilizer and fertilizer products intended for gardening, tree, shrub and indoor planting application, including nurseries, or reclaimed water. Also, beginning on December 31, 2013, it will be unlawful to offer for sale any deicing agent containing urea, nitrogen, or phosphorus intended for application or parking lots roadways, and sidewalks, or other paved surfaces. However, retailers are allowed to sell their existing inventory of lawn maintenance fertilizer and deicing agents. On this date, a label will be required on bags of lawn fertilizer that states that the product should not be applied near storm drains or drainage ditches or when heavy rain is expected.

The Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be required to establish reporting requirements for contractor-applicators and licensees who apply lawn fertilizer to more than 100 acres of nonagricultural lands annually.  The report will include the total acreage or square footage and the location of where the fertilizer is being applied. The bill requires golf courses to implement nutrient management plans by July 1, 2017. The plans are to be submitted to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for review and approval. The Department is to provide technical assistance and training for golf course operators. The agency will also have to establish a cost-share program to assist in implementation of the nutrient management plan.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is authorized to develop consumer information and recommended best practices for the application of lawn fertilizer.  The agency is also required to provide a public listing of contractor-applicators who apply fertilizer on nonagricultural lands and have met the training requirements.

Finally, the bill prohibits localities from further regulating (i) contractor-applicators who are in compliance with the fertilizer laws, (ii) golf courses that have approved nutrient management plans, and (iii) agricultural operations with a resources management plan or a nutrient management plan. If localities find it necessary to adopt more stringent stormwater ordinances, they will have to report this fact to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board. This bill is identical to HB 1831 (Scott, E.).

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Fertilizer and deicing agents; regulation of application; report.  Prohibits the sale, distribution and use of lawn maintenance fertilizer containing phosphorus beginning December 31, 2013. The prohibition does not apply to starter fertilizer, manipulated manure, yard waste compost, products derived from sewage sledge, soils containing fertilizer and fertilizer products intended for gardening, tree, shrub and indoor planting application, including nurseries, or reclaimed water. Also, beginning on December 31, 2013, it will be unlawful to offer for sale any deicing agent containing urea, nitrogen, or phosphorus intended for application on parking lots, roadways, and sidewalks, or other paved surfaces. However, retailers are allowed to sell their existing inventory of lawn maintenance fertilizer and deicing agents. On this date, a label will be required on bags of lawn fertilizer that states that the product should not be applied near storm drains or drainage ditches or when heavy rain is expected.

The Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be required to establish reporting requirements for contractor-applicators and licensees who apply lawn fertilizer to more than 100 acres of nonagricultural lands annually.  The report will include the total acreage or square footage and the location of where the fertilizer is being applied. The bill requires golf courses to implement nutrient management plans by July 1, 2017. The plans are to be submitted to the Department of Conservation and Recreations for review and approval. The Department is to provide technical assistance and training for golf course operators. The agency will also have to establish a cost-share program to assist in implementation of the nutrient management plan.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is authorized to develop consumer information and recommended best practices for the application of lawn fertilizer.  The agency is also required to provide a public listing of contractor-applicators who apply fertilizer on nonagricultural lands and have met the training requirements.

Finally, the bill prohibits localities from further regulating (i) contractor-applicators who are in compliance with the fertilizer laws, (ii) golf courses that have approved nutrient management plans, and (iii) agricultural operations with a resources management plan or a nutrient management plan. If localities find it necessary to adopt more stringent stormwater ordinances they will have to report this fact to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Fertilizer and deicing agents; regulation of application; report.  Requires the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to adopt regulations (i) requiring professionals and public sector applicators of fertilizers to nonagricultural lands to become trained and certified in nutrient management and apply fertilizer in accordance with the principles thereof; (ii) prohibiting the application of phosphorus to turfgrass without a soil test; (iii) prohibiting the application of nutrients to impervious surfaces; and (iv) setting standards for soil analysis techniques, equipment calibration, and the timing of the application. Sellers and appliers of fertilizer shall be required to submit annual reports to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services noting the amounts sold or applied by locality. Lawn and turf fertilizer bags will carry a statement cautioning against improper application. Effective July 1, 2012, and subject to exemptions for newly established turfgrass and gardens, no businesses shall sell (a) turf maintenance fertilizer containing phosphorus without point-of-sale limitations; (b) deicing agent containing urea; and (c) fertilizer without prominently displaying cautionary signage regarding excessive use. The Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services may impose a civil penalty of up to $250 for violations of these provisions. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is requested to provide a report concerning the use of slowly-available nitrogen in fertilizer material to the legislative committees with subject matter jurisdiction over agriculture and the environment.