Fertilizer Reduction Initiative

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Increasing concerns regarding the occurrence of nitrate levels above the drinking water standard in some community and private water supply wells have led Suffolk County to take decisive action against nitrogen pollution. Elevated levels of nitrogen in the drinking water supply can cause serious health effects and excess nitrogen loading of the surface waters can have detrimental ecological impacts. Studies have shown that fertilizers applied to turf account for 56 percent of the nitrogen pollution emanating from residential properties in Suffolk County. For this reason, Suffolk County embarked on a Fertilizer Reduction Initiative in 2007. After working with landscapers, policymakers, and scientists, Local Law No. 41-2007: A Local Law to Reduce Nitrogen Pollution by Reducing the Use of Fertilizer in Suffolk County, was passed which addressed fertilizer application, landscaper training, public education and outreach, and the development of best management practices. It is projected that this will reduce the amount of nitrogen contamination to the ground and surface waters from residential use by at least 25 percent or roughly 60 tons every year.