St. Marys, Ohio-State environmental regulators are maintaining Grand Lake St. Marys in western Ohio as off-limits to swimmers because of unpredictable bluegreen algae buildup and the toxins this may produce. This condition is blamed at least partly on fertilizer and manure runoff from nearby farms. Warning signs have been posted advising residents and tourists not to touch the water. A June 25 statement from the Ohio EPA stated, “This afternoon, laboratory results from water samples collected in Grand Lake St. Marys on June 23 showed the presence of cylindrospermopsin, a liver toxin, at the West Beach of the state park. In addition, saxitoxin, a nerve toxin, was found at low levels (just above the detection limit) in the same area. At the boat ramp, there was a very low level of cylindrospermopsin. Due to the highly unpredictable nature of bluegreen algae and the toxins it can produce, it is impossible to know with certainty if toxins are present in the water on any given day at a particular location. Since there are no national standards or benchmarks for these toxins in water, state officials are advising the public to continue to avoid contact with the water.” The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio EPA, and their partners have announced a cooperative plan to help curb the nutrient loading that has contributed to declining water quality. The plan encourages partnerships between the area residents and other private and public entities, including the Mercer and Auglaize Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to minimize pollution sources within the watershed. Originally constructed as a feeder reservoir for the Miami-Erie Canal, Grand Lake St. Marys was for many years recognized as the largest man-made reservoir in the world. The 13,500-acre lake is the gateway to swimming, boating, camping, and fishing in one of Ohio’s oldest state parks.
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