Another mild algae bloom forecast for Lake Erie this summer
The forecast for this summer released by NOAA predicts the bloom will come in at 3 on its severity index – a mild reading on par with last year. Anything above 5 indicates a severe bloom.
The forecast for this summer released by NOAA predicts the bloom will come in at 3 on its severity index – a mild reading on par with last year. Anything above 5 indicates a severe bloom.
They contend that the only way the lake will meet federally mandated water quality standards is to add enforceable rules limiting two main sources of the phosphorus that feeds the algae – chemical fertilizers used on fields, and livestock manure.
The state intends to establish a plan to reduce runoff that’s feeding the algae outbreaks by limiting how much of the pollution is allowed to flow into the lake’s western end.
Tests of samples taken from one property in Macomb County showed the substance to be decaying algae containing E. coli bacteria.
The state has 23 sites so far where it wants to restore or create new wetlands, which slow down runoff from farm fields while also filtering and capturing the phosphorus from fertilizers that feed the algae.
Researchers are expecting that record-setting rains in Ohio and neighboring states in recent months will fuel a large mass of algae on the lake.
Authorities say newly installed technology on Owasco, Seneca and Skaneateles Lakes will quickly detect changing water-quality conditions that could indicate a harmful algal bloom, or HAB, is developing.
The bloom’s size will ultimately depend on rainfall amounts from now through early summer.
A DNR invasive species specialist confirmed starry stonewort when investigating a report of zebra mussels in Pleasant Lake, which turned out to be negative.