Recreational users of Grand Lake St. Marys are advised to limit contact with the water, avoid ingestion and avoid direct contact with visible surface foam, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Public notices will be erected throughout Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, including the park's three beaches.
Preliminary testing by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that although microcystin levels range below World Health Organization's guidelines, the current algae bloom seen at Grand Lake St. Marys identifies a different species.
This year's blue-green algae has been identified as Aphanizomenon gracile, which is capable of producing a variety of toxins. Because different algae has been identified in recent samples, Ohio EPA is conducting further analysis to determine if public health concerns exist.
Testing is on-going and ODNR has chosen to post public notices in order to assure that lake-goers are aware of the levels of risk that exist, and the steps they can take to minimize those risks. For updated information, visit the Ohio EPA's Web site.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment