Hazardous algae blooms affect water quality

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SIDNEY — Water quality issues and how to make things better was discussed by Dr. Christopher J. Winslow at the Shelby County Agricultural Center, 820 Fair Road, Sidney, March 20.

Winslow is the director of the Ohio Sea Grant College Program in connection with the Ohio State University who is taking part in the implementation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the U.S. and Canada. Their goal is to reduce the amount of phosphorus going into the Great Lakes by 40 percent thus reducing the proliferation of algae blooms and the negative effects associated with them. The program directors received nearly $7 million in grant funding to accomplish their task.

Among other things his presentation focused on the economic impact of algae blooms in Lake Erie and the expenses associated with issues ranging from the costs to remove toxins from drinking water to the effects on the multi-billion dollar fishing industry in Lake Erie.

“Charter boats have to travel farther out to find water acceptable for fishing and that takes more fuel, boats also use more fuel plowing through the contaminated water as friction slows the boats progress,” said Winslow, who also noted the effect on jobs associated with agriculture and also how water bans linked with algae blooms influence the economy and living conditions which increase the cost of living.

“We live in a highly developed nation of great technology, we must take care of this problem now, it’s not going to fix itself,” he said.

Winslow also pointed out the effects algae blooms are not unique to Lake Erie.

“Is this just a Lake Erie problem? No!” said Winslow who cited recent years where Grand Lake in Mercer/Auglaize counties had the same problem and along with Lake Erie made state and national news with stories associated with health issues and water usage bans at those locations.

“This is not a local problem but a global one,” said Winslow. When asked if it was related to the controversial issue termed “global warming,” he said no, however, many of the causes abroad are much the same as they are here. The major culprit appears to be phosphorus which feeds the Microcystis (algae) resulting in massive blooms and proliferation of the plant life whose fruits include toxins that cause liver damage, illness, and in some cases death!

“Statistics from a study conducted from 1960 to 2010 reveal that run-off water is up substantially from the past which is not necessarily due to fluctuations in rainfall as much as how and where the water goes after a heavy rain and how much phosphorus it’s carrying with it,” Winslow said. “Water movement is the most critical aspect of delivering phosphorus to the algae and while sources vary, research proves the majority of phosphorus comes from agriculture.

“There is no “one source” causing the problem” noted Winslow, who shared a list of nearly 40 things that contribute to algae blooms. The list included lawn fertilizers, septic systems, sewage plants, commodity prices, farming practices and equipment size just to name a few; all contribute to the problem but surplus runoff from farm fields and field drainage tile carry the majority of phosphorus that makes it into the lakes.

“We have to ask ourselves what can we do and develop a plan, we aren’t as concerned with the total load of runoff as the concentrations at the times of year when the algae are most abundant and blooming,” said Winslow “Heavy rains and blooms go hand in hand, we’re shooting for a level that is manageable.

Winslow noted the priorities of funding usage were to:

• Determine the sources and movement of algae blooms

• Produce safe drinking water

• Protect public health

• Educate and engage the public about contributing to the success of the project

When ask by local farmers in attendance how they might help reduce phosphorus runoff, Winslow said they should avoid fall and winter application of fertilizer especially manure on frozen or saturated ground or just before rain is forecast. Eliminate broadcasting manure and incorporate subsurface placement. Winslow also noted the need for proper soil testing on a regular basis to determine phosphorus needed or the amount of residual components in soil.

He also referred them to the “Four-R’s” when using fertilizer:

• Right Fertilizer – Use only manure and phosphorus-free prepared fertilizer

• Right Rate – Use only the proper amount needed

• Right Time – Do not apply before rain or on frozen ground

• Right Place – Use only where needed

“The issue of controlling phosphorus runoff is critical to sustaining good quality water, we need to have systems for proper treatment in place, there is no room for guessing on proper applications,” said Winslow.

Winslow was hosted by the Shelby County Farm Bureau, Shelby County Soil and Water District and the Sidney Rotary Club.

Anyone having questions about the material covered at the meeting or desiring to learn how they can help reduce phosphorus runoff is encouraged to contact Winslow, [email protected] or call him at 614-247-6469.

Dr. Christopher Winslow with the Ohio State University discusses a Power Point slide showing how farmers can help reduce phosphorus runoff that feeds algae blooms.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/03/web1_Chris-Windslow-Algae-Story-Chart.jpgDr. Christopher Winslow with the Ohio State University discusses a Power Point slide showing how farmers can help reduce phosphorus runoff that feeds algae blooms. Matt Clayton | Sidney Daily News

Barry Zerkle, superintendent of Sidney Waste Water Treatment Plant, left, chats with Dr. Christopher Winslow about wastewater and its effects on algae blooms.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/03/web1_SDN-Algae-Story.jpgBarry Zerkle, superintendent of Sidney Waste Water Treatment Plant, left, chats with Dr. Christopher Winslow about wastewater and its effects on algae blooms. Matt Clayton | Sidney Daily News

By Matt Clayton

For the Sidney Daily News

The writer is a regular contributor to the Sidney Daily News.

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