Blue Green Algae bloom spotted in Newport's Lake Memphremagog
For Immediate Release: Sept. 15, 2006
Contact: Bill Bress, State Toxicologist
Vermont Department of Health
802-863-7220
ST. ALBANS - The Vermont Department of Health is advising Newport > residents to be aware of a thick Blue Green Algae bloom spotted in the south end of Lake Memphremagog that has dissipated, but remains a concern. "The algae was thick around the waterfront walkway, city dock and boat access in Newport at the end of last week and the beginning of this week," said Bill Bress, state toxicologist for the Vermont Department of Health. "As of last night, there was very little left, but it can come back. We want people to be careful and avoid the algae, particularly if you see it around a swimming area at Prouty Beach."
Skin exposure to some kinds of toxic algae can result in irritation or allergic reactions, and drinking algae that is producing toxins can result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If animals ingest the toxin, they can be quickly paralyzed and die. While blue-green algae toxins have been detected at many locations in Lake Champlain, the highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and shoreline scum. No human cases of illness related to blue-green algae have been documented.
To report a blue-green algae bloom call 1-800-439-8550. For more information on-line go to http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/bg_algae/bgalgae.aspx.
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Blue Green Algae Bloom in St. Albans Bay Leads to Beach Swimming Closure
For Immediate Release: July 13, 2006
Contact: Bill Bress, State Toxicologist
Vermont Department of Health
802-863-7220
ST. ALBANS - A Blue Green Algae bloom spotted in St. Albans Bay led the Vermont Department of Health and the St. Albans Town Health Officer to close the town beach swimming area on Thursday. The initial tests of the bloom by the University of Vermont Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory were positive for low levels of toxin. However, all test results are not completed. St. Albans Bay Town Park was closed as of 1 p.m. Thursday.
"Health Alert: Keep Children and Pets Away from Algae" advisories have been posted at the boat access and beach in Georgia, Vt., and may also be posted at Cohen Park and Burton Island State Park if the bloom spreads either north or southwest.
"The algae is currently near the swimming or recreation areas, and boaters should be careful not to jump into - or to let their dog jump into - the blue-green scum spotted offshore," said Bill Bress, state toxicologist for the Vermont Department of Health. "People should keep their eyes open for blooms anywhere in the bay and avoid them." Some kinds of blue-green algae produce dangerous toxins. Skin exposure can result in irritation or allergic reactions, and drinking algae that is producing toxins can result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Children are considered to be at higher risk because they are more likely to drink the water. No human cases of illness related to blue-green algae have been documented, but during the summers of 1999 and 2000 two dogs died after drinking large amounts of water from a toxic blue-green algae bloom in Lake Champlain.
Camp owners should be aware that common purification methods of water containing blue-green algae, such as boiling, ultraviolet light and chlorination, will not completely destroy the toxins. St. Albans Parks and Recreation will continue to monitor the beaches for algae blooms. To report a blue-green algae bloom call
1-800-439-8550. For more information on-line go to http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/bg_algae/bgalgae.aspx. ###
Blue-green algae found in Malletts Bay
By Candace Page
Burlington Free Press Staff Writer
June 30, 2006
A small bloom of blue-green algae was identified in Malletts Bay this month, the first time the potentially toxic algae has been spotted in the bay, which is considered to have generally good water quality.
The green scum was found at the state fishing access during the week of June 5. Nearby Bayside Park was closed for several days as a precaution, town Health Officer Tom Ray said.
The bloom persisted for about a week before disappearing, according to Mary Watzin, director of the University of Vermont's Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory.
"The algae was there in high enough levels to be concerned for that short amount of time," she said.
"This is the first time we have seen blue-green algae in inner Malletts Bay. My guess is it is related in part to the extreme run-off we've been having, but there's no way to know," she said, referring to the spring's frequent rainstorms.
Blooms of blue-green algae have become increasingly frequent in Lake Champlain's Missisquoi Bay, and have appeared periodically in other parts of the lake.
Unlike green algae, blue-green algae can accumulate in dense scums capable of producing toxins that damage the nerves or livers of people and animals. Several dogs have died since 1999 after drinking algae-rich lake water.
Watzin said her laboratory doesn't have the equipment to test for the nerve-damaging toxins produced by the particular species of blue-green algae found in Malletts Bay. Samples have been sent to Syracuse University for analysis.
There was a similar bloom of the same species in Burlington Bay in October, she said, after swimming season was over. Contact Candace Page at 660-1865 or e-mail cpage@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com
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