Putting an end to algae blooms; a permanent solution to end the summertime problem

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Doctor West Bishop has seen hundreds of harmful algae blooms like the ones we have seen in Central New York recently and knows how to solve the problem.

“We like to characterize, understand the nutrients in that waterbody and implement permanent solutions,” he said. “Solutions that are ecologically benign and are proven across the country.”

His company, Eutrophix, uses a clay they call Eutrosorb G, which stops the nutrient building process and restores water quality.

“That formulation we have is very specific and permanent to binding phosphorous,” Dr. West said. “Phosphorous is a key nutrient that supports these blooms and their growth and getting out of hand. If we combine that and take that out, we can limit the bloom.”

Bishop says monitoring and sampling water alone isn’t going to fix the problem, and waiting multiple months can lead to hazardous outcomes.

“We are cleaning up water bodies every day. We are solving this. There are things that can be done,” he said. “We are seeing these blooms last longer and longer, sometimes year-round. That strategy of let’s not use the water for the next two months, for the rest of the summer. That’s not a strategy.”

And the best way to get to the finish line.

“We need to bring anyone that wants to be involved to the table,” West said. “We are certainly willing to work from government, allocate funds from the top down, from local governments, county governments to state government.”

Click here for an interactive map to track algae blooms in lakes across New York State.

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