CDFA TO INTRODUCE NEW FERTILIZER REGULATIONS

Toughest standards in the nation coming in 2002

SACRAMENTO, November 8, 2001-The toughest fertilizer standards in the nation are coming to California in 2002. The new standards, based upon scientific study, follow a process that included public hearings and thorough input from environmental interests and the manufactured fertilizer industry.

“We are pleased that the regulations maintain California’s lead in protecting our citizens,” said CDFA Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. “These new standards ensure that levels of certain heavy metals will not pose a risk to people or the environment in California.”

CDFA performed a study of manufactured fertilizers in the 1990’s that revealed potentially high levels of heavy metals. However, by 1999 and 2000, follow-up studies found almost 100 percent compliance with the new 2002 standards as fertilizer manufacturers made adaptations in anticipation of these regulations.

The new standards are effective January 1, 2002 and will establish allowable levels of heavy metals permitted for inorganic fertilizer products.


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FLEX YOUR POWER. To meet California’s energy challenge, CDFA urges businesses and consumers to conserve. For a list of simple ways that you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our Web site @www.cdfa.ca.gov.