Watershed Action Plans- A conscience effort for combating Harmful
Algal Blooms
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| Image from: savelakeerie.com |
Summer time is in full swing and summer algae season (not to
be confused with allergy season) is well underway. It is not unusual to see a layer of algae on
the surface of our region’s lakes, ponds, and streams and some algae is
good. However, in recent years harmful
types of algae have become more prevalent and toxic to our nation’s surface
waters. Last year, the City of Toledo,
issued a “do not drink” advisory for nearly half a million residents who relied
on treated water from Lake Erie. The
advisory was a result of a harmful algal bloom (HAB) containing high levels of
microcystis, a cyanobacteria.
Wikepedia identifies microcystis as fresh water
cyanobacteria that produces two types of toxins: neurotoxins and peptide
hepatotoxins (i.e. microcystin) affecting the nervous system and liver of both
humans and animals. Grand Lake St. Marys
is another example of fresh water tainted by harmful algae blooms. Grand Lake St. Marys is an inland lake in
western Ohio that has been a hotspot for local recreation. Unfortunately since
June 2009, the lake has also become a hotspot for HAB resulting in a loss for
local residents and businesses. The harmful algae events increase due to the
phosphorus in the runoff of manure and fertilizers from the watershed’s land
users. Without delving too much further
into the technical, scientific background of HABs, a question for our region to
ask and strongly consider is, could this happen to us? The answer is yes, if
the perfect storm is created.
What is the perfect storm for HABs?
Although Ohio EPA survey data suggests our drinking water
sources are not and have not been in danger of an HAB threat, there are two
factors that can influence a regional occurrence: warm temperatures and nutrient
loading.
Harmful algae events are seasonal and form mostly during the
summer months, when temperatures are warm.
The higher temperatures create a competitive atmosphere as harmful algal
growth, such as the harmful microcystin, overpowers
the non-harmful algae.
Nutrients such as Nitrogen and Phosphorus are two of the
most common non-point source pollutants that accelerate the growth of algae. Both
nutrients are byproducts of agricultural and residential fertilizer (chemicals
, manure) runoff and failing septic systems.
Excess nutrients serve as catalysts for algae as they grow at a rapid
pace as algae eat the nutrients. As the harmful
algae continue to grow and die off, harmful toxins are released. These toxins have an adverse affect on a
human’s and animal’s nervous system and liver.
What role does a
Watershed Action Plan have?
The American Water Works Association, in their white paper
on Algal Toxin Treatment, states “a watershed protection program can help
reduce the nutrient load on the watershed area.
An effective watershed management program will help identify specific
environmental characteristics of the watershed and actions necessary to reduce
or eliminate potential contaminants.” In other words, endorse and implement your
local watershed action plan.
The Yellow Creek and Upper Grand River have endorsed
watershed action plans. Both watersheds house surface drinking water sources
that are susceptible to nutrient enrichment due to their urbanized and/or
agricultural landscapes. The watershed
action plans identify sources of nutrients as fertilizers (urban and
agricultural), manure, and failing septic systems. All three sources are manageable and can be
contained onsite through several different measures, for example:
Using
fertilizers sparingly and/or according to manufacturer directions;
Manure
storage and/or land application away from surface waters;
Establishment
of vegetated stream buffers to absorb nutrients prior to entering surface waters;
These and more measures can be found within the plans as
well as coordinating agencies that can help identify funding sources to
implement the measures. The watershed action plans are insurance measures that
communities should consider implementing.
