Senator Keith Faber...
Significant Progress Made at Grand Lake St. Marys
State-sponsored summer treatment produces encouraging results  
October 1, 2011 

COLUMBUS – State Senator Keith Faber (R – Celina) today commented on news that a recent alum treatment at Grand Lake St. Marys succeeded in cutting the intensity of harmful algal blooms and reducing phosphorous levels throughout the lake. 

“Seemingly everybody in our community holds cherished memories of time spent on or near Grand Lake St. Marys,” Faber said.  “For decades, the lake has served a central purpose to our area and that is why I advocated so strongly for the funding needed for this treatment process.  Though this may prove to be a short term fix, efforts like this helped in maintaining the economic viability of our region this summer.” 

A recent report by Tetra Tech, Inc., a consultant of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, found phosphorous levels at Grand Lake St. Marys’ center to have been reduced by 56 percent and by 20-30 percent throughout the entire lake.  In addition, the recent measure contributed to an overall improvement in water quality. 

For years, conditions at the lake have been of growing concern and several state agencies recently embarked on a joint effort to remedy the site.  Grand Lake St. Marys was one of the first places visited by Governor John Kasich upon taking office earlier this year. 

“I applaud Governor Kasich and his administration for taking an aggressive approach in tackling a very real concern facing our region.  Our work will not conclude until Grand Lake St. Marys is restored to the beauty and quality that we all remember from years passed.  I will continue to work with local leaders to formulate and fund long term solutions to Grand Lake issues.”