SIU plans to remove algae from Campus Lake

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - Southern Illinois University plans to remove toxic algae from Campus Lake in hopes people can get back on the water next year.

The Southern Illinoisan reports (http://bit.ly/29EZMu5 ) officials at the Carbondale university have closed the lake for the past three summers because of blue-green algae. People who have contact with the water can develop skin rashes. The algae also contribute to environmental problems.

Kevin Bame is SIUC's vice chancellor for administration and business. He says after consulting with faculty and other experts the university plans to drop the water level of Campus Lake. That will expose about 20 acres of shoreline, allowing the algae to dry out. It will then be disposed of or pulled to a deeper end of the lake.

The process is expected to cost around $300,000.

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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com