Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley
Blue-green algae concerns brought about 250 Long Lake campers
and permanent residents to a meeting at the T.M. Davies
Community Centre in Lively Tuesday night.
The invasion of the primitive microscopic plants
(cyanobacteria) that can thrive in fresh water lakes has
prompted the establishment of the Long Lake/Black Lake
Stewardship committee to protect water quality.
Long Lake first experienced blue-algae blooms last fall.
"We are attempting to educate all residents as to the
seriousness of the blue-green algae problem and what steps we
all must take in order to save our lake for the enjoyment for
all in the future," said committee member Stephen Butcher, in a
release. He edits a newsletter for the group.
A number of speakers were present, including Stephen Monet,
Greater Sudbury manager of environmental planning initiatives,
and Allan D. McDougall from the Sudbury and District Health
Unit.
McDougall said the algae, commonly called pond scum, was
present in several area lakes and around the world.
"Manitoba, Alberta and Quebec have already been dealing with
the problem. It is new for us. We found it throughout the
Sudbury area in Chapleau, Manitoulin Island, Sudbury East and
the City of Greater Sudbury. These are not isolated incidents
because the watersheds interconnect."
The French River and Nepewassi Lake have also had blooms, he
noted.
"Two years ago we had only two blue-green algae advisories.
This past year we had 13. Some were recurring. If conditions
are ripe, it will multiply and spread. Once there it will
probably come back if conditions are comparable," McDougall
said.
Signs of a bloom can be a green hue along the shoreline.
Sometimes it looks like paint is spilled on the water surface,
causing an obvious discoloration. As it dies off, it forms a
scum layer, he said.
The algae can contain a number of toxins, which can cause
anything from rashes and abdominal cramps to liver failure.
McDougall said the key is prevention.
"It is better to be safe than sorry. Once we determine that
blue-green algae is capable of producing a toxin that can get
into your water supply, we issue an advisory. We will urge you
as soon as it is present to stop using the water," he noted.
Though the algae can dissipate, the toxins can still come back
in a week or two.
"The algae are not anchored to the lake bottom and are subject
to wave action. More wave action could bring in more,"
McDougall said.
Butcher stressed there are actions lakeside property owners can
take to prevent algae build up in the lake.
High nitrogen and phosphorus lawn and garden fertilizers can
stimulate unwanted algae growth, he said. Automatic dishwater
detergents are particularly bad for high phosphorus levels, he
cited in his newsletter.
Bouchard Street Home Hardware personnel were present at the
meeting with a display of eco-friendly alternatives to lawn and
garden products, laundry detergents and a variety of cleaners.
Butcher also said some residents have raised concerns about
more development taking place close to the lake, which could
further affect water quality.
"There was a proposal for a new development on Edgewater Road.
We notified the city we wanted to speak to that issue. The city
recognizes we are at capacity and we cannot take a ton more
development."
For more information, e-mail Stephen Butcher at
[email protected]
.
