NJ Lawmakers Pass Stricter Regs on Fertilizer To Clean up Barnegat Bay

TON — New Jersey lawmakers, as part of a plan to control the flow of pollutants into the state’s waterways, today passed what’s being described as the nation’s toughest restrictions on fertilizer.

The legislation, approved by both the Senate and Assembly, would require that 20 percent of nitrogen contained in fertilizer be a slow-release variety to prevent it from easily washing into waterways during rainfall or lawn watering.

Gov. Chris Christie has indicated he will sign the legislation as part of a more comprehensive package to address the problems of the Barnegat Bay."

MaryAnn Spoto reports for the Newark Star-Ledger December 13, 2010.