11_NCS000544_Fertilizer Managment Plan_20220922

Town of Bidner
TOWN OF BUTNRR FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT PLAN h'OR'1`OWN-
OWNED PROPERTIES
Purpose
As per 15A NCAC 02b .0278 FALLS LAKE WATER SUPPLY NUTRIENT STRATEGY:
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FOR EXISTING DEVELOPMENT, Section (4)(d), the
Town is required by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
Division of Water Quality (NCDENR-DWQ) to establish uniform operating policies to regulate
the application of fertilizer to town -owned properties. The goal is to provide sufficient
supplemental nutrients required for turf and horticultural health and quality while minimizing
environmental risk from offsite movement of nutrients considered responsible for contributing to
the eutrophic condition of Falls Lake.
Goals of this Plan
To fully comply with the Nutrient Management Strategy for Falls Lake
To adequately supply nutrients for plant production and lawn maintenance on town-
owned/maintained property assets
To properly utilize chemical fertilizer products as a plant nutrient source
To minimize nonpoint source pollution of the surface water resources
To maintain or improve the physical, chemical and biological condition of the soil by
encouraging best management practices (BMPs)
Basic Policy
The Falls Lake Rules were adopted by the Environmental Management Commission in January
2011 to restore water quality in the lake by reducing the amount of pollution entering upstream.
The rules are a staged nutrient management strategy designed to reduce nutrient discharges to the
lake from various sources, including stormwater runoff from new and existing development,
wastewater treatment plants and agriculture.
It has been determined by NCDENR-DWQ that the nutrients found in supplemental fertilizer
products commonly used for lawn care and horticultural purposes, most specifically Nitrogen
and Phosphorus, can contribute in a significant manner to an increase in chlorophyll -a within the
lake. The Town, located entirely within the Falls Lake Watershed, has been charged by
NCDENR-DWQ under the Falls Lake Rules with reducing the Nitrogen component of
stormwater runoff by 40% and the Phosphorus component by 77% as part of the overall Falls
Lake Nutrient Management program. The fertilizer management plan is one component of a
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comprehensive approach to meeting the minin►um requirements imposed by the Falls Rules.
The Town of, Butner recognizes overuse of fertilizer products can create unhealthy soil
conditions and promote lawn disease. l"ertilizer call contaminate rivers and streams by dissolving
in rainwater and running off into nearby ditches, storm drains, and other conveyances as
stormwater runoff. This runoff, can lead to increased algae and aquatic plant growth which can
have negative effects oil water quality, fisheries, recreation and property values.
This policy regulates supplemental application of fertilizers f'or'1'own-ow1led lands, including but
not limited to Lake Rogers Park, City Hall and Police Department, Harris Park, the Wastewater
Lagoon, City -owned pump stations, the water tower sites, the City Gym and Activity Center,
Battle Roberts Field, the city Public Works building, and the Conservancy Properties (Brogden
Road, Washington Avenue, Brassfield Road). A mat) indicating (lie location of town -owned
assets accompanies this plan. This policy applies uniformly to properties owned and maintained
by the Town of Butner, and to town -owned assets leased to either Granville County Government
or to other interested parties.
Use or Supplemental Fertilizer Products for Town of Butner -owned Lands
1. No supplemental fertilizer products containing Phosphorus may be applied to established
lawns on property assets owned by the Town of BLItner.
2. City Public Works staff shall conduct soil sample testing prior to application of any
supplemental fertilizer products to horticultural plantings or to Town -owned trees to determine
the need for supplemental fertilizer.
3. Soil samples shall be analyzed by the Agronomic Division of the North Carolina Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services (referred to in this policy as "the state soil lab"), located
at 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Additional information may be obtained online
http://www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/ or by calling [phone].
4. When a soil test indicates phosphorus is needed, or for new turf establishment using seed or
sod, the product utilized shall contain Nitrogen to Phosphorus ratio of 5:1 or greater.
5. If supplemental fertilizer is required, but Phosphorus is not deemed necessary by the state soil
lab, City Public Works staff involved in the application of chemical fertilizers shall apply only
products containing zero Phosphorus.
6. City Public Works personnel shall not apply fertilizer products to frozen soil or soil saturated
with water. Fertilizer shall not be applied either immediately preceding or following a heavy rain
event.
7. Any fertilizer released onto a hard surface, such as a sidewalk, street, or driveway, shall be
cleaned up promptly.
8. Public Works personnel shall maintain at least a 15 foot application buffer from any surface
water (ditch, stream). If a spreader guard, deflector shield, or drop spreader is used in the
application of fertilizer, a minimum of a 3 foot buffer shall be maintained from any water body.
Recommended BMPs for Water Quality Protection
Base fertilization practices on soil testing performed by the state soil lab
Minimize fertilizer rates on slopes
Maintain a buffer zone of low maintenance grasses along surface water bodies
Consider using Fe (Iron) as a supplement to Nitrogen for greening response

Time applications pf supplemental fcrtilker carefully, Igo not apply 1'ertilizer before a heavy
rainfall
Avoid over -irrigation of lawn~ and horticultural planting
Recycle grass clippings to reduce amount of fertilizer needed to produce healthy turl'
Use a chop spreader near surface water bodies
Sweep or blow 1ertilirer ol'f of* impervious surfaces and hack onto turf