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WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY |
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State will pay for lab tests to identify toxic algae in freshwaterposted 07/06/2007 This year, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) will pay the laboratory testing fee to help local health officials identify toxic algae blooms. Test results allow officials to warn people and their pets to stay out of the water if a bloom is toxic algae. Toxic blue-green algae blooms, even though they are natural, pose a human health concern and have killed pets and livestock, according to Ecology's lakes expert, Kathy Hamel. "This free testing service is important because local health departments are often strapped for funding," said Kathy Hamel, an expert on lakes at Ecology. "Lab tests are necessary because not all algae blooms are the toxic blue-green kind, but many blue-green blooms have the potential to be toxic." People may become ill after coming into contact with lake water laden with toxic blue-green algae. Human health effects may include stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes and nerve and liver damage. Pets and wildlife have died after exposure to toxic blue-green algae in Washington lakes. Blue-green blooms affect lake recreation, which can lead to economic losses. Last year, two dogs died after drinking from Anderson Lake in Jefferson County. Five Pierce County lakes suffered toxic blue-green algae outbreaks in 2006, causing health officials to issue public advisories. Most types of algae are harmless, some are considered nuisances, and others are important to lake productivity. Blue-green algae blooms happen mostly in the summer or fall, but can occur anytime. Blue-green blooms may float to the surface and can be several inches thick near the shoreline. A blue-green algae bloom often looks like green paint floating on the water and is hard to pick up or hold. Since algae blooms are fed by nutrient overloading of water bodies, people can help keep nutrients out of the water by picking up pet waste, maintaining septic tanks, reducing use of fertilizers, and by planting vegetation that decreases polluted stormwater runoff. People and animals should avoid contact with suspicious algae blooms. Contact your county health department if you suspect a blue-green algae bloom. In 2005, the Legislature established funding for the Freshwater Algae Control Program and asked Ecology to develop it. The program provides for:
Ecology will begin funding small grants to local governments in fall 2007. In the interim, the state Department of Health will develop statewide guidelines for toxic algae blooms under a grant provided by Ecology. These guidelines will help local governments make decisions about when to post health advisories and when to close waters to recreation. Department of Health will produce outreach materials including a website with health information about algal blooms. Local health officials wanting to tap into the state's free testing program can call Ecology's Tricia Shoblom at 425-649-7288 or e-mail her at tsho461@ecy.wa.gov. |
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