An Act regulating the application of fertilizer used in the town of Orleans

This bill prohibits the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus in the town of Orleans to protect local water quality from algae growth and contamination. The law specifically targets these nutrients because the town's unique sandy soils allow them to leach quickly into water bodies, which harms drinking water, shellfishing, and recreational activities. The only exceptions to this ban are for commercial agriculture and residential use of certified organic fertilizers that meet USDA National Organic Program standards and have low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.