Algae threatens to spoil charm of lake

[GLF]

Blame placed on fertilizers, soaps from Clinton River

Algae is increasing along the shorelines of Lake St. Clair and that spells trouble for homeowners and boaters.

Macomb County Water Quality Board chairman Doug Martz said he's seen it for nearly a decade: algae, and lots of it along the shores the lake, the Clinton River and connecting canals.

"I just a read a report (Michigan Environmental Council) where there is concern the algae blooms are already going strong this year," Martz said. "This could be the start of a problem that plagued Lake Erie in past with dead zones. We need to stop it before it begins."

Algae can result in a foul smell and can become entangled in boat motors.

http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/062606/loc_algae001.shtml