Grand Lake algae problem taken to governor

ST. MARYS - A lake improvement group wants the governor to intervene to cut down algae problems and toxins in Grand Lake St. Marys.f

About 100 people signed letters asking Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland to declare the watershed around the lake a phosphorous-free area, said Bill Ringo, president of the Lake Improvement Association.

"We need regulation that would help with a phosphorous-free zone," he said. "We need to check what the levels are because that is the key ingredient that is causing trouble with the lake."

The letter comes a few weeks after The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency warned that toxins had been found in the lake. High levels of the toxin could be fatal to pets and cause minor to severe health issues for people.

Recent tests show similar toxin levels, said EPA Spokeswoman Dina Pierce. They range from 55 to 73 micrograms per liter. The water supply in Celina continues to be OK, but problems in the lake won't likely go away any time soon. Algae growth gets worse as the weather heats up, Pierce said.

"Even though it's a bacteria, it acts kind of like a plant," she said. "You feed it nutrients, like phosphorous, sunlight, water and warmth, which this lake has plenty of, and it grows."

Amanda Wurst, spokeswoman for the governor's office, said Strickland has not had the opportunity to review the letters.

"He does understand that the appropriate state agencies, the Oho Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, are very aware of the issues and are actively engaged with other state and local partners to focus their efforts on the area," she said.

Runoff from farm land is the biggest problem. More filter strips, and people not applying manure when the ground is frozen would help, said Grand Lake St. Marys Park Manager Craig Morton.

"The flow of farm run-off, phosphorous, manure and possibly even fertilizers need to slow way, way down," he said. "And the only way that is going to happen is through better conservation practices."

While many say there is local cooperation to help the problem, competitiveness in the farming business makes it difficult, Ringo said.

"The good, aggressive, smart farmers are trying to do the right thing, but they are competing against farmers who are cutting corners," he said.

The EPA is exploring options, but Pierce said it is limited. Using a chemical to kill the algae is difficult in such a large area. The lake is close to 14,000 acres.

"And when algae dies it could deplete the oxygen levels in the water, which could kill the fish," she said. She warns that no matter what is done, it will take awhile to see the affects.

Despite the toxins, Morton hasn't noticed any substantial decline in people visiting the lake, although some do have questions. Most local people have continued to enjoy the lake, he said.

The EPA advices people to minimize their contact with the water. Swimmers should keep their heads above water to avoid not swallowing any. Pets should be kept away.

Updates will be available throughout the summer at www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/glsm_algae.html.