what to do if you suspect an hab
One important issue that the state is challenged with is the detection and public notification of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). HABs, which are formed by high concentrations of blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, can produce dangerous toxins that can harm people and animals, close beaches and fishing areas, and threaten drinking water supplies. Cazenovia Lake has had HABs in the past and faces similar challenges of detection and notification. In response to this the Town and Village have developed procedures to aid in the detection and notification of the public areas as outlined below:
1) The village employees monitor both Lakeland Park and Lakeside Park for potential blooms. Gypsy Bay and McNitt Park are non-swimming areas and are therefore not monitored, however, if someone suspects a bloom the town will send a representative to investigate.
2) If there are suspicions that an HAB has formed by a town or village representative visually inspecting the area, a photo is taken and is sent to the DEC.
3) As a precautionary measure, if the visual inspection looks like an HAB the affected area is closed. Signs are posted at the affected area and an email is sent to people who are in the town database for notification. To add your email to the notification list please email Erin King at erin.king@townofcazenovia.org.
4) Once visual inspection indicates that the HAB has dissipated, a Madison County Health Department official will take a sample from the affected area and send it to Albany for testing. Once the test confirms that the HAB has passed, the area will be reopened as it is safe to swim and drink the water.
The town and village both take this very seriously and are erring on the side of caution to ensure public safety.
While these procedures are helpful in the public areas, there is no official monitoring of the other areas of the lake. We therefore need individuals who are on the lake to help report suspected blooms. All that is required is for a photo to be taken and then sent to the DEC using the following form: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/suspalgformedit.pdf
To see pictures of what a true HAB looks like please visit the website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/81962.html
You can also check the status of where blooms have been confirmed by going to the following DEC website:
https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html
The Madison County Health Department website, https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/206/Health-Department, has a link with information on Harmful Algae Blooms. For other general information on HABs please visit the DEC website.
The CLA, Town and Village thanks everyone who is involved in helping monitor and reporting any suspected HABs. It will be through a community effort that we keep people and pets safe.