News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2007
Ohio Lake Erie Commission awards
NEARLY $59,000 in grants
TO FOUR
ORGANIZATIONS CONDUCTING RESEARCH IN THE LAKE’S
WATERSHED
TOLEDO, OH
– The Ohio Lake Erie Commission has awarded a total of $58,881 to four
research projects that will benefit Lake Erie
and its environmental and economic resources.
The U.S. Geological Survey will receive $15,000 to research the
use of microbial source tracking in the Portage River Watershed to determine if
this tracking can differentiate between cattle and human fecal contamination.
Results will be used to monitor the possible impact of confined animal feeding
operations, septic systems and treated wastewater on water quality within the
watershed.
Bowling Green State University will receive $14,300 to conduct a
winter assessment of Lake Erie microbiology
via a six-day research cruise on a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker in February.
This project will test the theory that high algal biomass in the dead of winter
is responsible for a lack of oxygen in the Central Basin
in summer.
The Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc. will receive $15,000 to conduct a
bioswale demonstration project in Orange
Village. The project will
determine the level of pollutant removal as stormwater infiltrates the soil.
This project is performed in conjunction with a USEPA funded demonstration
project on barriers to widespread implementation of low-impact development
practices. This project also addresses the goals of the Balanced Growth
Initiative.
The University of Toledo will receive $14,581 to track fecal
pollution in the area of Huntington Beach and Porter Creek.
Researchers will test the theory that Porter
Creek is the predominant source of
pollution to Huntington Beach
and its contribution is increased by rainfall. Water samples will be collected
between April and September from the Bay Village
storm sewer network, Porter Creek and along Huntington
Beach. These samples will be tested for E.coli. A DNA fingerprinting technique
will allow researchers to match E.coli
communities at the beach with their source.
These quarterly grants
are limited to $15,000 or less each and were generally awarded for one year unless
the specific nature of the project warranted a longer time period. Small grants
may be used as seed money to test the feasibility of larger research projects
or to support other small projects. Small
grant proposals are reviewed and selected at each quarterly meeting of the Ohio
Lake Erie Commission.
The commission was
created to preserve Lake Erie's natural
resources, enhance its water quality and promote economic development in the
region. The director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources serves as the
commission's chairman. Additional members include the directors of the
departments of transportation, development, health, agriculture and the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency.
The commission oversees
the Ohio Lake Erie Protection Fund, which is the source of grant funding. This
fund is supported by Ohioans each time they purchase a Lake Erie license plate
displaying the Marblehead Lighthouse as designed by Ohio artist Ben Richmond.
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For Further Information Contact:
Edwin J. Hammett, Executive Director;
Ohio Lake
Erie Commission
(419) 245-2514