Farmers along the Lower Thames River will be coming under
closer scrutiny in the efforts to reduce algae blooms in Lake St. Clair and
Lake Erie.
The federal government has identified phosphorous runoff as
the top-priority issue, says Karen Maaskant, water quality specialist with the
Upper Thames Conservation Authority.
What’s known so far is that phosphorous runoff in the spring
is a major issue.
One of the things authorities want to do now is increase
monitoring, especially along the Lower Thames River. That means farmers will be
under closer scrutiny. There will be a push to have them adhere to best
management practices.
That includes nutrient management plans and disciplines,
more cover crops and better erosion control, including berms along waterways.
The Thames River Clear Water Revival organization is working
with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority to reduce phosphorous
content in the lake water.
Canada and the United States have agreed that more needs to
be done to reduce phosphorous in Lake Erie.
