|
For Immediate Release
July 11, 2011
Back
Brubaker Introduces Measure to Improve Water Quality, Reduce
Run-Off Pollution
HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) introduced legislation today that
would protect water quality by reducing run-off pollution from non-farm
fertilizers.
Senate Bill 1191 would set limits on the application of fertilizer to turf
areas such as lawns, golf courses and athletic fields. The bill would also
require all professional fertilizer applicators to be certified in proper
application techniques and best management practices to prevent the overuse or
misapplication of fertilizers, which contributes to nitrogen and phosphorus
pollution in rivers and streams.
The legislation would not apply to agricultural operations since the industry
is already required to comply with more stringent pollution reduction mandates.
"Pennsylvania's farmers have led the way to implement erosion and
sedimentation controls, nutrient management plans and other best management
practices on farms to reduce pollution," said Brubaker, who serves as Chairman
of the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Commission. "My legislation would bring
residential home owners closer to the pollution reduction practices for
agricultural operations and make it easier for the state and local communities
to meet federal pollution reduction goals."
Pennsylvania and the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed, which includes more
than half of the state's waterways, are under a court-ordered Total Maximum
Daily Load (TMDL) to reduce the levels of nutrients and sediment traveling to
the Bay.
Brubaker noted that similar legislation has already been enacted in the
neighboring states of Maryland and New Jersey.
Contact:
Kristin Crawford
(717) 787-4420
| 
