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  Fertilizer Use and Landscape Management

I.  Current News

See the attached Technical Support Document for the EPC’s Proposed Local Fertilizer Rule – May 7, 2010

View Proposed Fertilizer Rule
View redlined version of the Proposed Fertilizer Rule
(redlined version reflects changes since previous proposed rule at March workshops)


 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County

Chapter 1-15, Fertilizer Use and Landscape Management Rule

 

PURPOSE:  To take public comment and consider adoption of the proposed Fertilizer Use and Landscape Management Rule, Ch. 1-15, Rules of the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC).

 

SUMMARY:  The EPC will consider the adoption of a new rule, Chapter 1-15 which will address, through regulation, the adverse impacts to Hillsborough County waters caused by excessive nutrients resulting from improper landscape maintenance practices and the incorrect or unnecessary application of fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorous.

 

SPECIFIC LEGAL AUTHORITY UNDER WHICH THE ADOPTION IS AUTHORIZED AND THE LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED, INTERPRETED OR MADE SPECIFIC:  Chapter 84-446, Laws of Florida, as amended and section 403.9337, Florida Statutes.

 

COPIES may be obtained by calling the Legal Dept. at (813) 627-2600 or at www.epchc.org

 

NOTE:  Administrative appeals of rule amendments shall be pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Rule, Ch. 1-2 (Part VIII), Rules of the EPC. 

 

The public hearing will be held:

 

 

DATE:              Thursday, June 10, 2010

TIME:               9:00am

PLACE:            BOCC Boardroom

                        County Center – 2nd Floor
                        601 E. Kennedy, Blvd., Tampa, Florida

 
     

 

Notice of Rulemaking Workshops

 

Proposed Rule – Fertilizer Use and Landscape Management, Chapter 1-15,

Rules of the EPC

 

The 2009 Florida Legislative Session passed SB 494 which mandates that local governments with nutrient impaired waterways pass fertilizer regulations to assist in improving water quality.  On December 9, 2009, the EPC Board held a public workshop regarding fertilizers.  On December 17, 2009, the EPC Board directed EPC staff to begin the fertilizer rulemaking process and to conduct staff-level public rulemaking workshops.  The EPC staff was instructed to develop a rule that included two options:  the Tampa Bay Estuary Program/Pinellas County approach and Orange County approach.  The EPC will hold three informal workshops to take comment on the proposed draft Fertilizer Use and Landscape Management rule language.

 

The proposed EPC rule contains regulations on proper fertilizer use and landscape maintenance practices.  At each workshop the rule language may change as comments are received and incorporated into the rule.  If the proposed rule is adopted, it would apply County-wide to unincorporated Hillsborough County and the three municipalities.    

 

The workshops are scheduled to take place on the following dates:

 

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

 

 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Children’s Board of Hillsborough County

1002 East Palm Avenue (Ybor City)

Tampa, Florida

 

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Environmental Protection Commission

Roger P. Stewart Center

3629 Queen Palm Drive (Sabal Park)

Tampa, Florida

 

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

 

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Environmental Protection Commission

Roger P. Stewart Center

3629 Queen Palm Drive (Sabal Park)

Tampa, Florida

 



The proposed rule is available for review online.

Copies can be requested by calling (813) 627-2600 x 1054.  Please submit written comments via U.S. Mail to Tom Ash, Environmental Protection Commission, 3629 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 or via e-mail at ash@epchc.org


 

II.  Historical Information

Fertilizer Use Board Workshop December 9, 2009
The Fertilizer Use and Landscape Management Workshop was on December 9, 2009, 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the County Center Second Floor BOCC Board Room.  View the Agenda from the workshop.

View Presentations:

Richard D. Garrity, Ph.D./Bob Stetler/Rick Tschantz,  EPC Staff
Phil Compton, Sierra Club  
Holly Greening, Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Dr. George Hochmuth/Dr. Terril Nell, University of Florida/IFAS
Erica Santella,  Representing Lawn & Ornamental industry Associations


 

Presentations given to the EPC Board January 15, 2009

 

 Fertilizer Introduction - Dr. Rick Garrity

TMDLs - Dr. Scott Emery

  IFAS Report - Dr. Terril Nell & Dr. George Hochmuth
   
IFAS Supplemental Documents
          Rainy Season Turfgrass Fertilization Guidelines
          FAQ1 - WQ14200
          FAQ2 - WQ14300
          FAQ3 - WQ14400

 Sarasota County Report - Jack Merriam 

EPC Staff Recommendations - Tony D'Aquila
 


Presentations given to the EPC Board December 18, 2008

 Non-Agricultural Regional Fertilizer Application - Holly Greening, Estuary Program

 

 

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