OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Senate lawmakers approved a bill to limit the use of phosphorus-based fertilizers in an effort to protect water sources from contamination.
Supporters say that the wide use of phosphorus-based fertilizers has led to runoff getting into lakes and streams and contributing to harmful algae blooms.
The bill makes an exemption for fertilizers being used on gardens or agricultural lands, but does not exempt organic fertilizer from the management requirements.
Opponents argue that targeting fertilizers as the culprit behind water contamination is misguided, as all human and animal waste also contains phosphorus and adds to algae blooms.
