The Freshwater Ponds Advisory Committee says it has identified an existing state fertilizer regulation that, if enforced, could reduce the phosphorus pollution that causes pond degradation.

At its meeting on November 19, the advisory committee approved a letter it will send to the Select Board, asking them to identify appropriate town officials to enforce the state’s regulations regarding the sale of phosphorus-containing fertilizers.

The committee’s letter to the Select Board explains that phosphorus concentrations cause harmful algal blooms, hypoxic (low-oxygen) conditions and long-term contamination of soil in freshwater ponds. Contributors to high nutrient concentrations include improper fertilizer application near waterbodies, poor stormwater management and septic runoff.

Under the

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