Quebec to ban phosphates in dish detergent

Get ready for more spots on your dishes. The Quebec government has announced the province will become the second in Canada to ban phosphates in dish detergents. The move is part of a 35 step action plan announced by the Premier to fight the blue-green algae that has been taking over the province's lakes and rivers.

On Tuesday, Jean Charest chaired a day-long summit of municipalities; agricultural and watershed groups to discuss the problem which has been on the rise in Quebec. This summer more than 150 lakes and waterways were contaminated by the algae also known as Cyanobacteria. The algae produce toxins which can cause cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat and inflammation in the respiratory tract. The contamination of some lakes has forced residents to find new sources of drinking water. The Premier says the government will also put in place stricter controls on septic tanks, and increase the number of inspectors to make sure agricultural producers respect the three meter fertilizer-free buffer zone around waterways. Jean Charest defended his government against criticism they have taken too long to act.

"This is a problem that has evolved fairly rapidly over the past ten years... There will continue to be problems next year, we know that. But, over a few years I think we will be looking for some marked progress."

Charest says Quebec will pressure the federal government to follow suit on the pesticide ban.

"We want an even playing field throughout Canada," he says.

Environmental groups were excluded from the day-long summit, but reacted with mixed feelings to the plan. Eric Darier of Greenpeace says the government's decision to ban phospates is better late than never.

"The environment ministry has known about this problem for years," he says. "Finally I think the government realized it was serious and that public opinion took it seriously."

However, Darier warned the 15 additional inspectors that will be hired by the government may not be sufficient.