As suggested by the Goguac Lake Board, city staff presented the city commission in January with a loose proposal to ban, which could roll out as early as 2008.

“The same way as fertilizer helps lawns to grow, it helps weeds to grow,” said Ken Kohs, environmental services director.

When fertilizer is placed on lawns, excess amounts of phosphorus run off during storms, rushing into streams, rivers, lakes and the sewer system. The chemical can have a profound effect on weeds: One pound of phosphorus can assist the growth of 500 pounds of algae, according to Christine Kosmowski, the city’s environmental program coordinator.

Kohs said when nutrient levels are right, growth of invasive species such as Eurasian milfoil can boom. That can hamper native plant growth and water quality at the lake, which is bordered by Willard Beach. Dense clumps of the plants also can affect recreational activities, from boating to swimming, by creating a vegetative block to such activities.

The Battle Creek area is part of the, which stretches from northern Hillsdale County through Calhoun County and into Lake Michigan.

As part of the Kalamazoo River Watershed, Kosmowski said phosphorus in Battle Creek flows into other rivers and streams, eventually depositing in Lake Allegan, further west.

Macfarlane said a more regional effort might be needed to impact levels of phosphorus ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Kosmowski agreed, saying to her knowledge Battle Creek would be the first area in the watershed to ban phosphorus. Similar bans are in place further in other areas outside Detroit and in Ann Arbor, she said.

“There are more communities that are moving in this direction,” she said.

Source: www.battlecreekenquirer.com