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House Chair Tapped to Study Ohio’s Harmful Algae Blooms

Algae blooms pictured in the Western Basin of Lake Erie on August 4, 2014. (NOAA)
Algae blooms pictured in the Western Basin of Lake Erie on August 4, 2014. (NOAA)

Republican State Rep. Dave Hall of Millersburg, who chairs the House agriculture committee, has been tapped to take a close look at the toxic algae issue in Ohio.

Hall said this is an issue that must be handled on several fronts including further preventing the cause of algal blooms—but the first step is to utilize satellite imaging to recognize an issue and give water treatment plants a heads-up.

“If we can use our technology that will better prepare these water treatment facilities to be able to treat the issue," Hall said, "I mean you can still treat and purify and get the number down so the water can be drinkable.”

While Hall carries out his study, the Lake Erie Legislative Caucus plans to hold a hearing on Friday allowing the public to make comments and suggestions for how the state should move forward.

Nick Castele was a senior reporter covering politics and government for Ideastream Public Media. He worked as a reporter for Ideastream from 2012-2022.