More than 100 Duke Energy volunteers to remove algae from Kings Bay in Citrus County, Fla. - Duke Energy

CRYSTAL RIVER, FLA. -

Thick, greenish-black slime – an algae called Lyngbya – continues to smother native vegetation in Kings Bay, blanketing the springs' sandy bottom and impacting the ecosystem and aquatic wildlife.

For Citrus County's natural springs, the overgrowth of algae is a communitywide problem. For Duke Energy's Elizabeth Pielow, the problem is personal.

More than 100 Duke Energy volunteers to remove algae from Kings Bay in Citrus County, Fla. - Duke Energy