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Press Release—Partnership for Phosphate Reduction 6/30/08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Information: Peter Sigmann (920) 824-5193 Ralph Valatka (920) 754-5094 Phosphate Partnership Sees Positive Strides for Phosphate Reduction In its second year in existence, the Partnership for Phosphate Reduction reports continued high phosphate levels in Door County waters but remains optimistic. The Partnership is a coalition of twelve local environmental and property owner's organizations working to combat the excessive growth of cladophora, the green algae that is spoiling Door County beaches each summer. The primary nutrient for this "green stuff" is phosphate, an overabundance of which has been being discharged into county water through streams, sewage treatment outflow and from run-off water filled with excess fertilizer. Peter Sigmann, The Partnership's coordinator reports encouraging news about several sources of phosphate discharge into the lake and bay and progress with both the retail community and the general public. Sigmann cited several areas of progress. Agricultural application of phosphate fertilizer has been greatly reduced as a result of soil testing as well as cost. Phosphate-free lawn fertilizer (identified by the middle ingredient number as zero) has become available wherever fertilizer is being sold. A majority of the county's grocery and general stores are now carrying phosphate-free automatic dishwashing detergents. The Partnership is urging consumers to purchase and use these products. They have prepared an informational brochure that outlines the need for phosphate control. The brochure also lists the names of phosphate-free products and local retail sources for those products. They also encourage people to visit their web site, www.DCPhosphateFree.org for the same lists and more comprehensive information and data. They also ask shoppers that see any additional stores carrying phosphate-free products, to email info@dcphosphatefree.com with that information. The Partnership for Phosphate Reduction is sponsored chiefly by Door Property Owners, Inc. It is comprised of Bayshore Property Owners, Door County Environmental Council, Door Property Owners, Friends of Toft Point, Glidden Drive Association, Lake Forest Park Association, League of Women Voters of Door County, Little Sturgeon Area Property Owners Association, Sustain Door, The Ridges Sanctuary, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin and Whitefish Bay Association. For more information on the Partnership or to receive a copy of their brochure, contact Peter Sigmann at (920) 824-5193. ######
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We are a voluntary coalition
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