Michigan, Ohio To Cooperate On Lake Erie Algae
TRAVERSE CITY (AP) - Environmental regulators from Michigan and Ohio say they'll work together on solutions to the growing problem of algae blooms in western Lake Erie.
Phosphorus pollution in the lake has fed an explosive buildup of algae, including a blue-green type that can be toxic. It reduces oxygen levels, kills fish and litters beaches with smelly mounds of rotting vegetation that drives away tourists.
Scientists say warm temperatures may cause the massive algae blooms to return earlier than usual this year.
Michigan and Ohio have pointed fingers at each other about runaway phosphorus levels, which are believed to be caused by farm runoff and municipal sewage overflows.
But at a meeting Wednesday, representatives of both states agreed to form a partnership on the issue with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
