NORWAY – Research of phosphorous pollution in Norway Lake turned into a yearlong classroom study for some students at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

“All of my classes have been studying phosphorous pollution in Norway Lake since the fall of 2009,” science teacher John Haley said.

He said that last November the class applied for a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection to prevent phosphorus pollution. The work was to be done by constructing a vegetated buffer along the Crockett Ridge Road. Students also wanted to develop an awareness campaign to encourage lake residents to use phosphorous-free dishwasher soaps.

After receiving a $1,000 grant in February, the class began planning for a buffer along the road, and the awareness campaign with the support of the Norway Parks and Recreation Department, Norway Lakes Association and the Oxford Soil and Water Conservation District.

Earlier this month, the class planted the buffer and distributed brochures at houses near the lake.

Norway Lakes Association President Bruce Cook, who was present during the planting and hosted Haley at the association meeting Saturday to talk about the project, said pollution is a serious concern on all bodies of water.

“Runoff from land contains pollutants, especially phosphorous, which turns the water green, but also road salt, etc.,” Cook said. “ Poorly maintained camp roads are a major source of pollutants as are malfunctioning septic systems.”

Haley said he hopes to do more projects like this in the future.

“What the school district asks me to cover in the classroom lines up well with concerns surrounding the lake,” he said in a recent e-mail. “And it is much easier to motivate my students when there is a hands on project that makes a difference in the community to keep their interest.”

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