Jul 11, 2008 7:59 am US/Pacific
Smoke From Wildfires Could Damage Lake Tahoe
RENO (AP) ―
Studies are under way to determine the effect of thick smoke from California wildfires on Lake Tahoe's environment.
Scientists fear the lingering smoke could deposit loads of nitrogen into Tahoe's waters and diminish its famed clarity by fueling algae growth.
Last summer's Angora Fire on Lake Tahoe's south shore caused a brief bloom of algae at Tahoe, but researchers say the impacts of the current wildfires are unclear.
Researchers next week plan to install a state-of-the-art air sampler to help measure possible toxins being sent to Tahoe by the wildfires.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Comments