Environmental activists say they are disappointed with Winnipeg City Hall's failure to deal with phosphorus emissions from the North End Sewage Treatment Plant.

Yesterday, City Council rejected interim measures proposed by the International Institute of Sustainable Development to curtail what has been identified as the single major contributor to toxic algae blooms in Lake Winnipeg.

The Lake Winnipeg Foundation says city hall has failed to demonstrate it is taking any real action on the issue. However, the Mayor and some council members say the City is still looking at options including the use of chemicals that would reduce phosphorus loads.

According to stats from the City, the North End plant releases around 200,000 kilograms of phosphorus into the Red River each year. 

Nutrients in wastewater, such as phosphorous, can act as a food source for algae, fish, and other animals. If a river or lake receives too many nutrients, this can lead to an overabundance of algae, which hurts the biodiversity and overall health of the water system. This is called eutrophication.

The City faces a December 31st deadline from the province to reduce phosphorus emissions.