Phosphorus reduction recommendations coming
Recommendations on further reducing the impact of dissolved phosphorus on Ohio’s waterways will be presented to Gov. John Kasich by Feb. 1, says Scott McNally, director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Officials from the Ohio EPA and departments of agriculture and natural resources met last week at Maumee Bay State Park to discuss on-going efforts to reduce agriculture-related phosphorus from reaching the western basin.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture report earlier this month indicates that run-off from farm fields is within acceptable limits when soil erosion control practices are combined with the proper management strategies for applying fertilizers.

“Thirty years ago farmers in the 4 million-acre western basin were challenged to meet aggressive standards for reducing the total amount of phosphorus impacting Lake Erie,” James Zehringer, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “We commend those farmers for meeting that challenge and in cutting phosphorus in half, while also reducing sediment loading into the lake by 50 percent. However, we now know that while those goals of reducing total phosphorus have been met, the dissolved form of phosphorus has increased markedly. The agriculture community needs to work with one voice, and a sense of urgency, to minimize the impact of dissolved phosphorus on Lake Erie and all of Ohio’s waterways.”

It was the third time the three state agencies met with the Ag Nutrients Working Group, which includes more than 25 organizations, government agencies, and private companies.

Siren test
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department will test Emergency Planning Zone sirens for the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station on Oct. 28 at noon.

The test of the 54 sirens, covering roughly 10 miles surrounding the nuclear plant, will last for three minutes.

District to be recognized
Ohio House of Representatives Speaker William Batchelder is scheduled to attend the Woodmore football game Oct. 28 against Lake to present a proclamation to the Woodmore district, recognizing students, parents, and teachers for their efforts in attaining the Excellent with Distinction rating from the state.

The rating represents an overall improvement on test scores, a high attendance rate, and a high graduation rate.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed