why is lake erie so pollutedwhy is lake erie so polluted

This remains true even if we factor in the populations living in the watersheds of Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron, which ultimately drain into Lake Erie. [32] Thousands of ships make this journey each year. [85] A large bloom does not necessarily mean the cyanobacteria will produce toxins", said Michael McKay, executive director of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor. Lake Erie is home to one of the world's largest freshwater commercial fisheries. [115] Five other people reported seeing something similar on three separate occasions, but there is no scientific evidence of such a creature. Why did Lake Erie become polluted? Erie got a poor rating for supporting healthy and productive habitats to sustain native species; being free from nutrients that promote unsightly or toxic blooms; and being free from invasive species and from other substances, materials or conditions that may negatively affect the Great Lakes. State of Ohio, Division of Geological Survey, Monthly bulletin of Lake Levels for The Great Lakes; September 2009; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District. The tribal name "erie" is a shortened form of the Iroquoian word erielhonan, meaning "long tail". Lake Erie turns toxic every summer. Officials aren't cracking down on On the 50th anniversary this year of the Clean Water Act and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the United States to restore and protect the Great Lakes, the health of the Great Lakes as a whole is deemed fair and unchanging. The grand jury indicted four corporations for polluting Lake Erie and waterways in northeast Ohio. [91] Sometimes, the clouds of mayflies have caused power outages[92] and roads to become slippery with squashed insects. In addition, they are working with local communities to raise awareness of the dangers and to encourage people to take precautions when swimming or boating in the lake. This can be extremely dangerous for swimmers, as cold water can lead to hypothermia. As a community we should all be mad. Battle of Lake Erie The lake played a pivotal role in the War of 1812. There are still significant challenges, including the impacts of nutrients, especially in Lake Erie and localized areas, and the impacts of invasive species, the Great Lakes report states, adding, Climate change is already exacerbating some threats.. For decades, pollution filled Lake Erie with far more nutrients than the lake could handle, with phosphorous being the main culprit. [32] Generally, however, with the exceptions of the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812which involved conflicts between the U.S. and the United Kingdomrelations between the U.S. and Canada have been remarkably friendly with an "unfortified boundary" and an agreement "that has kept all fleets of war off the Great Lakes. The lake provides drinking water for about eleven million of these inhabitants. [29], At the time of European contact, there were several Indigenous peoples living around the shores of the eastern end of the lake. Lake Erie provides drinking water for more people than any other, but [128] They are preserved because the water is cold and salt-free. Human activity, such as pollution and maritime ship traffic, can affect this environment in numerous ways. Growth of organisms in the lake is then spiked to the point that oxygen levels are depleted. Lake Superior accounts for about 10% of the entire worlds liquid freshwater supply and is known for its crystal-clear waters. And other interesting facts. 3. The efforts of government agencies, communities, and individuals have led to cleaner water and a safer swim environment. This event was unique because it was a turning point in the United States for environmental awareness and legislation. Lake Ontario is the smallest and last of the Great Lakes on this list, located between the province of Ontario, Canada, and the state of New York. This pollution is known to fuel algal blooms, which can be seen as green slime or scum-like substances that cover the surface of the water, making it look disgusting. [35] Lake Erie was the last of the Great Lakes to be explored by Europeans, since the Iroquois who occupied the Niagara River area were in conflict with the French, and they did not allow explorers or traders to pass through; explorers followed rivers out of Lake Ontario and portaged to Lake Huron. I think weve really recognized that by making those huge investments to protect them. Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes and stretches from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario. The Corps' LEWMS was also instituted at that time. The shoreline is unstable and prone to erosion. Hazardous rocks at the bottom can cause accidents when swimmers or boaters go near them (remember the Titanic?). Lake Erie | Cleveland Historical To avoid these dangers, wear a life jacket when swimming and during big waves, drink plenty of water, be aware of the signs of drowning, know how to swim if you get into trouble, and shout for help if you are in danger. [20][21] The region around the lake is known as the "thunderstorm capital of Canada" with "breathtaking" lightning displays. Flooding driven by climate change threatens tocontaminate public water suppliesaround the lakes. [37] American soldiers swept through the Ontario area around Port Rowan burning towns and villages. Third, if you get lost while swimming, no one will help you find your way back. [65] In past years, lake ice was so thick that it was possible to drive over it or go sailing on iceboats. These chemicals fueled huge blooms of algae that then died and decomposed, depleting oxygen in the water. We have much more work to do. 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The 2nd smallest of the Great Lakes by surface area. However, the water can be much colder in certain areas, especially near the shore. Despite their enormous importance, the lakes weredegraded for well over a centuryas industry and development expanded around them. While commercial fishing declined, sport fishing has remained. Boats are already risking a lot with the shallow waters, but reefs can shred . Like phosphorus, nitrogen is a nutrient that causes large blooms of algae in fresh water; it is one of the main ingredients in fertilizer, and is also found in human and animal waste. It suddenly seems like harmful algae blooms are everywhere. "[38], In 1837, rebellions broke about between Canadian settlers and the British Colonial government. [66] But venturing on Lake Erie ice can be dangerous. [93] One account suggests that bird populations are in trouble, notably the wood warbler, which had population declines around 60% in 2008. [117] Cuts of 30 to 45 percent for certain fish were made in 2007. As cold air flows over the warm water, the lake warms and moistens the air. [13] Some outflow occurs via the Welland Canal, part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, which diverts water for ship passages from Port Colborne, Ontario, on Lake Erie, to St. Catharines on Lake Ontario, an elevation difference of 326ft (99m). Why Is Lake Erie So Dangerous? (8 Reasons Why) - VeryInformed Although it is not as heavily polluted as Lake Erie, the Great Salt Lake has experienced its fair share of environmental issues due to human development and industrial activities in the surrounding area. Scajaquada Creek, though small in comparison, will be an especially challenging project. How Deep is Lake Superior? Therefore, it is always recommended that swimmers check for advisories and warnings before they head to the beach and practice basic safety precautions like avoiding swallowing water and swimming within designated swim areas. What's the physics behind "lake effect snow"? For example, the walleye and smallmouth bass populations have rebounded, and anglers report good catches from many parts of the lake. Excessive phosphorus levels are a significant problem for Lake Erie. Additionally, the algae produces toxins that harm human health, especially those who consume fish caught in the lake. Agriculture, industrial activities, sewage treatment plants, and stormwater runoff are some of the significant contributors to Lake Eries contamination. [129] While the lake is relatively warmer than the other Great Lakes, there is a thermocline, meaning that as a diver descends, the water temperature drops about 30 degrees Fahrenheit change (17C), requiring a wetsuit. [127], Lake Erie is a favorite for divers since there are many shipwrecks, perhaps 1,400 to 8,000 according to one estimate,[36] of which about 270 are confirmed shipwreck locations. When fishermen realized late Saturday morning that the ice had broken away, they began to debate the best way off. Though a lot has been done to revitalize Lake Erie, there is still a lot that needs to be done to completely eliminate its gross reputation. Lake Erie is 210 feet (64 meters) deep at its deepest point. The smart way to start your day. The Coast Guard attempted to interdict the Canadian liquor with its Rum Patrol,[50][51][52][53][54] and a casino operated on Middle Island. The globs of oil, the multicolored industrial discharges, the flotsam from shoreline cities, the fecal and bacterial wastes are no longer dumped in the lakes in vast quantities. Now, 50 years later, they have made progress, but there are new challenges and much unfinished business. Short-term level changes are often caused by seiches that are particularly high when southwesterly winds blow across the length of the lake during storms. Its full of toxic chemicals and pollutants. [36] Research into shipwrecks has been organized by the Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center, located on the grounds of the Great Lakes Historical Society. [72], Lake Erie has a complex ecosystem with many species in interaction. In addition to its clear waters, Lake Superior is also known for its diverse aquatic habitats and species. These are signs, Gallo said. Canadians near Leamington and Kingsville have organized protest groups to thwart attempts to bring wind turbines to the lake; reasons against the turbines include spoiling lake views. [69] Plans to install turbines in Pigeon Bay, south of Leamington were met with opposition as well. One recent account suggests that the seasonal algal blooms in Lake Erie were possibly caused by runoff from cities, fertilizers, zebra mussels, and livestock near water. Lake Superiors importance as a clean water resource cannot be overstated. There have been several outbreaks of deadly diseases in Lake Erie, including a severe outbreak of E. coli in 2014 that killed two people and sickened more than 100 others. The lakes water quality has significantly improved, and the ecosystem has seen positive changes such as the resurgence of wildlife populations. [118] The analysis suggests that in the Lake Erie context, the competition between sport and commercial fishing involves universals and that these conflicts are cultural, not scientific, and therefore not resolvable by reference to ecological data. Lake Erie's structure and position. It is known for being the most unpredictable of the Great Lakes, as the weather can change quickly, and the water can become rough without warning. The lake is also surrounded by some of the largest cities in the United States, including Cleveland, Buffalo, and Detroit, whose urban runoff carries high levels of pollutants like heavy metals, fertilizers, and pesticides into the lake. What is the largest contributor of pollution to Lake Erie? What happened to Lake Erie in 1969 that was unique? Recommendations were made for reducing point-source outflows, and reducing farm contributions of phosphorus by changing fertilizer usage, employing no-till farming, and other conservative practices. According to one report, the Canadian town of Port Dover is the home of the lake's largest fishing fleet.[32]. The commission has been the focus of considerable recrimination, primarily from angler and charter fishing groups in the U.S. which have had a historical antipathy to commercial fishing interests. [121] There was a report that charter boat fishing increased substantially on the American side, from 46 to 638 charter boats in operation in Ohio alone, during a period from 1975 to 1985 as pollution levels declined and after populations of walleye increased substantially in the lake. Here are five reasons why Lake Erie is so Dangerous: 1. The water quality in Lake Erie has been a serious issue for many years. But its not all bad. [131] There was speculation that the sunken vessel had been a gambling ship, and therefore there might have been money aboard, but most historians were skeptical. It had support from both political parties, including United States Senator George Voinovich of Ohio and Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, but is not popular in the southwestern states because of frequent drought conditions and water scarcity. By being aware of these factors, you can enjoy the beauty and fun of this lake while staying safe and healthy. "I was afraid to inquire where (Canada) was, lest it would betray such a degree of ignorance as to excite suspicion at once." Lake Erie's algae blooms are caused by runoff pollution. However, there are reports that some Canadian commercial fishermen are dissatisfied with fishing quotas and have sued the government about this matter, and there have been complaints that the legislative body writing the quotas is dominated by the U.S. and that sport fishing interests are favored at the expense of commercial fishing interests. Increased efforts are necessary to address the root causes of pollution, reduce nutrient runoff, and promote sustainable land use practices in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the Ohio Department of Health and Environment has been monitoring the water quality of Lake Erie for decades. Additionally, Lake Superiors water chemistry and circulation make it less vulnerable to pollution than others. In December 1970, a federal grand jury investigation led by U.S. Attorney Robert Jones began, of water pollution allegedly being caused by about 12 companies in northeastern Ohio. Each of the five Great Lakes is unique in their size, depth, and geographical location, and as a result, each has its own unique characteristics that dictate the behavior of the water. [107] One estimate was that $5billion was spent to upgrade plants to treat sewage. The shoreline is unstable and prone to erosion. [94] Birds affected included grebes, common and red-breasted mergansers, loons, diving ducks, ring-billed gulls, and herring gulls. And there is the opportunity to build on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative which led to the Buffalo River renaissance with the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which triples funding to the restoration initiative. [122] It is possible to fish off piers in winter for burbot; the burbot make a midwinter spawning run and is reportedly one of Erie's glacial relics. The presence of excessive nutrients in the water leads to harmful algae blooms, which can be toxic and significantly impact water quality, aquatic plant and animal life, and tourism. 5. Determining which lake in the US has the most pollution is a complex and ongoing process, as pollution levels can fluctuate based on a variety of factors such as weather patterns, human activity, and natural processes. One of the main concerns is the continued runoff of nutrients from agricultural fertilizers, yard waste, and human waste that contributes to the growth of toxic algae. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. All rights reserved. Lake Erie is the warmest and shallowest of the Great Lakes, which makes it susceptible to algal blooms. Apple orchards are abundant in northeast Ohio to western New York. This waste can accumulate over time and become more extensive as the popularity of these activities continues to increase. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The ancient sand dunes are visible in the Oak Openings Region in Northwest Ohio. [26] Meanwhile, at the western end of the lake, Toledo experienced a similar drop in water level. The Great Lakes are a collection of five massive freshwater bodiesSuperior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario. Attempts failed to stock coho salmon, and its numbers are dwindling. Generally there is heavy traffic on the lake except during the winter months from January through March when ice prevents vessels from traveling safely. Swimmers itch is caused by a parasite that lives in water birds. Climate change is also a factor that has made a significant impact on the volume of plastic in Lake Erie. Swimming in Lake Erie can be safe, but it is important to take precautions and consider factors such as water quality, weather conditions, and personal abilities before diving in. The Lake Erie sections of western New York have a suitable climate for growing grapes, and there are many vineyards and wineries in Chautauqua County and Erie County. While progress has been made toward improving water quality, more work needs to be done. The largest city on the lake is Cleveland, anchoring the third largest U.S. metro area in the Great Lakes region, after Greater Chicago and Metro Detroit. One such lake is Lake Erie, which is located on the border of the United States and Canada. The report looked at the safety of drinking water; swimming and eating fish; levels of toxic chemicals; wetlands and native species; nutrients; non-native and invasive species; groundwater; and land use changes. Anglers target walleye and yellow perch, with some effort directed at rainbow trout. . It has high levels of bacteria and viruses. A major step in Canada-U.S. joint management of the Great Lakes came in 1909 when they signed theBoundary Waters Treaty. During one storm in November 2003, the water level at Buffalo rose by 7 feet (2.1m) with waves of 1015 feet (3.04.6 metres) for a rise of 22 feet (6.7m). Too few farmers are curbing pollution in Lake Erie. Should they be [62] In January 2011, for example, residents of Cleveland were glad when Lake Erie was "90 percent frozen" since it meant that the area had "made it over the hump" in terms of enduring repeated snowfalls which required much shoveling. They form the largest collection of freshwater lakes in the world, covering a total area of approximately 94,000 square miles. The Great Lakes Lake Erie About one-third of the total population of the Great Lakes basin is in the Lake Erie watershed. Sep 29, 2022 Updated Apr 21, 2023 0 The sun dips below the Fort Erie, Ont., horizon as a sailboat floats by on a quiet night on Lake Erie in 2021. "There's been plastic found in tap water that's sourced from the lakes," said Juliette Daily, third year PhD student at RIT, "there's been plastic found in beer that used water sourced from the lakes." Several different types of plastics were analyzed as some have different buoyancies. While chemicals such as mercury and PCBs have declined in the lakes, high concentrations of nutrients, mostly from agricultural runoff, are affecting them. 1960s During the 1960s, Lake Erie was declared a "dead lake" due to eutrophication and pollution. Like national water pollution laws enacted at the time, these efforts focused on point sources pollutants released from discreet, readily identifiable points, such as discharge pipes or wells. [49] Possible causes for declines in bird populations are farming practices, loss of habitats, soil depletion and erosion, and toxic chemicals. The water quality in Lake Erie is a complex and challenging issue that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. First, if you get injured while swimming, there will be no one around to help you. [64] In contrast, Lake Michigan has never completely frozen over since the warmer and deeper portion is in the south, although it came close to being totally frozen during three harsh winters over the past century. These rocks can be dangerous and sharp if you manage to hit one. In addition, the water may also contain harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides. Scientists have documented a range of positive changes in the lake. Lake Erie (42.2 N, 81.2W) has a mean elevation of 571 feet (174m)[8] above sea level. Lake Erie (/ri/ EER-ee) is the fourth-largest lake by surface area of the five Great Lakes in North America and the eleventh-largest globally. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. limbata. Lake Superior is the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes, making it a popular spot for cruisers and recreational boaters alike. [49] Occasionally there have been mass die-offs of certain species of fish, sometimes for reasons unknown, such as many numbers of rainbow smelt in May 2010. Many people drive to other islands for dinner with friends. It's Toxic Slime Time on Florida's Lake Okeechobee Blooms usually happen in the summer and early fall. The water is drinkable and the amount of toxic chemicals has declined. If the two countries can muster the will to aggressively tackle pollution problems, as they did with phosphates in the 1970s, the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement gives them a framework for action. toward the coasts. The glaciers were able to carve away more land on the eastern side of the lowland because the bedrock is made of shale which is softer than the carbonate rocks of dolomite and limestone on the western side. All of these sources contribute nutrients, primarily phosphorus, to the lake. Check the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared for rough conditions. Swallowing even a small amount of contaminated water can lead to serious health problems. It's not only one of the most polluted lakes in the country but also ranks among the most polluted lakes in the world. However, as an executive agreement, rather than a formal government-to-government treaty, the pact has no legal mechanisms for enforcement. After being trapped for an hour-and-a-half, Baker was back on dry land, exhausted and battered but alive. [49] One report suggests the oxygen-poor zone began about 1993 in the lake's central basin and becomes more pronounced during summer, but is somewhat of a mystery why this happens. [73], The lake has been plagued with a number of invasive species, including zebra[49] and quagga mussels, the goby, and the grass carp.