As the heavy rains beckon, Miami-Dade County is urging folks to show a little love for the environment by observing Fertilizer Awareness Week from May 6-10. Amidst looming clouds, officials are schooling residents and businesses on fertilizer no-nos during the upcoming wet season, which kicks off a ban starting May 15. This crackdown aims to curb the spill of fertilizers into the guts of the city's stormwater systems and the lifeblood of Biscayne Bay.
Adopting a greener etiquette ain't just nice, it's necessary—Miami-Dade's top brass, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, reminds us that "Skipping the use of fertilizers during the rainy season is a small but important step we can all take to safeguard our waterways, like our precious Biscayne Bay and other ecosystems." The mandate, aimed at nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, stretches until the waning of summer on Oct. 31, targeting the pollution that's mucking up the county's waters, as per Miami-Dade County press release.
According to the Miami-Dade County's announcement, these seasonal rains crank up water levels in the canals and puddle into our groundwater, bringing with them unwanted nutrients that end up mingling disastrously in the local watershed.
It's not just about keeping the bay looking pretty—it's business, too. A striking economic study from 2023 slaps a $64 billion price tag on Biscayne Bay-related activities. That's why County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, who championed the ordinance, calls upon the masses to join hands, figuratively, during Fertilizer Awareness Week and vows "to refrain from fertilizer use, safeguarding the Bay for the future and ensuring an healthier environment for generations ahead," as per Miami-Dade County press release.
So, what's the big deal about a bit of nitrogen and phosphorus? These elements are the usual suspects behind nutrient pollution, feeding algal blooms that choke out sunlight and suffocate seagrass beds. They're also implicated in fish kills that have hit the headlines in the past couple of years. By turning the tide on these fertilizers, Miami-Dade County is plotting a comeback for a healthier Biscayne Bay.
Resident green thumbs aren't left in the dark, though. Just keep an eye peeled for the 'no fertilize zone' signs at local retailers or do a virtual drop-in to the county's Fertilizer Ordinance page for the scoop. It’s go time for Miami-Dade, rolling up the sleeves and getting down to earth for the sake of the bay and bucks.
