Phosphorus Pollution of Lake Champlain

Presentation prepared for the municipal offices of:Plattsburg, NY and Burlington, VT

Video narration by Shana Ritch, Lead Environmental Engineer of BGP (Being Green Pays)

Lake Champlain has been subjected to many years of pollution; below describes how phosphorus cycles through our environment. The

resolutions discussed in this presentation redirect the phosphorus cycle at fertilization and water filtration.

The Phosphorus Cycle

Lake Champlain is home to several farms and excessive amounts of fertilizer is utilized to maintain these farms and manage demand. Unfortunately, it has lead to toxic runoff that provides nutrients for naturally occurring algae. The levels of phosphorus provide an 'all-you-can-eat' buffet for these algae, resulting in algae blooms.

Results of Phosphorus Pollution

When algae blooms have

appeared, pollution has

become violent. Algae absorbs

oxygen and sunlight (vital

abiotic surroundings) for

survival. Consequently, the blanket of algae prevents the rest

of the aquatic ecosystem from

thriving.

The ultimate decomposition of the algae creates a toxic

environment for other organisms, including

land dwelling animals. Not to mention this

type of toxicity develops an

unpleasant aroma, a natural deterrent to local and traveling

visitors. This ends in lost capital due to

under-utilized resources. Phosphorus

pollution is a vicious cycle that diminishes a

healthy, profitable economy.

Decreased Oxygen and Sunlight

Algae Bloom

Environmental Toxicity

Runoff reaches rivers, streams, and finally the ocean. Some is recycled through seabirds who prey on ocean fish and deposited on

land as guano (bird feces). Most is deposited on the sea floor where it is lost for millions of years.

Contributing Factors

3. CAFO - Concentrated animal feeding operations have a significant impact on phosphorus pollution based on dietary practices and waste runoff

1. Point Source - Waste water treatment and industrial discharges make up 20% of the excess phosphorus deposited into lakes2. Non-point Source - Runoff from roads, agriculture land, septic systems, and lawns equals 80% of the phosphorus pollution

** Additional information may be reviewed by selecting underlined words, otherwise please click mouse to continue the presentation

Working Solutions

Lake Champlain Land Trust

Lake Champlain Basin Program

There are already organizations in place working to minimize and possibly resolve many of the pollution problems facing Lake Champlain as represented by the two

following links.

Public education and awareness

Continued CAFO regulations as found here

Monitor, regulate and improve waste-water facilities

Practice Best Management Practices as suggested here

These two organizations are actively following the principles listed to restore the health of a decaying ecosystem and ultimately revitalize a local economy that

supports national product demands.

Sadly, all of these practices still fail to fully repair the extensive damage to Lake Champlain. They require time and resources that

state governments have difficulty acquiring. There are other potentialities that may support the financial burdens of these

concepts and could even provide new innovative jobs.

** Additional information may be reviewed by selecting underlined words, otherwise please click mouse to continue the presentation

As you may have seen under the links in Contributing Factors and Working Solutions corn is a major component in feed for CAFO's. This unnatural diet for animals is an inexpensive way to maximize growth; it also increases marbling (considered high quality by the USDA). Corn requires an abundance of phosphorus to mature, a contributing factor of pollution in animal waste.

Proposed Solutions

Strict enforcement on manure containment and clean up

Movement towards healthy, natural farm feed

Containment of manure in bins will not only prevent excess

phosphorus runoff, but can later be used as compost and then

fertilizer. This will decrease the amount of phosphorus needed from mines and prevent loss of phosphorus on the ocean floor.

Mussels consume algae, plankton, bacteria, and are essential filters for most bodies of water, including fresh. If farmed and reintroduced into Lake Champlain, in time they will reduce the algae population, balance the ecosystem, and provide another source for food and income for local water people.

Mussel farms

Financial Opportunities

Proceeds will fund public awards and provide funding for grants for local small business growth dedicated to a healthy

Lake Champlain

GREEN LOTTERY

Purchasing tickets can be made on lineLottery will run for a 2 year trial basis

Public Winnings will remain modest ($1-$5000)

Governmental subsidy awarded to a new start-up or restructuring of an existing business for CAFO manure

collection

Return on grants by sale of methane to natural gas company, division of

state municipalities

Local county business start-up grants for new fertilizer conversion

company

BLACK GOLD

Final Summary

Hopefully this presentation has painted a clear picture of the current phosphorus cycle, as well as articulate how it should be. Lake Champlain is a focal point for the phosphorus pollution problem, although the issue is global. Not only do we overharvest phosphorus mines but we mass produce corn, a phosphorus greedy plant. As a culture we have chosen to maximize the potential uses of corn from fuel to wrapping paper and thus, changed our ecosystem.

We at BGP project that significant results may arrive as early as 2015, if we act now; and as much as 65% of the ecosystem could recover by 2030, in the Lake Champlain area. The resolutions offered in this presentation could very well be a model for other locations with similar concerns.

Thank you for your time, Shana RitchLead Environmental Engineer