REPRESENTATIVE TERRY BROWN

The following commentary was written by State Rep. Terry Brown (D-Pigeon).

Over the years, there has been a lot of studying of the muck problem in Saginaw Bay and a lot of talking about it. I say it is time for action.

Too much is at risk to stay in a holding pattern. Our quality of life and property values are at risk. The Great Lakes are also Michigan’s most vital economic resource. Thousands of jobs in the tourism, boating, fishing, agriculture and shipping industries rely on healthy Great Lakes water.

There is no quick fix to healing Lake Huron. We know, though, that excessive phosphorus plays a key role in algae overgrowth. Scientists say one pound of phosphorus washed into a lake is enough to grow 500 pounds of algae over the course of the summer. These giant algae blooms suck the oxygen out of the water, creating "dead zones" for fish. And when the algae blooms die, they wash up on shore and end up as smelly muck.

We also know that one source of excessive phosphorus is runoff from lawn fertilizer. That is why I have introduced a plan to restrict the use of fertilizer containing phosphorus on residential lawns.

Most Michigan lawns already have enough phosphorus, so the additional amount in fertilizer tends to wash into our waters. Many of us are probably not even aware that there is phosphorus in our fertilizer. Using zero-phosphorus fertilizer is a small step that can make a big difference.

My legislation makes exceptions for using phosphorus fertilizer when needed. For example, it could be used when soil tests show there is not enough phosphorus in the lawn or when a new lawn is just being established. MSU Extension offers low-cost soil testing. In Huron County, call (989) 269-9949. In Tuscola County, call (989) 672-3870. You can find information for other counties, as well as other lawn resources, at www.msue.msu.edu. You might find you need less fertilizer than you think, which can save you money and time.

Some counties, including those in the Thumb, are enacting or exploring their own ordinances to ban or restrict the use of lawn fertilizer with phosphorus. However, a statewide law is a better way to go because it avoids the potential problem of having a variety of rules to follow. With one statewide law, residents and fertilizing companies will be clear on the guidelines.

U.S. Rep. Candice Miller supports such legislation and has said she plans to push for similar measures on the federal level. I agree with Rep. Miller that we must all work together to protect and restore the Great Lakes.

Limiting phosphorus runoff from lawn fertilizer is just one step toward protecting our most precious resource. It's an important step, though, and one we can and must take immediately.

State Representative Terry Brown represents the 84th House District, which consists of Huron and Tuscola counties. To contact him, call (888) 254-5284 or e-mail terrybrown@house.mi.gov. To subscribe to his e-newsletter and read updates on his legislative work, visit his Web site, house.mi.gov/tbrown.