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Dear Neighbor, Today we can celebrate a victory for King County’s natural resources! The King County Council unanimously approved legislation I introduced to help protect one of this region’s most vital resources-our lakes. This ordinance will significantly limit the use of fertilizers on lawns containing the plant nutrient phosphorus, which is known to cause harm to lakes. It will take effect in King County on January 1, 2011. In 2009, protecting King County’s natural resources is one of my top priorities. I introduced this legislation because lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus stimulate the growth of weeds and algae in lakes, killing plants and animals that are necessary to maintain the health of the ecosystem. Phosphorus is not a necessary ingredient for a healthy lawn, but research has revealed that it does great damage when applied to lawns surrounding a lake, river, or Puget Sound. Excessive phosphorous loading can also cause toxic algae blooms that have been associated with pet deaths, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal issues in humans. Limits on turf fertilizer containing phosphorus have been shown to reduce the discharge of phosphorus into the state's ground and surface waters. I’ve included more information about phosphorous below. You can also read a copy of the ordinance here. As a child, I enjoyed swimming and fishing in lakes throughout South King County. I want all children in this region, including my own two grandchildren, to enjoy our natural resources in the same way I did. Therefore, as your King County Councilmember, I am committed to continuing to improve the health of our natural bodies of water. I look forward to updating you on the work I’m doing to make King County a great place to work, live, and play for you and your families. Sincerely, |
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Phosphorus is a common element in many lawn fertilizers sold to consumers in yard supply outlets and retail stores. As an organic element, phosphorus is required for numerous plant functions, especially those involving the processing of energy. When we supply more phosphorus than what occurs naturally in the environment, it has the effect of encouraging rapid and extensive growth of water-based vegetation and algae. Such growth can result in oxygen depletion, suffocating aquatic life, and depriving it of the necessary requirements for life.