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James Zehringer, Ohio 77^th District Representative

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Keith Faber, Ohio State Senator, 12^th District

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John Boehner, 8th District Ohio US Representative

Jim Jordan, 4^th District Ohio US Representative

Sherrod Brown, United States Senator; Ohio

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Dear Representative (Senator) ___________________,

It is time for the State of Ohio to take effective action to stop the continued destruction of Grand Lake St. Marys as a recreational resource for the State of Ohio and the area. I am sure that you are aware that Ohio EPA issued a news release on May 21, 2009 advising the public that the waters of the lake may contain a high level of an algal toxin which can cause minor to severe health issues for humans and animals.

The Lake is hypereutrophic and its watershed has been determined to be one of the most degraded in the State. The Lake's sickening condition is a result of excessive nutrients draining into the Lake. A U. S. Army Corps of Engineers study indicates that 85% of the nutrients are from agricultural activities which dominate the land use in the watershed. The excessive phosphorus levels in the Lake have resulted in the algae normally found in the Lake being displaced by blue green algae called planktothrix. The planktothrix produce a microcystin toxin that potentially can cause skin rashes, sore throat, runny eyes and nose or allergic reactions, and gastro-intestinal distress. The toxin can also be toxic to the liver and kidneys if ingested in significant quantities.

The limited actions taken to date to stem the flow of phosphorus into the Lake have been ineffective, at best. Drastic action is required. Since some of the effluent from the small Grand Lake St. Marys watershed flows north into Lake Erie, if the State in unable to stop the excessive nutrients flowing into the Grand Lake St. Marys, there is little hope it will be able to protect Lake Erie. Lake Erie is already showing the initial effects of excessive nutrient contamination.

I am requesting that you immediately take the following actions to stem the further degradation of Grand Lake St. Marys.

a.Declare the watershed of the Lake to be a phosphorus 'free' zone. The application of phosphorus in any form would only be allowed to meet the nutrient needs of crops, lawns, or other plants within 12 months of the application. Soil tests demonstrating the need for the phosphorus would be required prior to the application. Establish an online statewide database where the results of the soil tests would be recorded indicating phosphorus need.  

b.Roadside ditches must be restored to legal easement boundaries.

c.Prohibit the application of manure or fertilizer in the watershed between November 1 and April 1.

d.Install control structures (tile plugs) to stop nutrients from entering streams during rain events or nutrient application.

e.Install appropriate filter strips, winter crop cover and grass waterways to prevent erosion.

f.Enact regulation that all producers are regulated for nutrient management plans as those required for large producer operations.

g.All septic systems be inspected and put into proper working order.

h.Prohibit the expansion of any confined animal feeding facilities (CAFF) of any size or the establishment of any new CAFF's larger than 10 equivalent animal units in the Lake's watershed.

i.Riprap feeder channels and remaining shoreline.

j.Enact and fund the Army Corp of Engineers “dredging and island building.”

k.Enforce good farming practices.

The time for real action is now and we expect positive change. To go with a voluntary water quality improvement initiative plan proposed in November 2009 that is not mandated or enforced is just irresponsible.  

If you do not act on the above I will at the next election support the candidates who will!
    
Excuses for inaction are not acceptable. I want you to stop the degradation of Grand Lake St. Marys, which is resulting in greatly reduced recreational opportunities, property values, employment opportunities and commercial and residential development.

Respectfully yours,