Dover-Delaware’s restrictions have been in force nearly three years on the application of nitrogen and phosphorus during winter months, and during that time there has been only one fine imposed. “We have had at least one and maybe two brought in for a hearing,” Bill Rohrer, program administrator for the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission, told Green Markets. The regulations apply to Delaware farmers, lawn-care companies, golf courses, and other nutrient handlers, and limit the application of commercial and manure-based fertilizer between Dec. 7 and Feb. 15, when nutrient runoff is a concern. Rohrer said one party was brought in for a hearing, which resulted in a $1,000 fine for applying poultry litter in January. “We don’t fine people immediately when we see this,” he explained. “It’s usually a pretty expensive process, and what we’re striving to do is to change the practices.” The rules also state that application may not occur on snow-covered or frozen ground, or on impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, roads, and other paved areas. Nutrient handlers must be certified, Rohrer added.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain