Syracuse, N.Y. -- New York state has issued plans to control toxic algae outbreaks in 12 Upstate lakes.
The plans call for stricter controls on runoff from farms and yards, more inspections of potentially leaking septic tanks, the purchase of land in watersheds to reduce runoff, and deeper water intake pipes.
"These action plans are the gold standard for reducing these potentially dangerous blooms," said Basil Seggos, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, in a news release.
Each of the plans look at what's causing the blooms and what can be done right away to reduce the nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorous, that feed the blooms.
Last year, 150 water bodies in New York had blooms. Skaneateles Lake, the unfiltered drinking water source for Syracuse, had an extensive bloom in the fall that lasted for weeks. Syracuse officials said toxins produced by the algae did not enter drinking water.
The algae blooms, which are actually caused by a bacteria, can sicken humans and kill dogs.
Along with the plans, the state will provide $60 million for municipalities, and soil and water conservation districts, to help put into place the recommendations.
The lakes for which plans have been drafted are:
Western New York: Chautauqua, Conesus and Honeoye
Central New York: Cayuga, Owasco and Skaneateles.
North Country: Lake Champlain at Port Henry, New York portion of Lake Champlain at Isle La Motte watershed, and Lake George.
Hudson Valley: Lake Carmel, Palmer Lake, Putnam Lake, and the Monhagen Brook watershed, including the five reservoirs that serve the Middletown area.
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