Board votes votes on fertilizer restrictions in York County

Tools

by Josh Egbert

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District has voted for new restrictions meant to guard against nitrate contamination of groundwater.

The board voted approved the restrictions 8 to 4.

The new rules require the inhibitors only for fertilizer applications done in the fall months and only in one management zone in York County where nitrate readings exceed the federal standards of 10 parts per million.

DRD General Manager John Turnbull says the changes are to lessen the possibility of nitrogen-based fertilizer leaching into groundwater.

"What we need to do over a long period of time is to manage these water systems as best we can and to manage fertilizer applications so we can keep these nitrates at a safe health level," said Turnbull.

High nitrate levels can cause serious health problems, including interfering with the ability of red blood cells to absorb oxygen.

Infants and senior citizens are most vulnerable.

On Demand

Local Gas Prices

Lowest Gas Prices in Tri-Cities
Nebraska Gas Prices provided by GasBuddy.com

KHASTV on Facebook

Weather Closings