Sludge Watch ==> Quebec to lower detergent phosphorus

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch Admin:

Phosphorus triggers algae growth in surface water - choking out other forms 
of life.
Sewage sludge is imbalanced when it comes to nutrients...it generally 
contains too much phosphorus relative to amount of nitrogen. So if you put 
on one year's worth of nitrogen - you may have overapplied phosphorus - 
putting on three or four times more than the crop requireed.

......................................


Daily News Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Quebec to lower detergent phosphorus


The Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association (CCSPA) is pleased the 
government of Quebec has announced the introduction of a regulation to limit 
the phosphorus content of household automatic dishwasher detergent 
manufactured and sold in the province to a maximum of 0.5 per cent by 
weight, effective July 2010.

CCSPA's member companies initiated an industry-led program in September to 
limit the phosphorus content of household automatic dishwasher detergent, 
with the same goals being proposed by the Quebec regulation and legislation 
announced by the province of Manitoba in November.

"We want to create a level playing field across Canada for both consumers 
and our industry," said Shannon Coombs, CCSPA President. "To achieve this, 
we would welcome working with the Government of Canada to amend the federal 
Phosphorus Concentration Regulations under the Canadian Environmental 
Protection Act (CEPA) to reflect the Quebec and Manitoba initiatives on a 
national basis."

In addition to the provinces of Quebec and Manitoba, similar regulatory and 
legislative changes are underway in several U.S. states. "An integrated and 
harmonized North American market is critical to ensure consumers have 
continued access to quality brands and products, and that our industry 
remains competitive globally," Ms. Coombs said.

Canada already regulates the phosphorus content of laundry detergent.

http://www.hazmatmag.com/issues/isarticle.asp?id=77861&issue=12182007&PC=HM&story_id=&link_targ=DailyNews&link_source=aypr_HM