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2011 SESSION

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HB 1831 Fertilizer; regulation of application and labeling.

Introduced by: Edward T. Scott | 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 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 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 SB 1055 (Stuart).

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

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; regulation of application and labeling. Regulates several aspects relating to the application and use of fertilizer to lawns and turfs, including rules against applying fertilizers containing phosphorus or applying fertilizer when the ground is frozen, and the inclusion of a cautionary label on application and use. The prohibitions do not apply if: (i) the turf area is newly established or under repair; (ii) recent soil tests indicate the need for phosphorus fertilizer; (iii) the turf area is a golf course that has implemented a nutrient management plan; (iv) the area is a garden or greenhouse; or (v) the product being used is manipulated manure or yard waste compost. The bill also prohibits localities from regulating the use or application of fertilizers outside of any authority granted by the Stormwater Management Act. The Department of Conservation and Recreation is required to adopt regulations and operate a voluntary nutrient management training program to enable landowners and operators to prepare nutrient management plans for their own property. Golf course owners are specifically required to develop and implement nutrient management plans.