Toxic lake keeps boaters away

ST. MARYS, Ohio (WDTN) - A major environmental and health issue has threatened the livelihood and business interests in and around the largest inland lake in Ohio. The EPA has posted signs warning that Grand Lake St. Marys is toxic.

Over the July Fourth holiday, supposedly the busiest boating weekend of the summer, there just a few boats spotted on the water. Even those who ventured out said, they were wary.

"We just don't touch the water," said boater Rick Kirk.

EPA officials said run-off from local farms has created an algae bloom on the lake. Tests show the waters contain nerve toxins that could harm your liver and lungs.

Residents complained about the nasty stench.

"It's like dead fish," said Craig Metz, who was cruising around the lake on his bike.

Residents said the toxic waters are killing the fish and the economy. One local marina has already shut down, and the beach is empty.

"Two seagulls and two vultures were all that was on the beach yesterday," said Metz.

Many local businesses are financially drowning as the algae bloom scared away customers. Membership to the area's Boat Club is shrinking.

"In the last week, about half a dozen members have pulled their boats out and gone to Lake Erie, said Kirk. It's very unusual. No one ever leaves and pulls their boats out in the middle of summer."

Residents said that a couple weeks ago the build up of algae in the water was several inches thick.

"The water was just bubbling up with all this algae," said local resident April Williams. "It just bubbled like you were boiling a pot of water. It was gross."

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland's office has now stepped in and is seeking federal funds to clean up the mess.

State officials have also been meeting with local farmers and asking them to cut down on the manure that has made its way into the lake.

"I don't like it, none of us like it," said boater, Bruce Allen. "Hopefully there'll be a day we'll find a way of curing it."