News

Western Lake Erie designated ‘impaired’ by Michigan

The Michigan waters of the Western Lake Erie Basin have been declared impaired by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).

MDEQ Director Heidi Grether says the determination is the result of shoreline monitoring and satellite imagery analyses of extensive algal blooms. The department says the announcement further supports the need for Michigan, Ohio and Canada’s goal of a 40 percent reduction of total phosphorus loads.

Michigan Agri-Business Association President Jim Byrum says the announcement does nothing to advance the understanding of current problems in Lake Erie. He says instead of encouraging constructive solutions, the announcement sets the table for even more government mandates, largely driven by fringe groups out to dismantle agriculture.