Bill Text: NJ A2290 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Establishes standards for certain fertilizer applications, requires certification of professional fertilizer applicators, and regulates labeling and sale of certain fertilizers. *
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2011-01-05 - Approved P.L.2010, c.112. [A2290 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-A2290-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman JOHN F. MCKEON
District 27 (Essex)
Assemblyman REED GUSCIORA
District 15 (Mercer)
Assemblywoman VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE
District 37 (Bergen)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblymen Diegnan, Rumpf and Assemblywoman Gove
SYNOPSIS
Establishes standards for certain fertilizer applications, provides for certification of professional fertilizer applicators, and regulates sale and labeling of certain fertilizers.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act reducing nutrient pollution and maintaining healthy soils, amending and supplementing P.L.1970, c.66, and supplementing P.L.1975, c.251 (C.4:24-39 et seq.) and Title 58 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. (New section) As used in sections 1 through 8 of this act:
"Commercial farm" means the same as that term is defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1983, c.31 (C.4:1C-3).
"Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection.
"Fertilizer" means a fertilizer material, mixed fertilizer or any other substance containing one or more recognized plant nutrients, which is used for its plant nutrient content, designed for use or claimed to have value in promoting plant growth, and sold, offered for sale, or intended for sale; except that it shall not include unmanipulated animal or vegetable manures, agricultural liming materials, wood ashes, or processed sewage wastewater solids.
"Impervious surface" means any structure, surface, or improvement that reduces or prevents absorption of stormwater into land, and includes porous paving, paver blocks, gravel, crushed stone, decks, patios, elevated structures, and other similar structures, surfaces, or improvements.
"Local health agency" means the same as that term is defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1975, c.329 (C.26:3A2-3).
"Person" means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, political subdivision, or government entity.
"Professional fertilizer applicator" means any individual who applies fertilizer for hire, including any employee of a government entity who applies fertilizer within the scope of employment.
"Soil test" means a technical analysis of soil conducted by a laboratory authorized by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, the State University, pursuant to section 5 of this act.
"Turf" means land, including residential property, golf courses, and publically owned land, that is planted in closely mowed, managed grass, except land used in the operation of a commercial farm.
"Waterbody" means a surface water feature, such as a lake, river, stream, creek, pond, lagoon, bay or estuary.
"Water-soluble nitrogen" means nitrogen in a water-soluble form that does not have slow or controlled release properties.
2. (New section) a. No person shall:
(1) apply fertilizer to turf when a heavy rainfall, as shall be defined by the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist at Rutgers, the State University, is occurring or predicted or when soils are saturated and a potential for fertilizer movement off-site exists;
(2) apply any fertilizer intended for use on turf to an impervious surface, and any fertilizer inadvertently applied to an impervious surface shall be swept or blown back onto the target surface or returned to either its original or another appropriate container for reuse;
(3) apply fertilizer containing phosphorus or nitrogen to turf within 25 feet of any waterbody, except that where a drop spreader, rotary spreader with a deflector or targeted spray liquid is used for fertilizer application, the buffer may be reduced to 10 feet; except that nothing in this subsection shall apply to the application of fertilizer to turf within a golf course;
(4) apply fertilizer containing nitrogen to turf at a rate of more than 0.75 pounds of water-soluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet at any one time based on the soluble fraction of fertilizer; or
(5) apply fertilizer containing phosphorus or nitrogen to turf before March 1st or after November 15th in any calendar year, or at any time when the ground is frozen.
b. No professional fertilizer applicator may apply fertilizer to turf without first obtaining a fertilizer application certification, or training if applying fertilizer under the direct supervision of a certified professional fertilizer applicator, pursuant to section 3 of this act.
c. No person may apply fertilizer containing phosphorus unless the person:
(1) determines that the fertilizer is necessary for the specific soils and target vegetation pursuant to a soil test performed no more than three years before the application, and pursuant to the associated annual fertilizer recommendation issued by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, the State University;
(2) is establishing vegetation for the first time, such as after land disturbance, provided the application is in accordance with the standards and requirements established under the "Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act," P.L.1975, c.251 (C.4:24-39 et seq.) and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
(3) is reestablishing or repairing a turf area; or
(4) is delivering liquid or granular fertilizer under the soil surface, directly to the feeder roots.
3. (New section) a. The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, the State University, shall, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, establish a fertilizer application certification program. The certification program shall provide professional fertilizer applicators with training and education in at least the following subject areas:
(1) the proper use and calibration of fertilizer application equipment;
(2) the hazards involved in, and the environmental impact of, applying fertilizer, including nutrient pollution to the State's waterbodies;
(3) all applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations;
(4) the correct interpretation of fertilizer labeling information; and
(5) the best management practices developed by the Agricultural Experiment Station for nutrient management in turf.
b. In establishing a fertilizer application certification program, the Agricultural Experiment Station may:
(1) charge reasonable fees, including, but not limited to, an annual re-certification fee, to cover costs associated with the certification program;
(2) require continuing education for certified professional fertilizer applicators;
(3) designate one or more qualified organizations to train and certify professional fertilizer applicators and provide that a designated organization may charge fees to cover reasonable costs associated with the certification training and education; and
(4) recognize the training program of any person employing professional fertilizer applicators as meeting the certification training and education standards established by the program pursuant to this section.
c. The Department of Environmental Protection shall conduct examinations to certify that an applicant possesses sufficient knowledge of the State and federal laws, rules and regulations, standards and requirements applicable to the use and application of fertilizer. No person may take the certification examination until the department determines that the applicant has obtained the education and training established by the fertilizer application certification program pursuant to this section.
d. An application for certification shall be made in a manner and on such forms as may be prescribed by the department. The filing of an application shall be accompanied by an application fee that shall cover the costs of processing the application and developing and conducting the examination.
e. The Agricultural Experiment Station shall, in consultation with the department, establish a training program for those professional fertilizer applicators who will apply fertilizer only under the direct supervision of a certified professional fertilizer applicator. The Agricultural Experiment Station shall establish minimum standards and criteria for a training program conducted pursuant to this subsection. In establishing the training program, the Agricultural Experiment Station may:
(1) charge reasonable fees to cover the costs associated with the training program;
(2) require continuing education or training for professional fertilizer applicators who apply fertilizer only under the direct supervision of a certified professional fertilizer applicator;
(3) designate one or more qualified organizations to train professional fertilizer applicators who will apply fertilizer only under the direct supervision of a professional fertilizer applicator certified pursuant to this section and provide that a designated organization may charge fees to cover reasonable costs associated with the training process; and
(4) recognize the training program of any person employing professional fertilizer applicators as meeting the training requirements established by the Agricultural Experiment Station pursuant to this subsection.
4. (New section) a. Any professional fertilizer applicator who violates this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $2,500 for the first offense and up to $5,000 for the second and each subsequent offense, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense. In addition to the imposition of a civil penalty, the Department of Environmental Protection may suspend or revoke the certification of any professional fertilizer applicator who violates this act.
b. Any person, other than a professional fertilizer applicator or person who sells fertilizer at retail, who violates this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $250 for the first offense and up to $500 for the second and each subsequent offense, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under P.L.1999, c.274. If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense.
c. The department or local soil conservation district may institute a civil action for injunctive relief in Superior Court to enforce this act and to prohibit and prevent a violation of this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, and the court may proceed in the action in a summary manner.
d. The Superior Court, and the municipal court for violations processed under subsection b. of this section, shall have jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999" in connection with this act.
5. (New section) a. The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, shall, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, develop a program of public education which shall include but need not be limited to the dissemination of information regarding nutrient pollution, best management practices for fertilizer use, soil testing, proper interpretation of fertilizer label instructions, and the proper use and calibration of fertilizer application equipment.
b. The Agricultural Experiment Station shall identify laboratories which participate in the North American Proficiency Testing Program of the Soil Science Society of America, follow the recommended soil testing procedures for the northeastern United States, are authorized to conduct soil tests to determine the level of nutrients required for turf, and provide a final report to the requestor with the results of the soil test that is consistent with the best management practices established by the Agricultural Experiment Station.
6. (New section) The provisions of this act, and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, shall preempt any ordinance or resolution of a municipality, county or local health agency concerning the application of fertilizer to turf.
7. (New section) Sections 1 through 8 of this act shall not apply to the application of fertilizer to commercial farms.
8. (New section) a. Within one year after the date of enactment of this act, the Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), any rules and regulations necessary to implement sections 1 through 8 of this act.
b. This act, and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, shall be enforced by the Department of Environmental Protection, and may be enforced by a local soil conservation district or local health agency.
9. (New section) Any specialty fertilizer labeled for use on turf and intended for use by consumers shall:
a. Contain no more than 0.75 pounds of water-soluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet when applied pursuant to the instructions on the container; and
b. Contain no phosphorus, except when specifically labeled for the following purposes:
(1) providing nutrients to specific soils and target vegetation as determined to be necessary pursuant to a soil test conducted by a laboratory authorized pursuant to section 7 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and performed no more than three years before the application, and pursuant to the associated annual fertilizer recommendation issued by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, the State University;
(2) establishing vegetation for the first time, such as after land disturbance, provided the application is in accordance with the standards and requirements established under the "Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act," P.L.1975, c.251 (C.4:24-39 et seq.) and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
(3) reestablishing or repairing a turf area; or
(4) delivering liquid or granular fertilizer under the soil surface, directly to the feeder roots.
c. Nothing in this section shall apply to fertilizer derived from processed sewage wastewater solids.
d. As used in this section:
"Consumer" means an individual who buys fertilizer for personal or household use and not for business purposes.
"Turf" means land, including residential property, that is planted in closely mowed, managed grass, except land used in the operation of a commercial farm as that term is defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1983, c.31 (C.4:1C-3).
"Water-soluble nitrogen" means nitrogen in a water-soluble form that does not have slow or controlled release properties.
10. (New section) a. No person may sell at retail specialty fertilizer which contains more than 0.75 pounds of water-soluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet and is intended for use on turf by consumers.
b. No person may sell at retail specialty fertilizer which contains phosphorus and is intended for use on turf by consumers unless the intended use of the fertilizer is:
(1) for application to specific soils and turf as determined to be necessary pursuant to a soil test conducted by a laboratory authorized pursuant to section 7 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and performed no more than three years before the application, and pursuant to the associated annual fertilizer recommendation issued by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, the State University;
(2) for the establishment of turf for the first time, such as after land disturbance, provided the application is in accordance with the standards and requirements established under the "Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act," P.L.1975, c.251 (C.4:24-39 et seq.), and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto; or
(3) for the reestablishment or repair of a turf area.
c. Nothing in this section shall apply to fertilizers derived from processed sewage wastewater solids.
d. As used in this section:
"Consumer" means a natural person who buys fertilizer for personal or household use and not for business purposes.
"Turf" means land, including residential property, that is planted in closely mowed, managed grass, except land used in the operation of a commercial farm as that term is defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1983, c.31 (C.4:1C-3).
"Water-soluble nitrogen" means nitrogen in a water-soluble form that does not have slow or controlled release properties.
11. Section 13 of P.L.1970, c.66 (C.4:9-15.13) is amended to read as follows:
13. a. A specialty fertilizer must be labeled as provided in section 10 of this act, and additional items may be required by regulation.
b. The container for a specialty fertilizer intended for use on turf must include the following information in a readable and conspicuous form and shall be considered the label:
Net Weight
Brand Name
Grade
Guaranteed Analysis;
Total Nitrogen (N)...........................................................%
....................................................% Ammoniacal Nitrogen
.............................................................% Nitrate Nitrogen
..........................................% Water-Soluble Nitrogen or urea
.................................................% Water Insoluble Nitrogen
Available Phosphoric Acid (P2O5).......................................%
Soluble Potash (K2O)......................................................%
Additional Plant Nutrients as prescribed by regulation.
Potential Acidity or Basicity..................% or.....................lbs.
Calcium Carbonate Equivalent per ton
Name and address of the licensee.
c. The container of a specialty fertilizer intended for use on turf must also contain the following summary of best management practices for nutrient management in turf in a readable and conspicuous form:
"Do not apply near water, storm drains or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected. Apply this product only to your lawn, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk or street back onto your lawn."
d. As used in this section:
"Turf" means land, including residential property, that is planted in closely mowed, managed grass, except land used in the operation of a commercial farm as that term is defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1983, c.31 (C.4:1C-3).
(cf: P.L.1970, c.66, s.13)
12. This act shall take effect on the first day of the 13th month after the date of enactment.
STATEMENT
This bill would reduce the pollution of the State's water resources by establishing standards for the application of fertilizer to turf, directing the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University (NJAES) to develop training and certification programs for professional fertilizer applicators applying fertilizer to turf, regulating the sale of certain fertilizer containing phosphorus and nitrogen, and requiring that additional information be included on certain fertilizer labels.
Elevated levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in surface waterbodies can result in excessive and accelerated growth of algae and aquatic plants, a process known as eutrophication. Eutrophication often results in variations and extremes in dissolved oxygen and pH levels in water, which, in turn, are detrimental to aquatic life. The presence of excessive plant matter also diminishes the economic, aesthetic and recreational value of the State's rivers, lakes, ocean frontages and bays.
Healthy soils and vegetated areas protect water quality by filtering precipitation, and most soils in New Jersey contain sufficient amounts of nutrients to provide plant life the nourishment it needs to remain healthy. Occasionally, a fertilizer product containing supplemental nutrients is needed to improve soil conditions. However, the timing and placement of the proper type and amount of fertilizer is critical to avoiding pollution of the State's water resources. Rain washes fertilizer off of driveways, streets, and other impervious surfaces into storm drains and, eventually, into the State's waterways.
The State's water resources can be better protected through the management of the type, amount, timing, technique and placement of fertilizer application on public and private property throughout the State. To that end, this bill would prohibit persons from: (1) applying fertilizer to turf during or just before a heavy rainfall; (2) applying fertilizer intended for use on turf to an impervious surface; (3) applying fertilizer to turf within 25 feet of any waterbody, except under certain circumstances; and (4) applying fertilizer to turf before March 1st or after November 15th, or at any time when the ground is frozen.
The bill would restrict the use of fertilizer containing water-soluble nitrogen and intended for use on turf to no more than 0.75 pounds per 1,000 square feet by weight. Fertilizer containing phosophorus and intended for use on turf would be prohibited, except when establishing or repairing turf, delivering fertilizer under the soil surface, or applying nutrients deemed necessary through a soil test conducted by a laboratory authorized by the NJAES. The bill would require that fertilizer intended for use on turf include additional information concerning its ingredients, including an analysis of the type of nitrogen contained in the fertilizer, as well as a summary of best management practices. The bill would require manufacturers of fertilizer labeled for use on turf and intended for use by consumers to formulate those fertilizers to conform to the application restrictions contained in the bill. The bill would also prohibit the sale of fertilizer which contains phosphorus or more than 0.75 pounds per 1,000 square feet of water-soluble nitrogen intended for use on turf by consumers unless the intended use conforms to the restrictions contained in the bill.
The bill would require all professional fertilizer applicators who apply fertilizer to turf to obtain training or certification prior to applying any fertilizer. The NJAES would be required to establish programs which include training and education in: (1) proper use and calibration of fertilizer application equipment; (2) the hazards involved in, and environmental impacts of, applying fertilizer, including nutrient pollution to the State's waterbodies; (3) applicable State and federal laws, rules, and regulations; (4) proper interpretation of fertilizer labeling information; and (5) best management practices for nutrient management in turf.
Finally, the bill would require that the NJAES, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, develop a program of public education to include the dissemination of information regarding nutrient pollution, best management practices for fertilizer use, soil testing, proper interpretation of fertilizer label instructions, and proper use and calibration of fertilizer application equipment.
