Update on Lake Erie Nutrient and Algal Issues Gail Hesse Ohio Lake Erie Commission March 30, 2012

August cfs 1330 cfs Photo: NOAA Satellite Image

October 9, 2011

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 1 ppb for drinking water 20 ppb for recreational contact Anatoxin-a, Saxitoxin, Cylindrospermopsin

Public Water System Cyanotoxin No detections in finished water 2011 Source (raw) water detection in 9 PWS Systems: –Marblehead –Sandusky –Camp Patmos –Put In Bay –LE Utilities –Oregon –Toledo –Carroll Township –Ottawa County

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

Ohio State Park Beach Algae Advisory Postings No Contact Advisory Public Health Advisory Bloom Advisory Avoid all contact Avoid direct contact with water 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:

Ohio Phosphorus Task Force Report: Directors’ Ag Nutrients & WQ Working Group Report: dnr.ohio.gov/portals/12/docs/waterqualityreport.pdf