State-issued health alerts for toxic blue-green algae continue in effect at Rockford Lake (Gage County) and Kirkman's Cove Reservoir (Richardson County) this week.

Samples taken last week at both lakes were above the state’s health alert threshold of 20 parts per billion (ppb) of total Microcystins (a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae). Rockford Lake and Kirkman’s Cove both tested below the 20 ppb mark this week, but remain on alert due to the results of last week’s testing.

The artwork of 13 Nebraska students will be featured in the 2010 “Nebraska: Don’t Waste It!” environmental calendar. The statewide contest is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) and focuses on the importance of waste reduction, recycling and litter cleanup.

State-issued health alerts for toxic blue-green algae have been issued for Merritt Reservoir (Cherry County) and Bluestem Lake (Lancaster County), and an alert continues in effect at Rockford Lake (Gage County). Kirkman's Cove Reservoir (Richardson County) was removed from the alert list this week.

State-issued health alerts for toxic blue-green algae continue this week for Merritt Reservoir (Cherry County), Bluestem Lake (Lancaster County), and Rockford Lake (Gage County).

Samples taken at the three listed lakes were below the state’s health alert threshold of 20 parts per billion (ppb) of total Microcystins (a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae). However, as this is the first week below the threshold for the three lakes, they remain on alert.

State-issued health alerts for toxic blue-green algae were removed this week for Merritt Reservoir (Cherry County), Bluestem Lake (Lancaster County), and Rockford Lake (Gage County). No lakes are currently on the alert list in the state of Nebraska.

Samples taken at the three listed lakes were below the state’s health alert threshold of 20 parts per billion (ppb) of total Microcystins (a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae). This is the second week of testing below the threshold for the three lakes.

For the second consecutive week, no lakes are on the alert list for toxic blue-green algae in the state of Nebraska.

State-issued health alerts for toxic blue-green algae were removed two weeks ago for Merritt Reservoir (Cherry County), Bluestem Lake (Lancaster County), and Rockford Lake (Gage County). Lakes that are on health alert must have two consecutive weeks of readings below 20 ppb before the alert is removed.

Starting in late September, visitors to Lake Ogallala will see some big changes taking place, including channelization work which will improve trout and other fish habitat. During this renovation period, (through late November, and resuming in February and March) water levels at the lake will be significantly lower, and recreational opportunities may be temporarily affected.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality today is announcing the recipients of over $1.1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants. These grants are being allocated across the state for projects that reduce diesel emissions through a federal program called the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).

Major renovation work to improve circulation at Lake Ogallala has been mostly completed, well ahead of the predicted completion schedule of next Spring.

The renovation is designed to improve circulation at the lake, which is one of the state’s premier trout fisheries. The only work remaining is the planting of wetland grasses and other plants, which will likely be completed in March, 2010.

Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Director Mike Linder has announced the awarding of $1,890,250 in 67 grants for litter cleanup, recycling, and public education programs and activities. Funds for the Litter Reduction and Recycling Grant Program are generated from a fee charged to certain manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of products that commonly contribute to litter.