2024-003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RESOLUTION 2024-003 A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE INDIAN RIVER COUNTY STRICT RAINY SEASON BAN URBAN FERTILIZER ORDINANCE WHEREAS, Nutrient pollution - excess nitrogen and phosphorous - originates from many sources, including urban stormwater; WHEREAS, Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer applied on lawns and landscapes can leach and contribute to nutrients entering waterways through run off from yards, potentially negatively impacting the health of waterbodies; WHEREAS, Nitrogen and phosphorous pollution -fueled algae blooms can produce toxins and deplete oxygen in the water, killing fish, submerged aquatic vegetation and seagrass meadows, other aquatic organisms, waterfowl, pets, and livestock; WHEREAS, several critical bodies of water in Indian River County are designated by Florida's Department of Environmental Protection as impaired, including but not limited to, the Indian River Lagoon, which are of critical environmental, economic, and recreational importance to our community; WHEREAS, Harmful algae blooms, fish kills, and the degradation of our natural resources has negative economic impacts on our local tourism economy and the property values and quality of life of our residents; WHEREAS, the County's ordinance and education program to manage the timing, quantity, and content of fertilizers applied to urban landscapes are the most cost-effective steps taken by Indian River County to better manage stormwater and protect water quality and the quality of life of residents; WHEREAS, Indian River County is one of eighteen counties and over one hundred municipalities that have adopted "strong" urban fertilizer ordinances that include strict, no exemption, rainy season application bans and a number of other protective provisions related to the content and rate of fertilizer application; WHEREAS, Section 85 of Chapter 2023-240, the Implementing Bill for the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2023-24 provides "in order to implement Specific