180 likes | 328 Views
Update on Lake Erie Nutrient and Algal Issues. Gail Hesse Ohio Lake Erie Commission March 30, 2012. August 11 2011 1330 cfs. Photo: NOAA Satellite Image. October 9, 2011. Photo: NOAA Satellite Image. Microcystis near Marblehead. October 9, 2011.
E N D
Update on Lake Erie Nutrient and Algal Issues Gail Hesse Ohio Lake Erie Commission March 30, 2012
August 11 2011 1330 cfs Photo: NOAA Satellite Image
October 9, 2011 Photo: NOAA Satellite Image
Microcystis near Marblehead October 9, 2011 Photo: Richard Kraus, United States Geological Survey
Algal Toxins • Microcystin • World Health Organization benchmark criteria 1 ppb for drinking water 20 ppb for recreational contact • Anatoxin-a, Saxitoxin, Cylindrospermopsin
2011 Source (raw) water detection in 9 PWS Systems: Marblehead Sandusky Camp Patmos Put In Bay LE Utilities Oregon Toledo Carroll Township Ottawa County Public Water System CyanotoxinNo detections in finished water
Recent & Current Activities • Lake Erie P Task Force Phase I, Phase II • State of Ohio HAB Response Strategy • Lake Erie Millennium Network • Directors’ Agricultural Nutrients & Water Quality Working Group • Directors’ Point Source/Urban Work Group • Nutrient Reduction Strategy Framework for Ohio Waters - Draft
Key Findings NW Ohio: commercial fertilizer dominates land application More fall preparation of seed beds, more fall and winter application Changing methods: more broadcast application without incorporation Unknown and uncertain use of soil tests and adherence with recommendations Changes in drainage, weather patterns
3 Categories of Recommendations • Priority practices • Key issues: amount, timing, incorporation, management of field runoff • No single practice will result in lower nutrient runoff • Tools to quantify edge of field runoff potential • Research
State of Ohio HAB Strategy • Monitoring protocols and advisories • Addresses: • Beach advisories • Public drinking water • Under revision for 2012 • www.ohioalgaeinfo.com
Ohio State Park BeachAlgae Advisory Postings No Contact Advisory Avoid all contact Public Health Advisory Avoid direct contact with water Bloom Advisory Avoid ingestion, direct contact with visible scum
2011 Lake Erie Advisories • Maumee Bay State Park: Public Health Advisory • Lake Erie (Battery Park): Algal Bloom Advisory • Sandusky: Algal Bloom Advisory
Directors’ Agricultural Nutrients and Water Quality Working Group • Ohio EPA, Ohio DNR and ODA • Focus on voluntary actions: 4Rs • Right fertilizer, Right rate, Right time, Right placement • Coordinate funding, research • Focus: edge of field, tile management • Develop/expand authorities • Habitual bad actors • Nutrient Management Plans
P Task Force Phase II • Build on lessons learned from Phase I • Incorporate findings of current research • Millennium Synthesis Team Funded by Ohio Lake Erie Commission and GLNPO • Report: 14 June 2011 • Focus on: • Management actions • Recommendations from Directors’ Working Group • Reduction goal/target
Lake Erie Protection Fund Available on the web at: www.oplates.com
www.ohioalgaeinfo.com Ohio Phosphorus Task Force Report: www.epa.ohio.gov/dsw/lakeerie/ptaskforce Directors’ Ag Nutrients & WQ Working Group Report: dnr.ohio.gov/portals/12/docs/waterqualityreport.pdf