Is the Genesee River something we should be concerned about? Many would answer “yes.” Although polluted waterways like Buffalo’s Love Canal are widely known, many others manage to fly under the radar, even as studies and research indicate that problems with local waterways could have a far reaching impact on local environment and economy.
Discussion of the Genesee River often focuses on developing it for tourism. In fact, it’s often difficult to find information about the actual health and condition of the river, and what, exactly, is contributing to its demise. However, there are a few different studies that can clue us in. Research by Environment New York, for example, found that the Genesee River ranked 32nd out of all American rivers for total toxic discharges occurring in 2010.
Outlined in a breaking article for the Democrat and Chronicle this February, a new and major research study has determined the source of the Genesee River’s pollutants. Named The Genesee River Watershed Project, the study — an in-depth 755 pages of published research so far — has used computer modeling to track the travels of sediment, which diminishes water quality, and phosphorus, a nutrient that fuels algae growth, as they move throughout the river. The EPA cautions that phosphorus and nitrogen pollution are “one of America’s most widespread and costly environmental problems,” and interfere with common activities like fishing and swimming, while also impacting overall water health.
Two main sources of river contamination appear to be farm field runoff, and sewage treatment plant discharge. Phosphorus, identified in earlier studies as being a Ontario lakeshore contaminant, encourages algae growth that can stifle lake life, become tangled in boat motors, and ruin beaches. If the phosphorus levels can be reduced in the river, the lake would experience improvements as well. The study estimates that approximately 206 tons of phosphorus, and 442,000 tons of sediment, are dumped each year into Lake Ontario by the Genesee River.
The study has been able to recommend several courses of action that would inhibit river contamination without stifling commerce.”They represent identified sources. They’re easy to locate. The technology (to improve them) is there,” explains the study’s lead author Joseph Makarewicz, an environmental science professor at Brockport. If the dairy farms near the river, for example, were to change the way they spread manure, phosphorus levels would be reduced by 7%. Planting grass where stormwater drains on fields could reduce phosphorus levels by an incredible 23%.
Is phosphorus really something we should be concerned about? According to the EPA, “Phosphorus is of concern in surface waters because it can lead to eutrophication (overwhelming algae growth in water). Phosphorus is also a concern because phosphate levels greater than 1.0 mg/l may interfere with coagulation in drinking water treatment plants.” However, it’s important to note that, although the EPA has recommendations regarding the reduction of phosphorus, and provides information about it, it does not regulate it.
The standards set by the EPA for water were established in 1974 by the Safe Drinking Water Act. This act sets legal limits for water contaminants, protects water and water sources, and also regulates testing of water treatment facilities. Many non-toxic contaminants are not actually regulated by the EPA, but only have recommend limits.