By JEFF MEYERS
Staff Writer
WESTPORT —
Several algae blooms have been sighted on Lake Champlain, and researchers are testing the algae to determine whether they contain poisonous toxins.
Extensive blooms have been reported in Westport and Port Henry along the New York shoreline and in Panton, Ferrisburg and Charlotte in Vermont.
"It's pretty ugly," said Mike Winslow, staff scientist for the Lake Champlain Committee. "In some places where it's less accumulated, it has a yellowish appearance, while in places with lots of patches it's almost electric blue.
"It's clearly something that almost doesn't look natural, though algae growth in Lake Champlain is natural."
STAY AWAY
With the current heat wave engulfing the region, conditions are perfect for algae growth, and officials are recommending that people avoid contact with any blooms.
"Don't go in areas where the water looks kind of oily or pea soupy," Winslow said.
"The wind is moving the stuff around. I saw the worst of it in Westport on Monday and on Town Farm Bay on the Vermont side (Wednesday)."
CONFIRMING TOXINS
Test results are expected back from the University of Vermont's Rubenstien Lab by the end of the week. Although Winslow feels the blooms do contain blue-green algae, a lot more has to be determined before it is considered a danger to health.
"Three questions have to be answered 'yes' in order for us to say it is a toxic bloom," he said.
"First, do we have blue-green algae? And second, is it the right species to produce toxins? Then, is it producing toxins? Even the right species doesn't always produce toxins."
A map identifying the status of algae blooms in Lake Champlain can be found on the Vermont Department of Health website. The map shows no signs of algae growth, but that status may change when the tests are complete.
ON WATCH
The Lake Champlain Committee and UVM have been working on a blue-green algae monitoring program since 2004.
In New York, testing sites are located in Willsboro, Essex, Plattsburgh and Rouses Point. Fourteen locations are tested in Vermont.
Although Winslow noted that these new sightings are in locations where algae hasn't been confirmed previously, he said this stretch of hot weather is ideal for algae growth.
David Winchell of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation noted that DEC personnel have also been monitoring two open-water locations that straddle Westport but may need to check closer to shore as well.
"We are checking with our long-term monitoring crews to see when they were last down in that part of the lake and/or when the next anticipated trip to that area is.
"Our crew typically launches right out of the Westport boat launch, so they should be pretty well positioned to note problems in this area."
DANGER
Blue-green algae was suspected in the deaths of a pair of dogs in the Point au Roche area in the late 1990s.
The severity of human contact with toxic blooms could vary with the dose of toxins but could include stomach and skin irritations, Winslow said.
"People should use common sense before entering the water," Winchell said. "Also, keep pets out of the water.
"Be particularly cautious if the algae bloom has a bright bluish-green tinge that almost looks like paint or has a phosphorescent appearance."
E-mail Jeff Meyers at: jmeyers@pressrepublican.com
