The New York State DEC has confirmed and the Lake George Association has reported: An isolated harmful algal bloom appeared Saturday, Nov. 7, on Lake George on the northeast side (Harris Bay side) of Assembly Point. (In the southern end.) The bloom quickly dissipated, but reappeared on Monday, Nov. 9. LGA staff returned to the bay on Monday to sample the water, and saw that the bloom had reappeared and was no longer isolated.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when algae — simple photosynthetic organisms that live in the sea and freshwater — grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, marine life and birds. There are many kinds of HABs, caused by a variety of algal groups with different toxins. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal. States have rigorous monitoring programs to ensure that commercially harvested fish are safe to eat. HABs have been reported in every U.S. coastal state, and their occurrence may be on the rise. HABs are a national concern because they affect not only the health of people and marine ecosystems, but also the “health” of local and regional economies.
People and animals should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.
Lake George is not immune to HABs. The Lake George Association is seeking the extent of the problem by asking for two things:
1.) If you took a photo of the Lake surface, no matter where it was taken, anytime after October 20th, the LGA would like to see it. Please send the photo, the date it was taken and the photo location to Director of Education Kristen Wilde at kwilde@lakegeorgeassociation.org
2.) In addition, if you are at the Lake this upcoming week, please take a photo of the water along your shoreline or dock and send it to Ms. Wilde, as well.
The New York State DEC has confirmed and the LGA reports that the initial identification of the cyanobacteria that caused the Harmful Algal Bloom is a type of Dolichospermum.
Dolichospermumis planktonic – a single cell cyanobacteria that floats and moves on its own in the water like plankton. When it blooms, Dolichospermum can produce toxins that can affect nerves, liver, and irritate skin. Late on Friday afternoon, November 13th, the LGA reported the state Department of Environmental Conservation had determined the toxin levels in the water sample that LGA staff took from the Harmful Algal Bloom in Harris Bay on Monday, November 9th, were below the EPA Advisory level. The sample confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria and it was determined that the toxin level of the sample was below EPA’s 10-day drinking water health advisory level of 0.30 micrograms per liter for sensitive populations.
However, please be extra vigilant in preventing any types of pollutants from reaching the waters of Lake George.