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Nixon Calls for More Regulation at Lake of the Ozarks

E. coli bacteria
E. coli bacteria

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-877966.mp3

Kansas City, MO – Missouri Governor Jay Nixon wants increased regulatory authority as a means of protecting water quality at the Lake of the Ozarks. And that proposal comes on the same day the latest test results are released.

Water samples gathered in October show contamination from some agricultural chemicals. But Department of Natural Resources officials say tests for other pollutants were normal. The state agency has come under fire because the release of test results showing high E. coli levels was delayed for a month during the time of year when tourists flock to the popular Lake. Nixon spokesman Scott Holste says the proposal would lead to improved water quality at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Scott Holste: "(It) would give authority to the Missouri Clean Water Commission to designate certain bodies of water that are public as being distressed."

Holste says the commission and the DNR would have the authority to limit permits and inspect a broader range of facilities at the Lake.

Marshall Griffin is the Statehouse reporter for St. Louis Public Radio.
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