Watershed Management: Water Quality

Fertilizer & Landscape Management Information

 

Pinellas County waters are experiencing a decline in water quality due to excess nitrogen and phosphorous. This prompts concerns about our marine life, our lakes and beaches, and our economy. Pinellas County is committed to addressing water quality issues on every front from Tampa Bay to our own back yards. Local governments spend millions of dollars each year to remove nitrogen from water bodies through various stormwater treatment methods. Fertilizer and grass clippings are sources of nutrients that can be controlled with your help!

 

In January 2010 the Pinellas County Commission approved an ordinance regulating landscape practices and the sale and use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus.

 

• Fertilizer Ordinance - Summary of Fertilizer Ordinance

 

Fertilizer is less of a problem when it’s used properly. If we use too much fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time it can easily leach into the groundwater, wash into storm drains, and flow into bays or streams. Just like in our gardens, fertilizer in bays and streams makes plants grow. In water bodies, too much nitrogen or phosphorous can cause harmful algae blooms that lower oxygen levels, turn the water a green or rust color, and lead to fish kills.

Residents:

• A Guide for Homeowners- Preventing Urban Runoff Pollution
• Calculate Your Fertilizer Use
• Resident Do-It-Yourselfers
• Guide to Fertilizer Ordinance Brochure En español
• Florida Yards and Neighborhoods - Fertilize Properly
• List of County Certified Fertilizer Applicators and Landscapers.  

Industry Retailers:

• June 2011 Summer-Safe Products for Pinellas County
• Ordinance Compliant Products
• Information for Retailers & Landscape Management Professionals
  Please print one of these notices and post with your fertilizer items.
  • Flyers: 8.5" x 11", 5" x 7", 5.5" x 8.5"
  • Fertilizer poster: 26 x 23 - 8.5 x 11

Commercial Landscape Professionals:

• BMPs for Landscaping Companies
• FAQs for Professional Landscapers
• Three steps to obtain fertilizer vehicle decal
• Affidavit for vehicle decal-fertilizer applicators

   Training:

• Training Requirements
• Green Industry BMP: Do you apply fertilizers? You need the 8 hr. class by January 19, 2011. (state-certified)
  • Training on line download manual
  • Train in a classroom - sign up here
• Landscape Maintenance BMPs - Do you only mow, prune, edge, plant, or use a blower? You need the 2 hr. class by July 18, 2011. (county-certified)
  • Train in a classroom - sign up here
    • In House Training Program - Come to Class - Get a CD
    • Study Guide for Landscape Maintenance Class - English
    • Study Guide for Landscape Maintenance Class - Spanish
      

 

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Pinellas County is looking for volunteers to help distribute educational materials and assist with training classes for landscapers (student sign in etc). Distribution of materials regarding the fertilizer ordinance to communities includes this door hanger. It can be obtained in specific quantities to distribute to your neighbors. Contact watershed@pinellascounty.org to inquire.

 

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