Reeking Algae Bloom Covering Lake Known As BC's "Houseboat Capital" - G&M

[hatrack]

VANCOUVER -- A huge algal bloom that erupted this week on a lake that bills itself as "the houseboat capital of Canada" is raising a stink that has environmentalists and scientists asking how much development is too much.

The beautiful white beaches and crystal-clear waters of Shuswap Lake, which lies just north of the Okanagan Valley, have been attracting a growing number of tourists and retirees in recent years, spurring a building boom.

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He said the boater who first called in an alert about the bloom described it as emitting "a gross stinky smell ... just putrid and it even burned the throat it was so strong." Mr. Cooperman said the bloom appears to have been triggered by an increased flow of nutrients into the lake from a wide number of sources, including sewage treatment plants, storm-drain runoff, agricultural practices, leaching septic fields and flushing houseboats. "This is the biggest news about the lake yet - too many nutrients are in the lake. This is an extremely rare event and indicates that the water quality is getting worse," Mr. Cooperman wrote on the society's website.

Ian McGregor, a spokesman for the Ministry of Environment, said the algal bloom is rare for Shuswap Lake, but he doesn't think it is causing any damage, although he is concerned. He said the ministry is monitoring the situation and working with other federal, provincial, regional and native agencies on a comprehensive water management plan.

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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080626.BCBLOOM26//TPStory/Environment

[BrklynLib at work]

1. "but he doesn't think it is causing any damage"

Guess this guy is making money off the people that are polluting...

[DCKit]

2. Yet all they would have to do is mandate composting toilets.

What is happening to this lake is nothing new. Our rivers, streams, bays and, even the oceans, are suffering under a nutrient load that is completely preventable. Last years Atlantic Ocean beach closings were attributed, in large part, to leaky septic systems from Nova Scotia to New Jersey.

However, poop is dirty and nobody wants to deal with it as it should be dealt with. Out of sight, out of mind.

[Zachstar]

3. Sounds like the old problem with wanting to have a greener lawn than the Jones.

How many fucking idiots still think that dumping fertilizer into the lawn is a great thing?