Algae activity high, but not unusual

Late October has seen a rush of blue-green algal blooms in lake systems scattered across Greater Sudbury and the surrounding region.

In the last week-and-a-half, blue-green algal blooms have been reported in Nepewassi Lake, the Vermillion River near Whitefish, the Dry Pine Bay area in the North Channel of the French River and most recently in McCharles Lake.

The rush of activity by these botanical menaces, even this late in the year when the weather is starting to remind people winter is coming, is normal.
“This much activity is not unusual,” Sudbury and District Health Unit Environmental Support Officer Allan McDougall said. “We had a long, hot summer with little rainfall and this is the time of the year lakes start to turn over. This action is bringing more blue-green algae to the surface.

“When blue-green algae is on the surface and forms in clumps, this indicates it is dying off and is releasing toxins. There really is no fixed schedule, but with lakes turning over, there is going to be more blue-green algal blooms.”

The Ministry of the Environment advised the Sudbury and District Health Unit that test results from the areas were positive for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Samples taken contained a species of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins.

Not necessarily a cause for alarm, residents need to be aware that precautions must be taken to remain safe and healthy in the event of a bloom, the biggest of which is to find another water source.

“We recommend finding an alternative source of water, not just for now, but for the future,” McDougall said. “Once it forms in a lake, it will come back. It’s also migratory. It isn’t anchored and the wind can move it around quite a bit in a lake. Water in one area could be good one day and not the next.”

The highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and scum on the shoreline. These dense accumulations pose the greatest potential risks to people and pets, and can irritate the skin and, if ingested, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. At high enough levels, toxins can cause liver and nervous system damage.

“So far in 2011, there have been 32 blooms confirmed as blue-green algae in Ontario,” Ministry of Environment senior regional spokesperson Michel Finn said. “Nine of those blooms have been reported in Sudbury. You have to take those numbers into consideration because there are a lot of lakes in Ontario.”

Ontario has some 250,000 lakes, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The number of blue-green algal incidents could rise for the year 2011.
“We’ll probably have more reports because people are more aware of blue-green algae now because of increased public awareness,” McDougall said.

Contaminated water will have a pea soup appearance and a foul smell similar to rotting grass. Anyone finding algal blooms can contact the Sudbury and District Health Unit or the Ministry of the Environment.

Posted by Vivian Scinto