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Toxic Algae Again Closes SIUC's Campus Lake

Water

Southern Illinois University Carbondale again this year is warning people and animals to avoid skin contact with water in Campus Lake due to the presence of toxic algae.
SIU's Center for Environmental Health and Safety has been monitoring the lake on a weekly basis since late May. That's when a state advisory went out urging residents to watch for blue-green algae in Illinois' lakes and rivers. Officials say Campus Lake's algae level was within acceptable standards until this week.

Fishing and boating on the 43-acre lake are temporarily prohibited. The university is posting warning signs. Area drinking water is not affected, and the walking path around the lake remains open.

Vice Chancellor of  Administration and Finance Kevin Bame says the presence of organic material and summer's warmer temperatures are creating perfect conditions for the growth of the algae. He says the bulk of the algae growth is in shallower water near the Thompson Point student housing complex.

In conjunction with the ongoing monitoring, the university is moving forward with a plan to drop the lake level, which will expose around 20 acres of shoreline. In some areas of the lake, the water level is likely to drop as much as 6 feet. There will continue to be habitat for the lake's fish and wildlife. The water will be discharged into the lake's natural watershed tributary.

Lowering the entire lake is expected to take a month. Once the organic material left along the exposed shoreline has dried out, it will be disposed of organically or at a landfill. Excavation and removal will take another three to four months. It will take a year to 15 months for the lake to return to its current level.

Total cost is expected to be between $300,000 and $350,000. Funds have been identified through University Housing, the SIU Foundation and the chancellor's office to cover the cost.
 

As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
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