CONSUMER TASK FORCE SURVEY SUMMARY September 3, 2007 Number of Task Force Member Respondents: 11. Names of Respondents: Jay Arend, Dr. Peter J. Barile, Jerry Brooks, Richard Budell, Casey Fitzgerald, Richard Martinez, Bryan Nelson, Andy Rackley, Karen A. Taylor, Jerry Burton Sartain.

1. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT IS THE KEY PROBLEM THE TASK FORCE HAS BEEN ASKED TO ADDRESS?

Keep water bodies and ecosystems healthy through statewide policy guidelines, regulation and education. Member survey responses • Make recommendations regarding consumer use of fertilizer products that can/will result in statewide guidelines. The intent of the guidelines is to reduce any negative environmental impacts of said consumer use. • Come up with statewide guidelines to help keep our water bodies healthy. • Creating a regulatory document which will have state-wide applications for non-agricultural use of for the betterment of the state's environment, waterways, wildlife, tourism, groundwater/aquifer water quality, and economy quality of life of Florida's residents and visitors. • The key problem the task force needs to address is the adverse environmental, social and economic impact created by the application of fertilizer in urban settings. The impacts of to Florida’s lake, river, spring and coastal ecosystems are extensive and problematic. • To assess the role of state government, and provide recommendations to the state legislature, on the development of policy to regulate and provide education on consumer fertilizer use in the state of Florida. Uniform, consistent and reasonable control of fertilizers in the urban environment. Member survey responses • How to uniformly and reasonably control the use of fertilizers in the urban environment. • The fertilizer ordinance must be consistent across municipal boundaries to be effective. Evaluate management needs in addressing fertilizer as a source of enrichment. Member survey responses • Fertilizer is recognized as one source of nutrients contributing to nutrient enrichment of Florida's surface waters. Effective management of fertilizer to minimize the risk of nutrient losses to surface waters must involve state and local government. The Task Force is tasked with evaluating the management needs and how best to integrate those into the authority of local and state government. Set fertilizer quality standards addressing labeling and application. Member survey responses • To set a standard of quality of fertilizer products, make sure they are properly label, and educate the public as to proper application so not to harm the environment. Legislative Findings (SECTION 10, 576.092 F.S.) The legislature finds that: (a) There is a need for better training and education regarding the proper use of consumer fertilizers. (b) There should exist a mechanism to help local governments promote and encourage the proper use of fertilizers, thereby eliminating or minimizing the potential for environmental impacts. (c) Local governments regulation of fertilizer uses for non-agricultural applications should be based on sound science including water quality, agronomics, and horticulture. (d) There is a need for education regarding the use of consumer fertilizers. (e)There is a need for improved standards regarding non-agricultural fertilizer use and application. (f) While the constituents in fertilizer are naturally occurring in the environment, the improper use of fertilizer can be one of many contributors to non-point source pollution. (g) The state’s local governments are potentially subject to regulatory enforcement action by state or federal entities as a result of non-point source pollution caused by storm-water runoff..

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 1 2. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUE(S)/QUESTIONS YOU BELIEVE NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE TASK FORCE IN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES?

A. NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT AND SURFACE WATERS DUE TO FERTILIZER: “1. Assessing existing data and information regarding nutrient enrichment and surface waters due to fertilizer, assessing management strategies for reducing water quality impacts associated with fertilizer, and identifying additional research needs.”

1. Define the issue(s) the Task Force should address, as you see it.

Overview of Issues Identified • Understanding through research the impacts of consumer fertilizer on Florida’s lake, river, spring and coastal ecosystems. • Monitoring the use of consumer fertilizers • Educating the Public on the Proper Use of Consumer Fertilizers • Best Management Practices • Regulation- Labeling and Use • Alternative Products and Uses a. Build understanding through research the impacts of consumer fertilizer on Florida’s lake, river, spring and coastal ecosystems.

Member survey responses • Teasing out the effect of nutrients from fertilizers as opposed to nutrients from all other sources (e.g. rainfall, septic tanks, etc...) • Not a major problem as a direct result of fertilizer use on turf • Provide information on the relationship of escalating residential consumer fertilizer usage to federal mandates (e.g. EPA TMDL's) promulgated to state and local governments to reduce nutrient loading to surface and ground waters. • Nutrient losses from fertilizer are directly related to site specific factor that have not been fully defined. • Assembly of the best data on total use and use method. • The impacts of nutrients to Florida’s lake, river, spring and coastal ecosystems are extensive and problematic.

What do we know about the nature of the problem faced? Member survey responses • How much of the degradation of Florida’s water resources is attributable to fertilizers? • What are the minimum fertilizer requirements for “healthy: lawns (by grass type, nutrient and soil type)? • Can we clearly define the segments of use, their total nutrient input, and the typical (not extreme) output or flow off-site? • What are the variables that influence the movement of nutrients associated with fertilizer applications? • What damage is being done to the environment presently? • Has this damage increased or decreased year to year? • How does this environmental damage relate to the rate of population growth in the state? • What are sustainable consumer fertilizer application rates as compared to acceptable and loadings in Florida's coastal watersheds? • Where are the data relating turf fertilization to problem • How much nitrogen and phosphorus actually leaves the average home lawn or sports complex? What are the possible strategies? • Obtain correct data and information

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 2 • Implement studies to measure offsite movement of nutrients.... evaluate strategies to keep nutrients onsite. • Industry, government, and academia need to combine data sets to address. • Implement on a prioritized basis research necessary to better understand nutrient dynamics as influenced by site- specific conditions. • Establish on ongoing review process that ensures the comprehensive structure of local and state regulations reflect current scientific understanding. • I would broaden it to include grass clippings, leaves and fertilizers as non-point source pollution. • Monitor the surface and groundwater quality throughout the duration.

What information is needed? • Fertilizer purchase/application data, and nitrogen & phosphorus reduction mandates for specific coastal watersheds in Florida. • The correct information relative to turf fertilization and environmental impact. • We need to know how much nitrogen and phosphorus turf grass actually needs to sustain itself... We need to better understand how to keep the nutrients that are applied on the application site. • How much damage is caused by these non-point sources and how much can be reduced by having the homeowners fertilizing and removing plant debris in the proper manner • Understand the difference in the manufacturing of fertilizers. Understand the importance of density of product when applied by a spinner spreader. Understand how application of product near waterways can be handled. Understand analysis and amount applied ratio. • Document and establish that there is a need for regulation of non-agricultural fertilizers. Is the need critical at this point? • Scientific overview of the ecological and human health impacts from excessive nutrients in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. Scientific portrayal of the role and relative contribution that fertilizers play in the degradation of Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. • Do we have the numbers we need? At what level of granularity do we need it (how local)? • What information currently exists regarding fertilizers and nutrient fate and transport. b. Best Management Practices and Control Strategies

Member survey responses • Establish BMPs for use near water bodies. • Provide incentives for proper fertilizer use or alternative uses.

What improvements in regulation, management practices and control strategies are needed? • What management practices or restrictions are appropriate and effective in addressing the variables that control nutrient movement? • What authority exists within local and state government to implement appropriate control strategies? • Is additional authority needed to implement effective control strategies • What factors need to be considered in establishing effective control strategies? • What potential conflicts must be considered and addressed as part of a strategy that depends upon an integration of state and local management or regulation? Possible strategies • Regulation of maximum sustainable nitrogen and phosphorus (fertilizer) application rates (including seasonality of application) in coastal landscapes • Have the ability to fine individuals who don't cooperate and use those dollars to educate at the store level. • Ban all blended fertilizers and only allow homogenized products on the market. • Create an statewide ordinance which can be adopted on a county level. Provide counties with the flexibility to amend and adapt the basic framework to suit their local needs and concerns. • Based on current scientific understanding implement state level regulations that address the issues within existing authority.

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 3 • Identify where additional state authority is required and seek such authority. • Define the role of local government and establish their authority consistent with that role. Information Needed- Member responses • Define the authority and regulations that currently exist at state and local level. • Define the ramifications of there not being coordination between state and local regulations. • Define the universe of professional occupations that require some type of certification or licensing associated with fertilizer applications. c. Educating the Public on the Proper Use of Consumer Fertilizers

Member survey responses • We must educate the public as to the damage that is being done by not addressing these issues. • Educate the public on the proper non-agricultural use of fertilizers. • Educating the public as to what the nutrients in fertilizer do to water quality when misused. • User education regarding appropriate handling of fertilizer and water quality implications is limited

How will we educate the public on proper use? • How can we educate the consumer and how will we pay for it? • Does the State want to spend the money to educate the public? • Is the state willing to recommend BMPs. • Will the state only allow quality products to be sold? Possible Strategies- Member Responses • Use local Government TV Channels to help in the education of the public. • Establish appropriate and effective educational programs. Information Needed- Member Responses • Define existing educational programs. d. Regulating the Labeling and Use of Consumer Fertilizer

Member survey responses • Historically the labeling of fertilizer products did not address the concern of nutrient loss. • Application of fertilizer is often not performed in a manner consistent with labeling restrictions or good management practices. • Discourage or regulate the non-use of non-agricultural fertilizers during times of greatest potential storm water run-off. • Create a governing document to implement a plan of action, including deed restrictions in housing developments. • Establish that there is a need for regulation of non-agricultural fertilizers. • Absence of a certification or licensing requirement for all commercial applicators of fertilizer e. Identify and Provide Incentives for Alternative Products and Uses

Member survey responses • Giving the public a product that is less harmful to the environment. • Provide incentives for proper fertilizer use or alternative uses.

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 4 B. STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING WATER QUALITY IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH FERTILIZER.

“Assessing existing data and information regarding nutrient enrichment and surface waters due to fertilizer, assessing management strategies for reducing water quality impacts associated with fertilizer, and identifying additional research needs.”

1. Define the issue(s) the Task Force should address, as you see it. Member Survey Responses • The most objective and respected analysis on this topic, the National Academy of Sciences (Clean Coastal Waters, 2000) study has identified the linkages between excessive nutrient enrichment of coastal waters, and subsequent ecological impacts, economic loss, and human health effects. The linkage between nutrient enrichment and harmful algal blooms, and subsequent economic impacts, and human health impacts has now been adequately identified around the coast of Florida. • As directly related to actual turf fertilization, based on my research I really do not believe there is a direct link between urban turf fertilization and measurable negative environmental impact. • Pretty much the same as listed above. What are the plant needs and how do we keep it where it belongs. • BMPs including an understanding via education of the harm of nutrients in water. • Establishing appropriate fertilizer management (formulations and application rates/techniques) is essential to cost effectively improve Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. • What are the most significant and immediate actions we can take to reduce nutrient flow and what is the expected reduction? How do we avoid unintended consequences (reduction in greenspace quality or total pervious surface) which would create even greater storm water and surface water quality issues.

2. What are the Key Question(s) Related to Reducing Water Quality Impacts?

Member Survey Responses • Can the state of Florida adequately live up to it's federal Clean Water Act mandate to reduce nitrogen & phosphorus loadings in Florida's coastal surface waters while fertilizer usage across the state, particularly in coastal counties, continues to escalate? • How can we fund and properly study practices. -What are poor/typical/best practices, sites, products, soils? Reassess % of inputs causing the problem, e.g. air, organic, grass clippings, leaves. • What is the source of environmental impact information? • What grasses need more nutrients and or are better able to soak up fertilizers. • How much NPK is needed to have healthy grass? • How close to water should we allow to fertilize? • How far can fertilizer travel to a water body? • Encourage application and the use of a manufactured-slow releasing (Homogenized) product to avoid run off into waterways? • What water quality issues are present by region and/or by county? • What role does non-agricultural fertilizer use playing in the water quality? • What are the most cost effective approaches to reducing the contribution of fertilizers to this problem? • What are the biggest sources of nutrient flow? Can we rank them in importance/quantity of contribution? How do we effectively change them?

3. What are some Possible Strategies?

Member survey responses • Establish sustainable fertilizer application rates

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 5 • Consider application of "slow release" fertilizer usage where fertilizer loading rates are recognized to contribute to excessive N & P loading • Establishment regulations to limit fertilizer usage • Establish seasonal application schedules to mitigate the role of "wet season" advection of fertilizer N & P to surface waters and ground waters • Consider establishing applications requirements that include set-backs from water's edge. Certain grasses might do better closer to the water. Some aquatic plants might do better at soaking up excess nutrients • Provide education on the sustainable application of fertilizers • Education of consumer • Education-Education-Education • Education. Regulation. Incentives. • Labeling changes, public service announcements, public signage to raise awareness and provide best practices.

4. What key information is needed?

Member Survey Responses • Information on N & P mobilization rates to surface and ground waters. • Understand that fertilizer can be beneficial when BMPs are involved. • Economic education for the consumer. • Regulate the home care fertilizer application industry, i.e., TruGreen, ChemLawn, various other large franchise corporations all the way to mom and pop sole proprietor businesses. • Overview of urban nutrient pollution reduction options (especially storm water treatment) and costs. • Whoever is modeling the flows needs to detail it in simple terms, cite their assumptions, and put a range of confidence on the models.

C. Non Agricultural Fertilizer Use Rates, Formulations and Applications in different geographic regions of the state.

“2. Developing statewide guidelines governing non-agricultural fertilizer use rates, formulations, and applications with attention to the geographic regions identified in Rule 5E-1.003 Florida Administrative Code.” 1. Define the issue(s) the Task Force should address, as you see it.

Member Survey Responses • Different soils require different use of fertilizer to produce the same results. State could be broken up into regions by basis soils types. • Use rates, formulations, and applications may be specific to individual regions of the state. • What regional implications are effected; for example, national wildlife conservation area / wildlife issues.

• Relates to type of turf grass and growth habit of the turf

• Historically, fertilizers applied to Florida lawns have included: components (such as phosphorus) that contribute greatly to water quality problems but are not even necessary for healthy lawns; and, components in “readily available” form (such as nitrogen) that can now be produced in “slow release” form that is much more protective of aquatic ecosystems. • Agreeing to a uniform set of requirements that can be implemented to control what is available in the marketplace and combining that with a set of guidelines that local government's can include in ordinances that allow them to control how those products are used.

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 6 • If not consistent across municipal lines, consumer could buy less expensive but more harmful products in another jurisdiction There are only four municipalities who have ordinances so upstream could have real issues that create problems down steam • Document the use rates by county or by region of the state.

• How has growth and development of a regional area or county effected the environment? • Are we capturing consensus best practices? Can we keep it simple (actionable)?

2. What are the Key Question(s)?

• What are specific fertilizer N & P mobilization rates as a function of elevation, aquifer characteristics, fertilizer stoichiometry (e.g. N to P ratio)? What are the attenuation rates as a function of loading application ? • Is it acceptable to have the state control the marketplace and local government's deal with the use issue? • Can municipalities buy into a uniform code? • How do we increase consumer understanding what soil type they have? • What are the recommended application rates as established by IFAS through each county's agricultural agent? • What are the minimum fertilizer requirements for “healthy” lawns (by grass type, nutrient and soil type)? • What formulations are currently available in the U.S. and world-wide regarding slow release nitrogen used for turf? • Are the recommendations different than the current practices in any appreciable way? What are we hoping the guidelines will achieve? How do we measure against it?

3. What are some Possible Strategies?

Member survey responses • Identify mitigating issues that may dictate various rates, formulations, and applications. • Persuasion..... • Require instruction on or in the container that shows a map of the State with GENERAL soil types • Create regulations mandated to be a part of deed restrictions for planned residential developments. • Encourage development of alternative forms of fertilizer. • Create a list of maintenance-free/low maintenance plant materials which are recommended for xeriscaping with low fertilizer needs. • Have test sites or demonstration sites to educate the public.

4. What key information is needed?

Member survey responses • Localized environmental information that may dictate these mitigating factors. Identification of coastal surface waters and ground waters that are highly susceptible to fertilizer impacts on water quality, promotion of harmful algal blooms, etc. • no information necessary, just willingness • There are three zones. Will that be enough to satisfy all interested parties. • Knowing where and what kind of basic soils we have within the State. • Statistics on the above which justify the need for regulations of non-agricultural fertilizers • Reports on the research findings to date regarding the minimum needs of various urban turf fertilizer requirements by nutrient and grass type. Description of the current research programs underway and already programmed that are intended to better quantify these turf requirements.

• Need to outline connection between actions and outcomes to maintain confidence that we are going to have an impact (versus a "feel good" exercise).

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 7 D. LOCAL GOVERNMENT NONAGRICULTURAL FERTILIZER ORDINANCES

“4. Recommending methods to ensure local ordinances are based on best available data and science and to achieve uniformity among local government ordinances where possible, unless local ordinance variations are necessary to meet mandated state and federal water quality standards. “5. Developing model ordinances for municipalities and counties concerning the use of nonagricultural fertilizer.”

1. Define the issue(s) the Task Force should address, as you see it.

Member Survey Responses: • Specifics of fertilizer ordinances may need to be locally or regionally specific. State resources should be utilized to help guide local decision-making. • Most of the ordinances being passed today are based more on emotion than actual science. • No issues if all agree to the item immediately above.... • Let the science produce the formulas for NPK, rates and delivery • We need to think in terms of regions in regards to regulations. • Establish the need for a statewide ordinance which can be adapted by each county or municipality. Industry would like to avoid a patchwork of formulation requirements that could result from local ordinances. • Local regions view consumer use issues and impact as being locally driven and thus require local solutions. In general, this is not true since many of the best practices can be universally applied (ie keep off of hard surfaces/sweep product back on lawn; apply product only when grass is actively growing). Additionally, local governments rarely have any hard data by which to determine the amount of nutrient flow in their region and thus have little basis to determine the impact of their actions.

2. What are the Key Question(s)? Member Survey Responses: • What information should be utilized by local governments to develop ordinances? • NPK best management practices Slow release vs. fast What is needed for grass vs shrubs and trees • Can regions recommend an ordinances. • Create an outline for an ordinance. • Can we agree and then convince the local municipalities of a "one size fits all" regulation is acceptable in all but extreme conditions/situations which are rare? Can we “dimensionalize” the size and expected impact of nutrient flow from consumer uses and put it into overall nutrient flow context to provide a more clear picture for them?

3. What are the Possible Strategies?

Member Survey Responses: • Provide state institutional information sources (info from DACS, IFAS, FDEP, etc.) to help local governments in the design of ordinances. • Educate local government officials relative to scientific issues regarding turf fertilization • Use the Regional Planning Councils to set up a regional recommendation that the counties within the region can draw from. Then have the municipalities within the county draw from the county recommendation. • Get public feedback from the general public if an ordinance is needed. • Provide consumer use data and put into total flow context. Show actions by model ordinances deal with >80% of the flow concerns.

4. What Key Information is Needed?

Member Survey Responses:

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 8 • Definition of institutional capacity, in terms of what information, regulatory and educational resources can be provided to local governments. • Get a copy of the Southwest Regional Planning Council Resolution regards to a recommendation to jurisdictions within that region. It has a lot of information in it that can be used. Talk to David Burr. • Hard data on usage combined with models on likely consumer use flow and total nutrient flow.

E. State and Federal water quality standards

Legislative finding: (g) The state’s local governments are potentially subject to regulatory enforcement action by state or federal entities as a result of non-point source pollution caused by storm-water runoff.

1. Define the issue(s) the Task Force should address, as you see it.

Member Survey Responses:

• The state of Florida, per Clean Water Act mandate, is responsible for sustaining water quality in surface waters and ground waters in the state of Florida. • This is only an issue if there is no plan to deal with local water quality issues... If local governments have a plan and are in compliance with the plan, then they are in compliance with the water quality targets.... • If body of water is impaired can go to a more severe reduction • Each local government is required to make sure the quality of water leaving there jurisdiction is no worst than what they receive. • 1.What water quality issues are present by region or county? • 2. What role is non-agricultural fertilizer use playing in the water quality? • Under the status quo, TMDL compliance costs for local governments are estimated to be in the many billions of dollars. • Are local government actions on consumer fertilizer uses capable of making a significant change in nutrient flows (how significant are they) that will impact TMDLs.

2. What are the Key Question(s)?

• Is the state of Florida adequately enforcing the federal Clean Water Act ? • What is the state of Florida doing to encourage local and county governments to manage watersheds in order to meet federal EPA's Total Maximum Daily Loading limits for nitrogen and phosphorus? • Are existing TMDL's adequate to mitigate harmful algal blooms, future water quality, and resource decline? • Is local domestic use of fertilizer causing an increase in nutrients in that water via water runoff or leaching into water bodies. • How much could this financial liability be reduced via appropriate fertilizer management (formulations and application rates/techniques). • What size changes are required to meet standards? Which areas are most important to drive change to meet standards?

3. What are the Possible Strategies?

Member Survey Responses:

• Encourage county governments to consider fertilizer management ordinances as a means to meet TMDL mandates. • Establish BMPS and use all methods available to educate the public.

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 9 • Education. Regulation. Incentives for proper use. How much could this financial liability be reduced via appropriate fertilizer management (formulations and application rates/techniques). • What size changes are required to meet standards? Which areas are most important to drive change to meet standards? • Regulate the home care fertilizer application industry, i.e., TruGreen, ChemLawn, various other large franchaise corporations all the way to mom and pop sole proprietor businesses.

4. What Key Information is Needed?

Member Survey Responses:

• Information on the current status of Florida's (FDEP) TMDL program. • Understanding how fertilizer works in regards to uptake into the plant or dissolving into the waterways. • Economic education for the consumer. • Quantification, to the extent possible, of the looming financial liability and best estimates of potential cost reductions achievable under appropriate fertilizer management regimes. • Must model flows.

F. OTHER ISSUES:

1. Define the other issue(s) the Task Force should address, as you see it. • How do you establish BMPs, make the consumer understand them and then determined if they are being followed? • Economic implications/financial liability for regional water management districts and state natural resource agencies (DEP, FWCC, etc.) that are mandated to assist in water quality and habitat restoration is quite substantial. • I believe the data will show consumer uses are not as significant as often reported, and their water quality impact is overstated. If so, what actions can be taken that will satisfy the stakeholders. Who is accountable for any actions we take, for either accomplishing our goals (how will we measure progress) or for making a lot of work without any positive results?

Key Question(s) • How do we deal with the week-end warrior who wants to have the best looking yard without spending a lot of time or money? • How much could this financial liability be reduced via appropriate fertilizer management (formulations and application rates/techniques)? • Are we willing to accurately represent the use and flow in this segment as well as the ultimate water quality impact? Who will monitor the results of our actions?

Possible Strategies: • Control what is allowed on the market for him to use. Use the KISS method for him to understand. Educate him and his children to the effects of the misuse of fertilizers to our environment. • Use of educational or identification signage to define an area, development, neighborhood, which is complying with statewide recommendations. • The data should speak for itself. Additional research should be funded to support any conclusions drawn and any change in nutrient flow over time.

Key information?

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 10 • Have funding available to municipalities for water sampling of our waterways to measure the effect of our effort.

3. OVERALL, CONSUMER NON AGRICULTURAL FERTILIZER ISSUES IN FLORIDA ARE BEING ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED BY SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT

Strongly Agree Disagree 5 4 3 2 1 Average: 2.9 1 0 5 1 1 Don't know enough to answer: 1

Comments on the Rating: • There has been a great job done on testing the products.... There needs to be an equally good job done on testing the practices used by consumers • We have the science we need to convey this to the consumer in a very simple method. • Need to understand quantities used, nutrient flow mechanisms, magnitude of flow, and identify most effective means of flow. Also need to estimate impact of mitigation actions as well as unintended consequences of any actions taken.

4. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT WOULD A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME OF THE TASK FORCE’S EFFORTS PRODUCE?

• Recognition of the magnitude of consumer fertilizer loadings to Florida's coast surface waters. Recommendations to the state of Florida that are designed to help local governments mitigate the escalating application of consumer fertilizers as it relates to impacts on coastal surface waters. • As indicated in responses above, let the state control what is available in the marketplace and have the local governments deal with the unique aspects of controlling how the acceptable products are used by their constituents.... • State-wide fertilizer ordinance that will regulate fertilizers, grass clippings and leaves to protect our waters and use fines for education • Have the State regulate what products are sold for domestic use. Have RPCs establish a resolution for recommendation to the jurisdictions within their regions. Fund monies for jurisdictions to help in testing of surface water quality. • An new ordinance has to establish a need and have the acceptance and respect of the community to be successful. • Development of science based recommendations for statewide regulation of consumer fertilizer formulations and application rates. (The recently adopted DACS rule appears to be an excellent first step.) Development of the research program necessary to definitively establish the minimum fertilizer needs for urban turf in collaboration with the research community. Development of the research program necessary to properly establish the fate of nutrient inputs and loads (primarily phosphorus and nitrogen) to Floridaís aquatic ecosystems. Development of model local ordinance to address all the ancillary aspects of fertilizer management (i.e., not fertilizer formulations or application rates). Recommendations for reliable funding sources for the research programs identified above. • The Task Force should be able to put forth a strong, consensus recommendation that is based on data/facts and is actionable at the State level without significant risk of unintended consequences. It should include a variety of actions and not be limited to product formulation changes.

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 11 5. NOTE BELOW WHAT INFORMATION WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL TO YOU IN PREPARING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMITTEE’S CONSENSUS BUILDING PROCESS

a. Briefing and information on the DACS Rule 5E-1.003(2) Labeling Requirements For Urban Turf Fertilizers

Most Helpful Less Helpful 5 4 3 2 1= Average: 4.2 6 1 2 1 0

b. Briefing and information on State and Federal Water Quality Issues including nutrient enrichment, non point source pollution and storm water runoff

Most Helpful Less Helpful 5 4 3 2 1= Average: 4.2 5 2 3 0 0

c. Briefing and information on Agronomics and Horticulture

Most Helpful Less Helpful 5 4 3 2 1 3 3 2 3 1= Average: 3.4

d. Briefing and information on current state and local programs for regulating the proper use of consumer fertilizers

Most Helpful Less Helpful 5 4 3 2 1 6 2 1 0 1= Average: 4.2

f. Briefing and information on current programs for training and education on the proper use of consumer fertilizers

Most Helpful Less Helpful 5 4 3 2 1 4 4 1 0 1= Average: 4.0

g. Briefing and information on the DEP Total Management Daily Load Program

Most Helpful Less Helpful 5 4 3 2 1 5 1 3 0 1= Average: 3.9

• Briefing and information on the DEP Total Management Daily Load Program (Summary level only, please)

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 12 h. Information on existing data regarding nutrients

Most Helpful Less Helpful

5 4 3 2 1 6 3 1 0 0= Average: 4.5 Other information (e.g. reports, papers, background, briefings, etc.)?

• Consumer fertilizer purchase/ application data (temporal and spatial, i.e. county by county) for the state of Florida. • I think a short education in the difference of a manufactured product compared to a blended product are most important so that the consumer has the best foolproof product to work with. • The group needs a base of information to begin our work, so we are not playing "catch up" later, or having to research basic information on our own. I'm looking forward to serving on this task force and making a positive impact on the environment of the state and the quality of life of the people who live and visit in the state. Thank you. • Briefing on the current research programs underway and already programmed (BY IFAS, in particular) that are intended to better quantify these turf requirements.

Consumer Fertilizer Task Force- Member Survey Summary, 9-3-07 13