The International Joint Commission, the U.S.-Canada group that oversees the Great Lakes, will spend the next few months studying the impact of algae blooms in Lake Erie before issuing a new report on the lake in the spring, says the Associated Press. The commission said more than a year ago the two nations should crack down on sources of phosphorus runoff that causes the explosive growth of algae. Toledo shut down its water intake from the lake in August because of toxins produced by the algae.
“The commission last year called for a ban on the spread of manure on frozen or snow-covered ground and sharp reductions in phosphorus runoff, which mostly comes from farm fertilizers, livestock manure and sewage overflows,” says AP. Farm groups favor voluntary action.