Steuben loses bid to ban fertilizer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- - A northeastern Indiana county that calls itself "the land of 101 lakes" has lost its bid to ban lawn fertilizers blamed for turning some of its lakes green with algae.

Supporters of Steuben County's ban say they're disappointed the state chemist office rejected the county's request for a waiver that would have allowed the ban to take effect.

The county ordinance passed in July 2007 sought to ban most uses of lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorous, a nutrient that can fuel algae blooms and the growth of aquatic weeds.

County commissioner Ron Smith says the ban was needed to safeguard the quality of the Angola area's lakes, which generates estimated annual revenues of $130 million from boaters, fishermen and others.

The ban included exemptions for agriculture and new lawns.