MUCC can chalk up its first policy victory for 2009 as Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm recently signed legislation into law that will limit the amount of phosphorus contained in household laundry and dish detergents by 2010. Senate Bills 362 (Birkholz, R-Saugatuck) and 152 (Brater, D-Ann Arbor) will reduce the maximum phosphorus content in dish and laundry detergents from 8.7% by weight to 0.5%.
Phosphorus enters the Great Lakes from fertilizer runoff and detergent waste, causing excessive plant growth which limits oxygen availability to fish and other aquatic wildlife. High phosphorus levels were responsible for these oxygen “dead zones” in Lake Erie in the 1960s and there are alarming signs that these problems are returning.
With increasing levels of phosphorus in the Great Lakes and modern product engineering which eliminates the need for phosphorus in household detergents, Senate Bills 362 and 152 are a critical first step to reducing pollution and its effect on our Great Lakes fishery.
While the enactment of phosphorus-free detergent is a win for the Great Lakes and those who enjoy the recreational opportunities they provide, MUCC will continue to work diligently in the coming year to reduce the amount of phosphorus in lawn fertilizer to further minimize its harmful effect on the Great Lakes.
