North Aurora resident urges Kane County to ban winter lawn fertilizing to curb nitrogen pollution

A North Aurora resident urged Kane County’s energy and environment committee to consider restricting lawn fertilizer applications during the months when plants are dormant to reduce nitrogen runoff into groundwater and surface water.

“My name is Matt Dingledine. I am a resident of North Aurora, and I am here to advocate on behalf of an environmental cause,” Dingledine told the committee. He proposed a seasonal restriction that would prohibit fertilizer applications to turfgrass between November 1 and April 1, saying the goal is to keep nitrogen out of groundwater and surface water to protect human and animal health and to reduce algal blooms and water‑treatment costs.

Dingledine cited Suffolk County, New York, as an example of a jurisdiction that restricts fertilizer applications during the dormant season and said he would send the committee follow‑up materials by email after the meeting.

Committee members did not take action on the suggestion at the meeting; Dingledine’s comments were recorded as part of the public‑comment period.