There is phosphorus in the sediments, but much of that excess phosphorus came from nutrients entering the lake over years -from faulty septic systems, many of which are old and below current standards around Long Lake. From quick release fertilizers from lawns. From stormwater runoff from all the paved surfaces that have increased dramatically as we build more houses. Algal blooms are a serious problem worldwide. There are common sense solutions we can do to prevent algal blooms, instead of treating them with more chemicals that add to the toxic burden in the long term and do not contribute to the health of the lake. Nutrients can be intercepted before they enter the lake. Floating wetlands absorb phosphorus through the roots of plants growing on them. And everyone should be using organic fertilizers that don’t create polluted runoff. Clean Black Lake Alliance advocates for these ecosystem-based methods.
The contaminants in Long Lake and others in the area have been found in our groundwater aquifers. It’s time we thought of restoration, instead of expensive short term solutions that do not protect the drinking water we all rely on.
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