The massive algae bloom in the San Francisco Bay Area that has caused thousands of dead fish to wash up onshore may be fueled by untreated human feces and urine.
The upgrades necessary to ensure that the treatment process removes the nutrient in human waste fueling the bloom will cost an estimated $14 billion, per a report from the San Francisco Chronicle.
The historic bloom is being fueled primarily by the waste rather than climate change or other factors, per the report.
CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS ASK RESIDENTS TO CONSERVE ENERGY AS SAN FRANCISCO SEES RECORD HEAT
Harmful algal blooms, such as the one seen in the San Francisco Bay Area, are fueled by a combination of sunlight, slow-moving water, nitrogen, and phosphorus, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The agency also says that algal blooms can be toxic and sicken or kill people or animals in some instances.
The algae bloom has left the stench of dead fish and clogged beaches and waterways filled with carcasses.
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The recent bloom has been occurring in the area for several weeks, with officials looking to quell what has been the largest bloom in decades as soon as possible.
