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Ohio EPA deems Western Lake Erie "impaired"


Toxic green algae in the Western Lake Erie area has led to an impairment status from the Ohio EPA (WNWO).
Toxic green algae in the Western Lake Erie area has led to an impairment status from the Ohio EPA (WNWO).
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The Western portion of Lake Erie, from the Ohio/Michigan line to the Marblehead Lighthouse south of Kelly's Island, is now officially deemed impaired.

This means that there will likely be more strict regulations on agriculture.

The Ohio EPA released the announcement Thursday afternoon, something that the Kasich administration has been against in recent years.

Toxic green algae has been a big problem to Toledo's water supply. This was most notable in 2014, when it led to a drinking water ban in the city for a couple of days.

"This just says we're going to measure Lake Erie, we're going to measure where the pollution comes from, we're going to make sure it doesn't turn green every year, and we're going to put some teeth into it," said County Commissioner Pete Gerken.

The Lucas County Commissioners believe it is about time something has been done. While they feel they've done a lot in learning more about the lake, they believe this will help speed up the process.

"We've done a lot. There's been a lot of best management practices. Really terrific cooperation with agriculture, with urban storm water a lot of cooperation, but now we can develop a long term plan with the teeth and accountability behind that plan," declared Commissioner Carol Contrada.

One organization decided to celebrate the decision by the Ohio EPA: the Advocates For a Clean Lake Erie. They met at Michael's Bar & Grill in Downtown Toledo to reflect on their efforts in helping to get the impairment status.

"This process that the clean water act spells out is supposed to take place. This is where our group and the general public is going to have to be watchful, and make sure the EPA does its job," exclaimed Coordinator Mike Ferner.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz released his thoughts on the matter, saying "An impairment designation is another step toward fixing our water supply."

The Ohio EPA says that the area is still safe for drinking water, as well as swimmers and boaters.


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