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Septic Systems Seen as Culprit in Long Island Water Pollution

Thousands of dead fish and turtles washed ashore in Long Island, N.Y., as a result of toxic waters that have been attributed to the runoff from septic systems on the island.

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Visitors fish on the shore of Galveston Island State Park.
Credit: Michael Stravato

Thousands of dead fish and turtles washed ashore in Long Island, N.Y., as a result of toxic waters that have been attributed to the runoff from septic systems on the island. Lakes and bays have been invaded by a toxin called microcystis, produced by blue-green algae whose growth has been boosted by runoff from flawed or ill-managed household septic systems. (Circle of Blue)

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