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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 1997
97-146
CONTACT:
Linda Waring, Dept. of Agriculture (360) 902-1815
Ron Langley, Dept. of Ecology (360) 407-7004
Renee Guillierie, Dept. of Health (360) 753-3934
Dennis Brown, Washington State University (509) 335-2930
State Agencies Announce Plan on Fertilizer Safety
Olympia, WA - The State of Washington has proposed steps to make sure
farmers know what is in the fertilizer they use, protect the environment, and
make sure consumers know their food supply is safe. The plan includes several
immediate actions and some long-term steps.
The departments of Agriculture, Ecology and Health will work with an advisory
group made up of growers, the fertilizer industry, environmentalists, and
government regulators to refine the proposal and determine how these ideas can
be carried out.
State Department of Health Secretary Bruce Miyahara said that more
information about recycled waste products in fertilizer is needed. "The
information we've seen so far says there is no reason to worry about the food
supply," he said. "However, continued study of fertilizers should be done to
ensure its safety."
"Growers have a right to know what they use is beneficial to crops, safe for
the consumer and the environment," added Department of Agriculture Director Jim
Jesernig.
- MORE -
Fertilizer Plan/2-2-2
"This is a strong, well-balanced approach," said Tom Fitzsimmons, director of
the state Department of Ecology, which regulates hazardous waste in Washington.
"We'll look to people in agriculture, health and environmental fields to help us
put this plan to work."
The ten-point plan proposes the following:
- Ongoing sampling to monitor fertilizers for cadmium, lead, arsenic
and other heavy metals. Both random and targeted samples would be taken each
year. In addition, the Department of Ecology will complete an ongoing study of
dioxin sources and determine if dioxins are appearing in fertilizers.
- Sampling of fields in the Columbia Basin to evaluate concentrations
of metals in the soil. Crops grown on the fertilized fields may also be sampled.
- An advisory work group will be established. Tasks include working out
details on labeling and issues surrounding proposed legislation. Representatives
from a cross-section of interest groups will be invited to participate.
- Labeling of all fertilizer products for non-nutrient ingredients will
be required by the Department of Agriculture after review by the advisory group.
- Proposing legislation to enable the Department of Agriculture to adopt
standards for heavy metal content for all fertilizer products.
- Proposing legislation granting the Department of Ecology authority to
approve or reject industrial by-products used as fertilizers or soil
improvements. Decisions will be based on available human health and
environmental criteria.
- A formal request to EPA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
asking them to take the lead on development of national standards for
fertilizers.
- Informing fertilizer manufacturers of Washington's hazardous waste
restrictions to ensure that out-of-state manufacturers comply with state
requirements.
- Long-term: Work with federal agencies and other regulators to develop
national standards. In particular, the State of California's efforts to
study fertilizers and soil amendments will be closely monitored.
- Long-term: Carrying out a comprehensive field and crop study that
analyzes plant uptake of metals and compares absorption rates with existing and
proposed standards. This may include field studies by WSU scientists.
The agency directors say development work on this plan will begin
immediately.
Additional Information
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