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Toxin advisory for Grand Lake downgraded to allow boating

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By Katie Wedell, Staff Writer 7:30 PM Thursday, August 26, 2010

GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS – Toxin levels have dropped enough in Grand Lake St. Marys that it is now safe for recreational boating.

The algal bloom advisory for the lake was downgraded to a toxin advisory, Thursday, according to the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Previously, an advisory banned all direct and indirect contact with the lake. Under the downgraded advisory people should still avoid direct contact with the lake such as swimming and waterskiing.

“At this point we feel confident that the level is low enough to allow recreation boating,” said Mike Shelton, spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

He said levels of one toxin, microcystin, have been significantly down for two weeks straight, while levels of three other toxins have barely been detected.

“We would want to see non-detection for all three of those toxins for two straight weeks to allow direct contact with the lake,” Shelton said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2124 or kwedell@coxohio.com.

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