LANSING – Continuing the fight against the muck problem in Saginaw Bay, State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) today announced that a plan to limit the amount of phosphorus in dishwasher and laundry detergents has passed the House and Senate, and is now awaiting the signature of the Governor.
"Saginaw Bay is part of the heritage we leave our children, and being a responsible steward of Michigan's natural wonders is something I'm deeply committed to," Mayes said. "By working to protect our waters, we're not only working to protect the natural beauty of Michigan, but also the thousands of jobs that depend on Saginaw Bay. I'm proud to support this legislation that will both save Michigan jobs and protect Michigan's water."
Phosphorus is a natural and necessary nutrient in Michigan's soil and water, but too much phosphorus causes giant algae blooms that suck the oxygen out of lakes and rivers, creating "dead zones" for fish. When the algae blooms die, they wash up on shore and end up as smelly and often toxic muck.
Under the plan, any laundry or dishwasher detergent sold in Michigan would be limited to 0.5% phosphorus by weight. Previous efforts to limit or eliminate phosphorus in consumer goods and through wastewater treatment plans have been primarily responsible for a reduction in algae blooms throughout the state.
"In order to stop the muck that pollutes Saginaw Bay, we must stop the flow of harmful chemicals into the water," said Mayes, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. "This is a huge step toward restoring the health and natural beauty of Saginaw Bay."