"Slash Phosphorus Flowing Into Lake Erie, Great Lakes Commission Says"

"The Great Lakes Commission wants to slash the amount of phosphorus flowing into Lake Erie, the source of toxic algae outbreaks and the reason the city of Toledo lost its drinking water for two days this past summer.

The commission, appointed by the region's governors and legislatures to provide coordinated economic and environmental policies, said this week that it is seeking a 40% reduction of the lake's annual load of phosphorus, a powerful nutrient that is fueling algae breaks on the smallest but most fish-filled Great Lake.

That is the amount already targeted by the International Joint Commission, which oversees U.S. and Canadian boundary waters issues.

Phosphorus is flowing into Lake Erie from city sewage plants, industries and suburban lawns and streets, but the largest single source is by far runoff from farm fields."

Dan Egan reports for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel October 1, 2014.