The Ministry of the Environment’s test results have confirmed the presence of anabaena, a species of blue-green algae (sometimes known as Cyanobacteria). This is a species that can produce toxins in the water. In sufficient concentrations these toxins can cause health problems. The health warning will stay in effect until further notice.
Environment
Blue-green Algae Advisory Update (August 8, 2011)
On Monday morning the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District (HKPRD) Health Unit reported that the Blue-Green Algae Bloom Warning remains in place today. The Health Unit is expecting test results from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on Wednesday. Those results are expected to be more specific than the very general warning presently in place. The warning status is unlikely to change before then.
Warning: Beach Posted – Suspected Blue-Green Algae Bloom (August 5 2011)
Today (August 5th) the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) posted the Sturgeon Point Public Beach because of a suspected Blue-Green algae bloom. If you visit the Public Beach, you’ll notice a warning sign posted to the garbage bin. “Posting” means that using the lake water or swimming in the lake may pose a health risk. Although the Upper Wharf area has no sign announcing the posting, you should assume that the posting applies that location as well as any private waterfront properties here in Sturgeon Point.
Environmental WorkShop July 16th 10:00 am, at the Church
Algae! Doh!
On Saturday morning we’ll be hosting an informative meeting with multiple presentations. All deal with issues revolving around the health of our lake. The main event will be an Algae Workshop, presented by Dr. Emily Porter-Goff, who is heading up a two year study on algae in our lakes. The study was commissioned by the Kawartha Lakes Stewards Association and sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Dr. Porter-Goff will discuss the important role that algae play in the lake’s ecosystem. Algae can also cause problems, and these will be discussed too. We will also get a chance to look at samples of common algae in our lake. You can even bring in water samples from the lake or your property so that Dr. Porter-Goff can identify it right there with her microscope!
In addition to the algae workshop, the morning’s agenda includes three other short presentations:
- Update on the Sturgeon Lake Management Plan (David Pridham Kawartha Conservation)
- Update on the Lindsay-Ops Landfill (Chris Appleton, Public Review Committee, Lindsay-Ops Landfill)
- Special presentation by Mayor Ric Mcgee on the CoKL’s environmental initiatives.
There will be coffee and refreshments will be served after the presentations. See you Saturday!