Riverkeeper Helps Pass Statewide Phosphorus Bill
Algae Blooms - Photo courtesy Laurie Seeman
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On July 15, 2010, Gov. Paterson signed into law new legislation banning the use of phosphorus in dish-washing detergents and lawn fertilizers throughout New York. Riverkeeper played a key role in shaping this critical law. The law was modeled on legislation passed in Westchester County last year, which Riverkeeper also supported. This new statewide ban will help to protect waters from harmful algae blooms like those that occur in New York City’s reservoirs from excess phosphorus pollution. As little as one pound of this pollutant has the capacity to grow 500 to 700 pounds of algae; algae impacts drinking water significantly, and depletes the oxygen supply in water, harming fish and other organisms. Reducing phosphorus at its source saves municipalities the millions of dollars it would cost to remove phosphorus from storm water. Removing this critical pollutant from the State’s waters is a significant victory.
