Tagged: Grand Lake St. Marys

A two-year, $8.5 million project to stop toxic algae in Ohio's largest inland lake isn't working.
 
The 13,000-acre Grand Lake St. Marys in western Ohio was sprayed with aluminum sulfate in April that was supposed to keep the blue-green algae from feeding on phosphorous in the water. A similar treatment was applied last year.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that this year's treatment was spoiled by high winds that helped stir phosphorus-rich mud from the lake bottom.

Officials have posted signs at a western Ohio state park lake to warn visitors about toxic blue-green algae.

The state Department of Natural Resources posted the first signs of the year Thursday at four beaches in Grand Lake St. Marys.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the signs warn people with weak immune systems to not swim or walk through the water. It also warns elderly and young people to stay away.

Blue-green algae are common in most lakes but grow thick in sun-warmed water that contains phosphorus.

The National Center for Water Quality Research says the mild winter and spring temperatures could mean toxic blue-green algae will make its appearance in western Lake Erie earlier than usual.

Dr. David Baker says the algae will show up sooner if the water heats up more quickly. Another critical factor will be rainfall and the amount of fertilizer that runs into the lake from nearby farms.

Ohio plans to treat all 13,000 acres of the state's largest inland lake with a chemical to try heading off the toxic algae blooms that become a perennial problem.

Multiple news outlets report that the state's Environmental Protection Agency is trying to pull together $5 million to spread aluminum sulfate, or alum, over Grand Lake St. Mary's in western Ohio.

Officials said in the fall that a test last year over part of the lake was more successful than expected and killed 56 percent of phosphorous in the treated area.