Trying to limit algae blooms

COEUR d'ALENE - The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on a proposed plan to reduce excess nutrients that are a source of blue-green algae blooms in Fernan Lake.

The blooms reduce water clarity and produce unsightly, thick, green mats along the shoreline. In addition, some bloom species identified in the lake may produce toxins that are capable of causing illness in humans and animals and death to animals.

In recent years, during warm weather, health advisories have been issued, warning swimmers and others to avoid drinking the water or coming into contact with water containing any blooms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, humans who drink or swim in water that contains high concentrations may experience gastroenteritis, skin irritation, allergic responses or liver damage.

The most recent health advisory was issued for about 10 days in July.

The 2013 Fernan Lake Addendum to the Coeur d'Alene Lake and River Sub-basin Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Loads proposes to establish a total maximum daily load (TMDL) that limits discharge of total phosphorus (TP) to the lake. Sources of TP include stormwater runoff, construction activities, lawn/garden fertilizers, stormwater injection wells, and septic effluent.

The recommended actions seek to bring Fernan Lake into compliance with state water quality standards and restore it to conditions supporting its beneficial uses which include primary contact recreation and aquatic life support.

An implementation plan will be developed to guide water quality improvement efforts over the next 20 years.

The addendum document is available for review at DEQ's Coeur d'Alene Regional Office and on DEQ's website, www.deq.idaho.gov.

The deadline to submit comments is 5 p.m. Oct. 10, and they can be submitted online, by mail or email to: Kristin Larson, DEQ Coeur d'Alene Regional Office, 2110 Ironwood Parkway, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, kristin.larson@deq.idaho.gov.