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Appendix C -Preliminary List of Recommended Fertilizer Management Strategies <br /> A series of potential fertilizer management options under consideration for Pleasant Bay are <br /> provided below. These are the same options presented and discussed at a meeting of the Pleasant <br /> Bay Alliance Watershed Work Group on May 26, 2010. Each option is described below along <br /> with its pros and cons. In addition, a preliminary estimate of the ability to quantify the nitrogen <br /> loading reduction of each option is provided, along with the potential effectiveness of each <br /> approach. <br /> The benefits and challenges for each option were provided to spur input from the Work Group on <br /> which options seemed most applicable for Pleasant Bay. The five recommended fertilizer <br /> management strategies described in Section 5 of the report were derived from the discussions <br /> about these 17 preliminary options. <br /> Regulatory Options <br /> 1. Develop a zoning or general bylaw to limit the size of new lawns to less than 2,500 sq. ft. <br /> This would limit fertilizer applications from new development to 50%or less than existing <br /> development. <br /> Pros: The impact of lawn fertilizers associated with new construction would be cut by 50% <br /> or more, as most lawn areas are typically 5,000 sq. ft. or more. <br /> Cons: There are enforcement questions related to ensuring the lawn is the proper size and <br /> does not grow in the future. This could be offset by the Deed Restriction discussed in item <br /> #5 below. <br /> Ability to Measure Load Reduction: The extent of nitrogen reduction from this option can <br /> be readily calculated using the MEP nitrogen loading assumptions. <br /> Effectiveness: Moderate to High <br /> 2. Require residents and businesses who want a larger lawn than that provided above to <br /> purchase a nitrogen loading offset credit for the fertilizer impacts associated with the larger <br /> lawn. This money could be used to promote fertilizer outreach programs and/or support <br /> wastewater planning processes within the watershed towns. This could also be a voluntary <br /> program,where people pay for their nitrogen use in a manner comparable to people <br /> purchasing a carbon offset for an airline trip. A similar program has been developed by the <br /> New Hampshire Coastal Protection Partnership through which residents can voluntarily <br /> purchase a nitrogen offset according to their perceived nitrogen footprint. Revenue helps <br /> support a fertilizer outreach program. <br /> Pros: Nitrogen loading offsets are becoming more common on Cape Cod in watersheds <br /> where loadings must be restricted. This approach could provide funding support for other <br /> outreach, education and lawn removal programs. <br /> Pleasant Bay Fertilizer Management Plan C- 1 Horsley Witten Group, Inc. <br /> Final Report December 2010 <br />