Lose the phosphorus

Mike Coster, wastewater treatment superintendent, says, regarding phosphorus reduction in dishwasher detergent going into the ground via septic systems, “Any phosphorus reduction you can see there is going to have benefit to the river.” (Aug. 16)

Could the same be said about the phosphorus going into the ground via lawn fertilizers? A 20-pound bag of typical lawn fertilizer with 2 percent phosphorus puts 0.4 pounds of phosphorus on the ground. (A ton contributes 40 pounds.) Scientists say addition of phosphorus is unnecessary on established lawns in our region.

King County passed an ordinance against the use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers on lawns, with options to use phosphorus based on soil testing. What is Spokane waiting for? Scarce resources are being spent to deal with phosphorus going into our water. Why not ask citizens to lend a hand and stop spreading phosphorus on the ground? An ordinance to prohibit or limit sale and/or use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers will make a difference. The dishwasher detergent restriction was made without enforcement and virtually no government sponsored education – and it’s working.

King County has done the hard work and gone first. What is Spokane waiting for?

Tom Brattebo

Liberty Lake