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Senator Faber’s
Weekly Newsletter
March 28, 2011
Increased Dredging to
begin at Grand Lake St. Marys
State Senator Keith Faber (R- Celina) announced today that increased
dredging at Grand Lake St. Marys will soon take place in an effort to
remove phosphorus-laden sediment that is contributing to water-quality
issues at the lake. An amendment providing $750,000 to the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for the dredging and related
disposal was included as part of the state Transportation budget that
was approved by the Senate yesterday.
“Grand Lake St. Marys is a tremendous asset to our region, and it is
crucial that we take corrective steps now to help avoid the algae
blooms and toxin outbreaks that inhibited peoples’ ability to enjoy the
lake for much of last year,” Faber said. “I applaud ODNR Director
Mustine for working to get this amendment included in the
transportation budget so that dredging can begin as soon as possible
and we can move forward on our efforts to clean up the lake.”
Last
year, high levels of algal toxins and large blue-green algae blooms
caused advisories to be issued cautioning people from touching the
water or consuming fish caught in the lake. The additional dredging was
one of several improvement actions announced earlier this year by Ohio
Governor John Kasich and the directors of ODNR, the Ohio Environmental
Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Agriculture to improve the
lake’s water quality.
“We
welcome any additional assistance in addressing the water quality
challenges facing Grand Lake St. Marys,” said ODNR Director David
Mustine. “Governor Kasich recognizes how vital this popular
recreational lake is to the local economy and appreciates the efforts
of Senator Faber and many others who are pulling together to return the
lake to a healthier state.”
Besides the additional dredging, other actions being implemented by the
agencies include using granular alum to help inactivate excess
phosphorus in the lake, installing water treatment equipment and
removing fish species that are believed to stir up the bottom sediment,
releasing more phosphorus.
Grand Lake St. Marys was constructed in the mid-1800s to store water
for the Miami-Erie Canal and is Ohio’s largest inland lake.
Northwest Ohio Communities
Receive Funding to Remove and Replace Ash Trees
Twelve communities heavily impacted by the emerald ash borer (EAB) in
northwest Ohio received federal funding assistance through the Western
Lake Erie Basin EAB Community Grant project, according to the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry.
Grants, which require a 50 percent local match, will help EAB-affected
communities remove hazardous ash trees, as well as help assist in the
restoration of lost canopy cover.
Since the emerald ash borer was first discovered in northwest Ohio in
2003, millions of ash trees have been killed by this devastating
invasive insect, which can claim the life of an otherwise healthy,
mature tree in as little as three to five years. Due to the insect’s
spread, many northwest Ohio communities are now confronted with the
costly expense of dead ash tree removal and replacement.
Healthy, safe and functional trees improve our cities and towns by
enhancing clean air and water, increasing property values, reducing
erosion and storm water runoff, providing wildlife habitat, moderating
temperatures and offering year-round enjoyment. For more information
about the benefits of trees, urban tree care and the Western Lake Erie
Basin Emerald Ash Borer initiative, visit www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.
Community: Lima - County: Allen - Approved Amount: $50,000
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