Ship 41’s Interlux 2012 Waterfront Challenge research of technical papers indicates that there is not one but many contributors to the proliferation of HABs. When several contributors listed below are in alignment HABs will form.

The contributors include run-off from:-

a) Over fertilized farm fields and garden lawns. The excessive use of manure.

b) Roads, parking lots and storm sewer overflows.

c) Sewage treatment plants and septic tanks.

d) Intensive Livestock farming.

e) Invasive species, zebra and quagga mussels.

f) Elevated water temperatures.

g) Sun light

h) Calm and slow flowing water conditions.

This diagram from the EPA explains run-off pollution.

With the heat wave temperatures we are having in Bay Village ( successive days of 90 degree temperatures) and the very low infestation levels of Canadian soldiers this spring it looks like later this summer we will have major HABs.

In future blogs we will look at each contributor in more detail.