Geist Residents And State Scientists Discuss Algae

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(GEIST) - Residents concerned with the blue- green algae that turned up in Geist reservoir last summer met Tuesday with lawmakers, representatives of state agencies and scientists to discuss the problem.

Dr. Lenore Tadesco, a geologist at IUPUI, says it's typically caused by nutrient enrichment such as phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers getting into the water.

Residents were encouraged to examine what they use on their lawns and take steps to curtail the runoff into the reservoir.

Doctor Jim Howell with the Indiana State Dept. of Health says, depending on the level of algae, it could pose a health risk. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management will be taking samples this summer from the tributaries that lead into the reservoir for nutrients, chemicals and pesticides. Results will be posted on a website algae.in.gov.

A buoy with scientific instruments will be placed in the water to monitor the water quality conditions.

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