LTC 523-2019 Sustainability Committee Motion on Fertilizers/\I AMI
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive , Miami Beach , Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
Jimmy L. Mora les, City Manager
Tel : 305-673-70 10 , Fax : 305-673-7782
NO. LTC#
523 -2019 LEDER TO COMMISSION
TQ, Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of he City cLmissi::
FROM : Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager ~
DATE: September 25,2019
SUBJECT: Sustainability Committee Motion on Fertilizers
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to provide you with correspondence received from the
Sustainability Committee regarding the motions made at the meeting held September 24, 2019.
Attachment: Sustainability Committee Motions
~
SMT/ESW/FCTIYP
BEACH
RISING
ABOVE City of Miami Beach Sustainability Committee
Da vid Doebler, Chair TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
Members: FROM: David Doebler, Sustainability Committee Chair
Jeremy Woks
Mohammed Islam
Chris Duggan DATE: September 24, 201 9
Luiz Rodrigues
Max Litt SUBJECT : Sustainability Committee Motions on Fertilizers
Dear Mayor and Honorable City Commission,
The Sustainability Committee met on September 24 , 2019 and passed the motion
below on fertilizer use. A draft ordinance on this topic was presented at the
September 25, 2019 Sustainability and Resiliency Committee and was referred to
the full city commission for first reading .
Motion to employ 'Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of
Water Resources' within the City of Miami Beach by private entities, contractors,
and landscapers . This will bring City of Miami Beach in line with other counties
around Florida that have adopted similar measures.
The following requirements were proposed and are also listed within the draft
ordinance:
• All commercial and institutional applicators of fertilizer (landscapers) within the
City to abide by and successfully complete the si x-hour training P,rogram in the
"Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources
by the Green Industries" offered by the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection through the University of Florida Extension "Florida-Friendly
Landscapes" program, or an approved equivalent. All managers and
employees must be certified.
• A 10 ft . setback from waterways and storm drains where no fertilizer may be
applied
• No fertilizer applied during the rainy season (June-Sept)
• Nitrogen content in fertilizer must be 50% 'slow release'
• In no case shall grass clippings, vegetative material, and/or vegetative debris
be washed , swept, or blown off into stormwater drains, ditches, conveyances,
water bodies, wetlands, or sidewalks or roadways.
The following requirements are recommended as additional measures:
• No phosphorous use in applications.
• Require informational placards at retail stores.
• Develop an educational component for residents on good fertilizer best
practices.
• Consider banning the retail sale of fertilizers with either phosphorous or less than
50% 'slow release' nitrogen.
As an Advisory Committee, we sincerely ask that consideration be given to the
above motion.
Supporting documents Miami Water Keeper are included for reference.
Sincerely,
David Doebler
Chairperson, Sustainability Committee
Florida-Friendly Use of Fertilizer on Urban Landscapes
1. FINDINGS
As a result of impairment to [municipality 's] surface waters caused by excessive nutrients, or, as
a result of increasing levels of nitrogen in the surface and/or ground water within the aquifers or
springs within the boundaries of [municipality], the governing body of [municipality] has
determined that the use of fertilizers on lands within the county creates a risk to contributing to
adverse effects on surface and/or ground water. Accordingly, the [governing board] of the
[municipality] finds that additional management measures than are otherwise contained in the most
recent edition of the "Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water
Resources by the Green Industries , 2015" may be required by this ordinance.
2. PURPOSE AND INTENT
This Ordinance regulates the proper use of fertilizers by any applicator; requires proper training of
Commercial and Institutional Fert1lizer Applicators; establishes training and licensing
requirements; establishes a Prohibited Application Period; specifies allowable fertilizer
application rates and methods, fertilizer-free zones , low maintenance zones, and exemptions. The
Ordinance requires the use of Best Management Practices, which provide specific management
guidelines to minimize negative secondary and cumulative environmental effects associated with
the misuse of fertilizers. These secondary and cumulative effects have been observed in and on
[municipality's] natural and constructed stormwater conveyances , ri ver s, creeks , canals , springs ,
lakes, estuaries and other water bodies . Collectively, these water bodies are an asset critical to the
environmental, recreational, cultural and economic well-being of the [municipality's] residents
and the health of the public. Overgrowth of algae and vegetation hinder the effectiveness of flood
attenuation provided by natural and constructed storm water conveyances. Regulation of nutrients,
including both phosphorous and nitrogen contained in fertilizer, will help improve and maintain
water and habitat quality.
3. DEFINITIONS
For this Article, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise.
Administrator means the municipal administrator, or an administrative official of the municipal
government designated by the municipal administrator to administer and enforce the provisions of
this article.
Application or Apply means the actual physical deposit of fertilizer to turf or landscape plants.
Applicator means any Person who applies fertilizer on turf and/or landscape plants m the
municipality.
Board or Governing Board means [municipality's] council or commission.
Best Management Practices means turf and landscape practices , or combination of practices based
on research, field-testing, and expert review, determined to be the most effective and practicable
on-location means, including economic and technological considerations, for improving water
quality, conserving water supplies and protecting natural resources.
Code Enforcement Officer, Official, or Inspector means any designated employee or agent of the
county whose duty it is to enforce codes and ordinances enacted by [municipality].
Commercial Fertilizer Applicator, except as provided in 482.1562(9) F.S., means any person who
applies fertilizer for payment or other consideration to property not owned by the person or firm
applying the fertilizer or the employer of the applicator.
County means the unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Fertilize, Fertilizing, or Fertilization means the act of applying fertilizer to turf, specialized turf,
or landscape plants.
Fertilizer means any substance or mixture of substances that contains one or more recognized plant
nutrients and promotes plant growth, or controls soil acidity or alkalinity, or provides other soil
enrichment, or provides other corrective measures to the soil.
Guaranteed Analysis means the percentage of plant nutrients or measures of neutralizing capability
claimed to be present in a fertilizer.
Institutional Applicator means any person, other than a private, non-commercial or a Commercial
Applicator (unless such definitions also apply under the circumstances), that applies fertilizer for
the purpose of maintaining turf and/or landscape plants. Institutional Applicators shall include , but
shall not be limited to, owners, managers, or employees of public lands , schools, parks, religious
institutions, utilities, industrial or business sites and any residential properties maintained in
condominium and/or common ownership.
Landscape Plant means any native or exotic tree, shrub, or groundcover (excluding turf).
Low Maintenance Zone means an area a minimum often (10) feet wide adjacent to surface waters
which is planted and managed in order to minimize the need for fertilization, watering, mowing,
etc.
Miami-Dade County Approved Best Management Practices Training Program means a training
program approved per 403.9338 F.S., or any more stringent requirements set forth in this Article
that includes the most current version of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's
"Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green
Industries, 2015," as revised, and approved by the county Administrator.
Person means any natural person, business, corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
limited partnership, association, club, organizations, and/or any group of people acting as an
organized entity.
Prohibited Application Period means the time period during which a Flood Watch or Warning, or
a Tropical Storm Watch or Warning, or a Hurricane Watch or Warning is in effect for any portion
of the county, issued by the National Weather Service, or if heavy rain is likely.
Restricted Application Period means June 1 to September 30.
Saturated Soil means a soil in which the voids are filled with water. Saturation does not require
flow. For the purposes of this ordinance, soils shall be considered saturation if standing water is
present or the pressure of a person standing on the soil causes the release of free water.
Slow Release, Controlled Release, Timed Release, Slowly Available, or Water Insoluble Nitrogen
means nitrogen in a form which delays its availability for plant uptake and use after application,
or which extends its availability to the plant longer than a reference rapid or quick release product.
Surface Waters as defined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Fla. Admin .
Code 62-340) means waters on the surface of the earth, contained in bunds created naturally or
artificially, including the Atlantic Ocean, bays, bayous, sounds, estuaries, lagoons, lakes, ponds,
impoundments, rivers, streams, springs, creeks, branches, sloughs, tributaries, canals, and ditches.
Turf, Sod, or Lawn means a piece of grass-covered soil held together by the roots of the grass.
Urban Landscape means pervious areas on residential, commercial, industrial, institutional,
highway rights-of-way, or other nonagricultural lands that are planted with turf or horticultural
plants.
4. APPLICABILITY
This Ordinance shall be applicable to and shall regulate any and all applicators of fertilizer and
areas of application of fertilizer within the area of [municipality], unless such applicator is
specifically exempted by the terms of this Ordinance from the regulatory provisions of this
Ordinance. This Ordinance shall be prospective only and shall not impair any existing contracts.
5. TIMING OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION
(a) No applicator shall apply fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorous to turf and/or
landscape plants during the Prohibited Application Period, or to saturated soils. In addition,
fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous shall not be applied to turf or landscape plants during
the Restricted Application Period, which is defined as June 1 to September 30.
(b) Fertilizer shall only be applied to actively growing turf.
(c) Fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous shall not be applied before seeding or sodding a
site, and shall not be applied for the first 30 days after seeding or sodding, except when hydro-
seeding for temporary or permanent erosion control in an emergency situation (wildfire, etc.), or
in accordance with the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for that site.
6. FERTILIZER FREE ZONES
Fertilizer shall not be applied within fifteen ( 15) feet of any pond, stream, watercourse, lake, canal,
or wetland as defined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Fla. Admin. Code
62-340) or from the top of a seawall. If more stringent County Code regulations apply, this
provision does not relieve the requirement to adhere to the more stringent regulations. Newly
planted turf and/or landscape plants may be fertilized in this Zone only for a sixty ( 60) day period
beginning 30 days after planting if needed to allow the plants to become well established. Caution
shall be used to prevent direct deposition of nutrients into the water.
7. LOW MAINTENANCE ZONES
A voluntary ten (10) foot low maintenance zone is strongly recommended, but not mandated, from
any pond, stream, water course, lake, wetland, or from the top of a seawall. A swale/berm system
is recommended for installation at the landward edge of this low maintenance zone to capture and
filter runoff. If more stringent County Code regulations apply, this provision does not relieve the
requirement to adhere to the more stringent regulations. No mowed or cut vegetative material may
·be deposited or left remaining in this zone or deposited in the water. Care should be taken to
prevent the over-spray of aquatic weed products in this zone.
8. FERTILIZER CONTENT AND APPLICATION RATES
(a) Fertilizers applied to turf and/or landscape plants within the county shall be applied in
accordance with directions provided by Rule SE-1.003(2), Florida Administrative Code, Labeling
Requirements for Urban Turf Fertilizers.
(b) Nitrogen or phosphorous fertilizer shall not be applied to turf or landscape plants except as
provided in (a) above for turf, or in UF/IFAS recommendations for landscape plants, vegetable
gardens, and fruit trees and shrubs, unless a soil or tissue deficiency has been verified by an
approved test.
(c) Fertilizer should be applied to turf and/or landscape at the lowest rate necessary. Nitrogen shall
not be applied at an application rate greater than 0.7 lbs of readily available nitrogen per one
thousand (1,000) square feet at any one time based on the soluble fraction of formulated fertilizer,
with no more than one (1) pound total nitrogen per one thousand (1,000) square feet applied at any
one time, and not to exceed the nitrogen recommendations set forth below on an annual basis:
Grass species Maximum N application rate (lbs/1 ,000 sq
ft/Year)
Bahia grass 4
Bermudagrass 7
Centipede grass 3
St. Augustinegrass 6
Zoysia 4.5
(d) No phosphorous fertilizer shall be applied to existing turf and/or landscape plants within the
county at application rates which exceed 0.25 pounds phosphorous per one thousand (1 ,000)
square feet per application nor exceed 0.50 pounds phosphorous per one thousand (1,000) square
feet per year.
(e) The nitrogen content of fertilizer applied to turf or landscape plans within the county shall
contain at least 50% slow release, controlled release, timed release, slowly available, or water
insoluble nitrogen per guaranteed analysis label. Caution shall be used to prevent direct deposition
of nutrients in the water.
(f) Fertilizers labeled for sports turf at golf courses, parks, and athletic fields shall:
1. Have directions for use not to exceed rates recommended in the document titled SL 191
"Recommendations for N, P , K and Mg for Golf Course and Athletic Field Fertilization Based on
Mehlich I Extractant", dated March 2007, which is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference
into this rule.
2. Have directions for use in accordance with the recommendations in "BMP 's for the
Enhancement of Environmental Quality on Florida Golf Courses", published by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, dated October 2012. Note that this does not exempt
applicators at these sites from the required basic Green Industry BMP training .
9. APPLICATION PRACTICES
(a) Spreader deflector shields are required when fertilizing via rotary (broadcast) spreaders.
Deflectors must be positioned such that fertilizer granules are deflected away from all impervious
surfaces, fertilizer-free zones and water bodies, including wetlands .
(b) Fertilizer shall not be applied, spilled, or otherwise deposited on any impervious surfaces.
(c) Any fertilizer applied, spilled, or deposited, either intentionally or accidentally, on any
impervious surface shall be immediately and completely removed to the greatest extent
practicable.
(d) Fertilizer released on an impervious surface must be immediately contained and either legally
applied to turf or any other legal site or returned to the original or other appropriate container.
(e) In no case shall fertilizer be washed, swept, or blown off impervious surfaces into stom1water
drains, ditches, conveyances or water bodies.
10. MANAGEMENT OF GRASS CLIPPINGS AND VEGETATIVE MATTER
In no case shall grass clippings, vegetative material, and/or vegetative debris be washed, swept, or
blown off into stormwater drains, ditches, conveyances, water bodies, wetlands, or sidewalks or
roadways. Any material that is accidentally so deposited shall be immediately removed to the
maximum extent practicable.
11. EXEMPTIONS
The provisions set forth above in this Ordinance shall not apply to:
(a) Bona fide farm operations as defined in the Florida Right to Farm Act, Section 823.14 Florida
Statutes provided that fertilizers are applied in accordance with the appropriate Best Management
Practices Manual adopted by the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, office
of agricultural water policy for the crop in question;
(b) Other properties not subject to or covered under the Florida Right to Farm Act that have
pastures for grazing livestock provided that fertilizers are applied in accordance with the
appropriate Best Management Practices Manual adopted by the state Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services, office of agricultural water policy for the crop in question;
(c) Any lands used for bona fide scientific research including, but not limited to, research on the
effect of fertilizer use on urban stormwater, water quality, agronomics, or horticulture.
12. TRAINING
(a) All commercial and institutional applicators of fertilizer within the [municipality's]
jurisdiction, shall abide by and successfully complete the six-hour training program in the
"Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green
Industries" offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the university
of Florida Extension "Florida-Friendly Landscapes" program, or an approved equivalent.
(b) Private, non-commercial applicators are required to follow the recommendations of the
University Florida IF AS Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program when applying fertilizers.
13. LICENSING OF COMMERCIAL APPLICATORS
(a) Prior to 1 January 2020, all commercial applicators of fertilizer within the [municipal]
jurisdiction shall abide by and successfully complete training and continuing education
requirements in the "Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water
Resources by the Green Industries, " offered by the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection through the University of Florida IFAS "Florida-Friendly Landscapes" program, or an
approved equivalent program, prior to obtaining a [municipal] Business Tax Certificate or
equivalent for any category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to turf and/or landscape
plants. Commercial Fertilizer Applicators shall provide proof of completion of the program to the
[municipal office] within 180 days of the effective date of this ordinance.
(b) After 31 December 2020, all commercial applicators of fertilizer within the [municipality's]
jurisdiction shall have and carry in their possession at all times when applying fertilizer, evidence
of certification by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a Commercial
Fertilizer Applicator per SE-14.117(18) F.A.C.
(c) All businesses applying fertilizer to turf and/or landscape plants (including but not limited to
residential lawns, golf courses, commercial properties, and multi-family and condominium
properties) must ensure that at least one employee has a "Florida-friendly Best Management
Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries" training certificate prior to
the business owner obtaining a Local Business Tax Certificate or equivalent. Owners for any
category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to Turf and/or Landscape Plants shall
provide proof of completion of the program to the [municipal office].
14. SEVERABILITY
If any section, sentence, phrase, word, or portion of this Ordinance is determined to be invalid,
unlawful, or unconstitutional, said determination shall not be held to invalidate or impair the
validity, force, or effect, of any other section, sentence, phrase, word, or portion of this Ordinance
not otherwise determined to be invalid, unlawful, or unconstitutional.
15. ENFORCEMENT
Funds generated by penalties imposed under this section shall be used by [municipality] for the
administration and enforcement of section 403.9337, Florida Statutes, and the corresponding
sections of this ordinance, and to further water conservation and nonpoint pollution prevention
activities.
16. PENALTIES
Violation of any provision of this article shall be subject to the following penalties:
(a) First violation. Written notification and education.
(b) Second violation . Fifty dollars ($50.00).
(c) Third violation. One hundred dollars ($100.00).
(d) Fourth and subsequent violation(s). Five hundred dollars ($500.00) increasing 10-fold
with each violation.
Each day in violation of this article within a three hundred sixty-five (365) days period, beginning
the date of the first violation, shall constitute a separate offense. The board may take any other
appropriate legal action, including but not limited to emergency injunctive action, to enforce the
provisions of this article.
PROPER FERTILIZER USE
•KNOW YOUR NUTRIENTS•
/~----., (~ ~\MIAMI
··~ t::-" WATERKEEPER " "· . ---........ ~ ............ ~ ..................... __ ,...._
THE DOS AND DON 'TS
SOURCE RATE TIME
Use the correct fertilizer
mix f or your lawn
Use at least 50% Slow
Release Fertilizer -the
slower the better
Don't fertilize your lawn
before heavy rainfall or
du r ing June-Sept
THE NUMBERS
The numbers on fertilizer bags indicate the amount of
Nitrogren (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)
A NITROGEN W There is 12% N itrogren in
th is bag ·
O PHOSPHORUS
There is 0 % Phosphoru s in
this bag
O POTASSIUM
There is 24% Potassium in
th is bag
THE RATE
Must be at least 50% slow release to meet requirments .% slow release
=(avai lable nitr ogen I total nitrogen) x 100
Total Nitrogen (N) ........................... 12.00%
12.0% Urea Nitrogen {N)"
Soulable Potash (K20) ...................... 8.00%
Sulfur($) ............................................... 4.00%
4.0%Combine Sulfur (5)
Iron (Fe) ................................................. 2.00 %
0.2% Water So luable Ir on (Fe)
Manganese (Mn) ................................ 1.00%
0.11% Water Soluab le Maga ne se (Mn )
Derived from: Polymer-coated urea ,
urea , ammonium, sulfate, potassium
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PLACE
Fertilize at least 15ft away
from water bod ies. Keep
fertil ize r on ly on your lawn
BAHIA
Fertilizer Mix:
N-P-K
8-0 -X
BERMUDA
Ferti lizer M ix:
N-P-K
14-0-X
CENTIPEDE
Fertil izer Mix:
N-P-K
6 -0-X
Fe r ti l izer Mix:
N-P -K
12 -O-X
ZOYSIA
Ferti l izer Mix:
N-P-K
9-0 -X
I chl oride , iron sucrate , magnese sucrate
•6.00 % lowly availab le nitrogen from J
po mer coated urea.
11-il x 100 =50% SLOW RELEAS E
~
This bag meets the requirements!
miamiwaterkeeper.org/fertilizer
/' ~~ MIAMI ,~ ..... -... _
t,~ e:' WATERKEEPER "
DEF ENDING , PROTECTING, AND PRESERVING
MIAMI AND THE SURROUND ING WATERS
THROUGH CITIZENS INVO LVEMENT AND
COMMUNiiY ACT ION. MIAMI WATERKEEP ER
WORKS TO ENSURE SWIMMABLE, DRINKABLE,
FISHABLE WATER FOR ALL. ~. .
June 14, 2019
Re: Implementing and Enforcing a Fertilizer Ordinance
Fertilizer Ordinances: Good for the Environment & Economy
South Florida's waterways are exquisitely sensitive to nutrients, and some have even been
designated as "impaired" for nutrient pollution. Fertilizer ordinances that limit the time, extent,
and type of fertilizer allowed to be applied within a municipality's borders offer a way to reduce
the discharge of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to water bodies where they may
significantly degrade the water and lead to, among other things, algae blooms. In addition to their
ecological damage, harmful algae blooms can have a devastating effect on Florida 's coastal
economy, leading to health care costs from hospital and doctor visits, losses in tourism revenue ,
and clean-up activities. Research compiled by the Florida Department of Health shows harmful
algae blooms can cause millions of dollars in economic damages to affected Florida coastal
communities. Enforcing fertilizer ordinances may be difficult in certain circumstances, particularly
concerning private citizens on private property.
Miami Waterkeeper's model fertilizer ordinance proposes some key measures including, but not
limited to:
1) A Summer black-out period for fertilizer application;
2) Limitations on the amount of fertilizer that can applied outside the black-out period;
3) A mandatory set back zone for fertilizer applications on waterfront properties;
4) Commercial applicator education and registration provisions; and
5) Penalties for non-compliance.
Existing Municipal Fertilizer Ordinances in the State of Florida
Many counties and municipalities throughout the state have passed similar ordinances including:
Alachua County, Bonita Springs, unincorporated Brevard County, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach,
Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Malabar, Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay, and Satellite Beach. A
map ofthese municipalities is included below.
Miami Waterkeeper
2103 Co ral W ay, 2nd Floo r
Miam i, FL 33145
Q} 305 .905 .0856
miamiwaterkeeper.org
This map illustrates municipalities, including counties and cities, throughout the state with existing
ordinances controlling fertilizer application.
Fertilizer Ordinance Enforcement
Fertilizer ordinances are enforced just as other provisions of municipal code would be. The Fourth
Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the government from engaging in
"unreasonable" searches and seizures; in Michigan v. Tyler, 536 U.S. 499 (1978) the United States
Supreme Court held that a warrant was required (absent limited urgent circumstances) from any
governmental official and whatever their motive for entering onto the property. Fla. Stat. §933.21
allows for the application of inspection warrants to identify things like code violations on
properties, though it exempts owner-occupied family residences from its provisions; for those
properties, a search warrant is required under the more restrictive requirements of Fla. Stat.
§933.07 .
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Therefore, focusing enforcement on commercial fertilizer applicators and properties in many cases
would be a more efficient use of municipal resources, especially for those municipalities where
most residents use commercial landscaping companies. Based on the actions of other
municipalities, particularly Bonita Springs, FL, we can recommend the following enforcement or
implementation mechanisms:
( 1) Require landscaping companies that apply fertilizer as part of their services register
with the municipality and renew that registration annually. Registration should be
contingent on all managers and employees involved with fertilizer application taking
the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ training offered by the University of
Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Science Sciences (UF/IFAS), or an approved
equivalent, as required by the ordinance. The UF/IFAS GI-BMP training is available
online for free at: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/professionals/BMP _ overview.htm. Registrants
would receive a decal with listed expiration date to display on their work vehicle or
carry with them on the job.
(2) Require all merchants within municipal boundaries who sell fertilizer to place placards
conspicuously near fertilizer products setting forth the limitations in the ordinance (e.g.
no use of fertilizers containing nitrogen of phosphorus from June 1-Sept. 30). The
attached placard was developed by Bonita Springs and can be adapted for use by other
municipalities based on the ordinance specifics.
(3) Conduct periodic site audits for commercial applicators to ensure the company and its
applicators are licensed and that ordinance requirements are being followed, i.e. at least
one applicator on site has gone through UF/IFAS GI-BMP training and they are not
violating the ordinance in terms of temporal limitations or fertilizer quantity or type.
( 4) Offer educational opportunities for residents that not only describe the fertilizer
ordinance restrictions, but also explain its importance in addressing water quality issues
in the municipality and offer a confidential channel for residents to report suspected
ordinance violations.
(5) Ensure that municipal code enforcement officers are trained to recognize possible
unlawful fertilizer use, as well as possible environmental indicators of such use
(localized algae blooms, fish kills, etc.).
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Conclusion
Miami Waterkeeper's model fertilizer ordinance is intended to be a tool for municipalities. Non-
point source pollution like fettilizer runoff is difficult to trace and correlate to degraded water
quality conditions. This ordinance is proposed as a first step in protecting nearshore water quality
degradation , and should be just one tool in your municipality 's environmental management toolkit.
However, it is an important first step that dozens of other municipalities have implemented in an
effort to address some of the lowest hanging fruit regarding nutrient loads to nearshore waters and
their negative ecological and economic impacts.
Should you have any questions about this ordinance or Miami Waterkeeper's efforts to address
land-based sources of pollution generally, please do not hesitate to contact us .
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your dedication to swimmable, drinkable ,
fishable water for all of South Florida.
Sincerely,
Kelly Co x, Esq.
General Counsel
Miami Waterkeeper
(305) 905-0856
Ke lly@miam i waterkeeper.org
www.miamiwaterkeeper.org
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