Balancing Phosphorus to Protect Our Waters

Photo: Sound Rivers

Phosphorus from animal waste in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) is running off into our water. Still, we can take steps to prevent this pollution.

Phosphorus—a naturally occurring and non-renewable element—is essential for human beings, plants, and animals to grow and thrive and is a critical part of ensuring our global food supply. Unfortunately, inefficient farming practices of letting untreated animal waste runoff into our rivers and overuse of phosphorus-based fertilizers pollute our water.

The good news is that we can reduce the amount of this vital element used to produce our food, preserving both the environment and our food supply.

According to the EWG/WKA Fields of Filth Report: The Environmental Working Group and Waterkeeper Alliance there are more than 538 million feed birds in North Carolina. Housed in over 4,800 operations, these chickens and turkeys have the potential to produce five million tons of waste a year. That's a lot of poultry poo! If this animal waste is not properly treated, phosphorus-laden manure and urine seep into our vulnerable water supply and cause toxic algae to bloom, which can be dangerous to people, pets, wildlife and aquatic life.

Water Safe Phosphorus Solutions

There are steps our elected officials, farmers and individuals can take to protect our water:

• NC should adopt statewide, numerical water quality standards for nutrient pollutants, such as phosphorus and nitrogen.

• The state should require the submission and review of poultry operators' waste utilization plans and ensure they are being implemented.

• Farmers should implement water-friendly "best management practices," that prevent or reduce agricultural runoff containing excess nutrients.

• Homeowners and landscapers should limit the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus to what is needed.

If we work together, we can protect our water by using less phosphorus more efficiently and prevent unnecessary contamination.