The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Threat of algae blooms looms
Lake Erie’s importance stressed
“But, it’s critical for the future of our communities that we protect Lake Erie as our drinking water source.” Elyria Fifth Ward Councilman Marcus Madison
Lake Erie is the heart of Northern Ohio communities, and with warm weather approaching, the need to protect the waterway becomes a necessity, Elyria Fifth Ward Councilman Marcus Madison said.
The Ohio Environmental Council’s Director of Clean Water Adam Rissien, Madison and Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer gathered together on World Water Day, March 22, at the Lorain Port Authority, 319 Black River Lane, to discuss solutions on toxic algae.
“It is unacceptable that communities and businesses around Lake Erie have to plan for this threat each summer,” Madison said.
“But, it’s critical for the future of our communities that we protect Lake Erie as our drinking water source.”
Lorain and Elyria city councils both passed a resolution of support in their March 20 council meetings.
In 2015, Lake Erie experienced the largest algal bloom in its history, with a severity index of 10.5, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
And in 2014, the lake algal bloom made national news when toxins from the algae were found in the city of Toledo’s drinking water, prompting the city to warn northwest Ohio residents not to consume its water for two days.
“In 2014, algae became a huge topic in the media and we saw the devastating impact these algal blooms had in Toledo,” Ritenauer said.
Pollution from industrial agriculture is the primary driver of toxic algae in western Lake Erie, after heavy rainfall washes the excess fertilizer and manure into streams, rivers and eventually, Lake Erie, he said.
Algal bloom not only can impact drinking water, but also the economy, Ritenauer said.
“Local bait and tackle shops, charter boats and kayak shops will all suffer if algal bloom is present,” he said.
Rissien outlined four key actions to curb the toxic algae threat: require plans from farmers that prevent pollution; stopping the access applications of fertilizer; stronger compliance and enforcement; and pollution limits of Ohio streams.
“These solutions will level the playing field for all farmers working hard to prevent toxic algae, so they don’t carry the weight of the bad actors,” he said.
“This is as much about fairness as it is protecting Lake Erie.”
Ritenauer said it’s the job of citizens and shareholders to continue bringing awareness to this problem.
“If we are not speaking up as residents and stakeholders on Lake Erie, then we won’t get action on this item,” he said. “Our job is to fight for change (and) funding to keep Lake Erie safe and clean. We need to speak with one unified voice.”