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By Steve Bennish, Staff Writer Updated 12:12 AM Monday, September 6, 2010

COLUMBUS — Hopes are riding on two projects under way this month at Grand Lake St. Marys that could help fight a cyanobacteria outbreak that’s shut down recreation there.

The first project by Algaeventure Systems Inc. of Marysville uses a silica or sand to encourage the growth of algae that is not harmful and could outcompete cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae.

A 2.5 acre area in the northwest portion of the lake is receiving the applications to encourage the growth of a toxin-free green algae that has potential to be a biofuel. The first application was Aug. 31. Results are expected within 60 days, said David Coho, vice president of business development for Algaeventure. The cost is estimated at $25,000, paid by the state.

The second project, to be paid for with federal grant funds issued by the state, has a $250,000 price tag and will be managed by Tetra Tech of Pasadena, Calif. Alum will be applied at six sites over 53 acres on the lake beginning Sept. 20, said Russ Gibson, Ohio EPA environmental manager. The alum should bind phosphorous in the water and make it unavailable to bacteria that feed on it. The project’s goal is to reduce phosphorous in lake water by 60 to 80 percent where the treatments occur.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources spokesman Mike Shelton said the near-term projects could help make the lake usable as a long-term effort to reduce nutrients from farm runoff unfolds.

The farm runoff pours into the lake from feeder creeks in pulses following heavy rains and snow melts. Next summer, the state plans to dredge nutrient deposits where the creeks feed into the lake, removing fuel for the bacteria, Shelton said.

State officials from OEPA, ODNR, Health and Agriculture will meet with the public from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the projects at the Celina High School field house.

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