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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter
Alum Treatment at
Grand Lake St. Marys; Algae Advisory Update
May 31, 2011
Preparations Underway for
Alum Treatment at Grand Lake St. Marys
A contract to apply aluminum sulfate at Grand Lake St. Marys was
awarded to HAB Aquatic Solutions, LLC of Nebraska. The company is
mobilizing equipment now and anticipates initiating the application
process on June 2 and ending June 22. The alum application is one step
in a multi-faceted, multi-year approach to improve the lake’s water
quality.
The $3,456,932 contract is being funded through the Ohio Environmental
Protection Agency and implemented by the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources. HAB Aquatic Solutions will focus the concentrated alum
treatment on 4,900 surface acres of the central lake. This revised plan
for the project takes into account the dynamic changes in water quality
resulting from heavy rains in the area this spring.
State officials note that the community and lake visitors are likely to
see increased tanker-truck traffic bound for the designated staging
area at West Bank Boat Ramp. These tanker trucks will be delivering
nearly 2,631,300 gallons of alum-based chemical, which is being
supplied from plants in Ohio.
The state offers the following information about the alum treatment
project:
The public is asked to respect restricted areas at the West Bank Boat
Ramp staging area for safety purposes.
Two vessels with large application booms will stage from the West Bank
Boat Ramp.
Viewing the application process from shore will be difficult since the
work will take place near the center of the lake.
While watercraft are not restricted in the application area, boaters
are asked to give the application vessels wide berth and right of way
as they move across the lake.
The aluminum sulfate and sodium aluminate, when applied to the water,
do not present a hazard to people or aquatic life. The buffered dose
prevents changes in the water’s pH that not on protects human and
aquatic health, but helps reduces the possibility of damage to boat
hulls.
The Ohio EPA and U.S. Geological Survey will be monitoring
water-quality information before, during and after the project.
Residents and visitors are reminded that this year’s alum treatment is
intended to help reduce the frequency and severity of harmful algal
blooms at Grand Lake St. Marys. Dredging and rough fish removal, along
with installation of a treatment train and other water quality
initiatives continue – action steps the state and the lake community
consider integral to helping improve the water quality of the
13,000-acre recreational lake in western Ohio.
Algae Advisory Update
Cyanobacteria, often referred to as blue-green algae, are bacteria
naturally found in Ohio lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams. While not
harmful by itself, blue-green algae has the potential to grow toxins
that could be harmful to both human and pet health.
If ODNR recognizes an algal bloom in a state body of water, cautionary
signs will be posted indicating that harmful algae may be present and
individuals and their pets should avoid contact with the algae and the
water until the state can confirm that blue-green algae bloom is
present.
If you notice blue-green algae, please be advised to avoid direct
contact with it and the water that it is in. Also, similar to any other
untreated open water body, avoid ingesting any water.
Blue-green algae grows into “blooms” through photosynthesis when the
weather is hot and there is enough sunlight. Hotter weather and more
sunlight allow the “blooms” to grow larger and more rapidly. These
“blooms” are of highest concern because they can produce neurotoxins
(which affect the nervous system) and hepatotoxins (which affect the
liver).
If it is confirmed as a blue-green algal bloom, the body of water will
be tested for the presence of toxins. If toxins are present, ODNR will
post stricter signs advising users not to contact the water for various
activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating.
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