Harmful Algal Bloom reported in Chautauqua Lake on June 11, 2022 between Ashville and Lakewood (credit: NYS DEC)

The State Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding folks to be on the look out for harmful algal blooms and to report any they might see.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos encouraged residents to be on the lookout for HABs, which can impact New York’s lakes and waterways and pose a potential public health risk.

HABs are likely triggered by a combination of factors that include excess nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, lots of sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm water, and warm temperatures. HAB occurrence and reporting typically increases each year throughout the warmest months with the most reports received during August and September.

The New York Harmful Algal Bloom System, “NYHABS,” reporting system is now active and allows both the public and trained citizens to send reports of HABs to the DEC electronically. These reports, once evaluated by DEC and State Department of Health, are posted online.

HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration. The survey link to report HABs can be found here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/66337b887ccd465ab7645c0a9c1bc5c0

The DEC advises people, pets and livestock to avoid contact with any floating mats, scums, or discolored water. Colors can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. If contact is made, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae.

They also advise to never drink, prepare food, cook, or make ice with untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present. In addition to toxins, untreated surface water may contain bacteria, parasites, or viruses that could cause illness if consumed.

Stop using water and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties occur after drinking or having contact with blooms or untreated surface water.

The link to the map of reported HABs can be found here: https://nysdec.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ae91142c812a4ab997ba739ed9723e6e

If you experience symptoms or health concerns related to HABs, contact the Department of Health by emailing harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov

Jefferson Project research on Chautauqua Lake (photo provided by Chautauqua Institution)

Chautauqua Institution is applauding the County Legislature‘s approval of funding for the Jefferson Project.

The approval of $1 million in American Rescue Plan funds to continue research in 2020 has received $4 million in funding from Chautauqua Institution.

Institution President Michael Hill said in a statement, “The work of The Jefferson Project is informing mitigation efforts that will eventually save Chautauqua Lake. Chautauqua Lake will not survive unless we make the right decisions now.”

The Jefferson Project is a collaboration between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM Research, and the Lake George Association that exists to collect and process massive amounts of data on freshwater bodies to create a new model for environmental monitoring and prediction.

The group is working on efforts to reverse negative environmental conditions, including Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and invasive weed growth, include watershed conservation, weed harvesting and targeted herbicide applications.

According to a release by the Chautauqua Institution, The Jefferson Project researchers compile data using platform buoys, called vertical profilers, that are situated in selected locations in the lake to take measurements at increments from the surface of the water to the bottom of the lake. The funding from Chautauqua County will enable the expansion of this effort to tributaries that feed the lake. They said the next step is to create a “smart lake” to allow for real-time monitoring and analysis leading to short- and long-term solutions.

Researchers also are using boats to conduct water sampling every two weeks.

Chautauqua Lake was designated as impaired by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the early 2000s because its phosphorus levels were, and continue to be, too high.

Hill said the Institution is still seeking additional financial support for lake work from private and public sources.

Chautauqua County Legislature voting session (April 26, 2023)

Despite calls to table the measure for more discussion, the Chautauqua County Legislature approved using $1 million in American Rescue Plan funding for the Jefferson Project.

One of a handful of public comments opposing the funding included Chautauqua-Conewango Watershed Consortium representative Jane Conroe, who stated the Legislature should be leading with science, “Why would we pay for understanding algae mechanisms that we already have information for? The very comprehensive ‘Harmful Agal Blooms Action Plan for Chautauqua Lake’ that we already have has much of this information. California, the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project has done extensive research along with Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The need for a complete agal DNA reference library has been taken up by this organization.”

Former County Executive Vince Horrigan submittted a letter in support of funding the Jefferson Project saying the project “brings a professional outside and an objective approach” to identifying issues in Chautauqua Lake.

The Jefferson Project is a collaboration of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM Research, and the Lake George Association that is conducting water quality and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) research. It was introduced to Chautauqua Lake in 2020 in partnership with the Chautauqua County Government, Chautauqua Institution, and the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance.

Legislator Tom Nelson made a motion to table the resolution, saying more discussion was needed. The motion failed 5 to 14.

Legislator John Hemmer echoed the need for more discussion, saying there was not enough information for how the $1 million would be spent and what would be done, “I listened to the presentation that was given and it was a lot of talk about testing and research. And nowhere in the presentation did they say anything about the solution to the problem being presented at the end of the research.”

Legislator Bob Bankoski said it was advantageous for the Legislature to move forward with the project, “I do agree with some of the people that made comments today. I think some of this stuff is very vague and I really, really hope that we have some locked down answers. When they’re done with this project I want an action plan from them that tells us exactly what to do.”

An amendment by Legislator Tom Harmon to add language to the resolution saying that “this funding would be used for research and ongoing work in 2023” did pass.

The final vote was 17 to 2 with Legislators John Hemmer and Susan Parker being the only no votes.

Harmful Algal Bloom reported in Chautauqua Lake on June 11, 2022 between Ashville and Lakewood (credit: NYS DEC)

The State Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding folks to be on the look out for harmful algal blooms and to report any they might see.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said, “As we enter the warmer months, New Yorkers should be aware that the primary exposure to harmful algae blooms is through recreational contact. New York State beaches close swim areas when any suspicious blooms are sighted and New York State public drinking water supplies have effective protocols and treatment for HABs and toxins. It’s easy to avoid risks by staying away from any discolored waters, blooms and scums and recreating in areas where the water is clear. People should always rinse off if they have had contact with a bloom and immediately seek veterinarian care if noticing any symptoms in your pets if they consumed bloom material or had contact with blooms.”

The New York Harmful Algal Bloom System, “NYHABS,” reporting system is now active and allows both the public and trained citizens to send reports of HABs to DEC electronically. These reports, once evaluated by DEC and DOH, are posted online.

HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration. The survey link to report HABs can be found here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/66337b887ccd465ab7645c0a9c1bc5c0

If you experience symptoms or health concerns related to HABs, contact the Department of Health by emailing harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov

The DEC has confirmed a report submitted on June 11 that shows a large localized amount of HAB in Chautauqua Lake between Ashville and Lakewood. The DEC defines a “large localized amount” as being near many properties, within an entire cove, along a large segment of the shoreline, or in a specific region of a waterbody.

While the exact cause of HABs is not fully understood, HABs usually occur in waters high in phosphorus and/or nitrogen. New York State has many programs and activities to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen from entering the water from surrounding lands, including stormwater permitting programs, funding for water quality improvement projects, and a nutrient law that restricts the use of phosphorus lawn fertilizer. DEC also continues to evaluate HAB mitigation technology and strategies.

Blue-green algae are naturally present in lakes. Nutrient rich runoff from surrounding land, warm water temperature, and sunshine encourages blue-green algae growth. Be alert and watchful for blooms which may resemble “pea soup” or have a paint-like appearance with strong colors including blue-green, green, yellow, white, brown, purple, or red. Blooms are more likely in nearshore areas than open water areas.

HABs present a public health risk because they can release toxins which may be harmful to human and animal health. People and pets can be exposed to toxins by contact with HABs during water recreation activities, through surface water use around the house, such as watering gardens, and through improperly treated drinking water. Key municipal water treatment facilities in Chautauqua County test for toxins in their water when blooms occur near their intakes.

If people or pets are accidentally exposed to a bloom, use clean water to rinse off as soon as possible. Consider medical attention if people or pets have symptoms including diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, skin irritation, and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties after exposure to surface waters with HABs.

The Chautauqua County Health Department monitors permitted bathing beaches for HABs and the indicator bacteria E. coli. To best protect the public from possible illness, beaches are closed when the water exceeds bacteria safety standards and/or HABs are identified. Updates are planned throughout the summer to alert residents of changes in the status of HABs in the County.

CLA Executive Director Douglas Conroe said the skimmers will increase the ability to safely collect the HAB scums as well as being utilized to collect floating plant masses that can be found out in open water.

The Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance helped the CLA in filing the grant application with New York State while Chautauqua County serves as the official owner of the equipment. Under a long-term renewable lease agreement the CLA will be responsible for all operating costs including staffing, fueling and yearly maintenance of the new skimmers.

Pictured above – Top Photo: an established bloom on Chautauqua Lake that persisted for nearly eight weeks last year in late summer. Bottom Photo: a bloom on Chautauqua Lake in the early stages. This bloom cleared and returned depending on weather conditions. 

MAYVILLE – [MEDIA RELEASE] -The Public Health Division of the Chautauqua County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) urges all Chautauqua County residents and visitors to educate themselves about Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and to be cautious when swimming, boating, and fishing. In New York, HABs occur most frequently in the mid to late summer months but can occur at any time of the year. Small bloom conditions can change rapidly due to changes in weather and lake currents. Larger blooms will likely persist throughout the summer once they become established.

HAB Update for the week of July 20^th:

• Chautauqua Lake: Isolated blooms in the South Basin.
• Findley Lake: No blooms reported at this time.

Know It. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are naturally present in lakes. Nutrient rich runoff from surrounding land, warm water temperature, and sunshine encourages blue-green algal growth. With the right conditions blue-green algae forms blooms, which may appear as floating “rafts” or scums on the surface of the water. These blooms are known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Be alert and watchful for blooms that may resemble “pea soup” or have a paint-like appearance with strong colors including blue-green, green, yellow, white, brown, purple, or red. Blooms are more likely in nearshore areas than open water areas.

You can learn how to identify HABs with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Photo Gallery at https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/81962.html.

HABs present a public health risk because they can release toxins that may be harmful to human and animal health. People and pets can be exposed to toxins by contact (touching, swallowing, and inhaling water droplets) with HABs during water recreation activities, through surface water use around the house, such as watering gardens, and through improperly treated drinking water.  Municipal water treatment facilities in Chautauqua County do test for toxins in lake water as part of the treatment process.

Avoid It.  Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County Director of Health and Human Services, states, “Not all blooms are hazardous, but the Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:

• When swimming, wading, or boating, avoid areas with blooms or surface scums, or water that is noticeably discolored.  This applies to everyone – adults, children, and animals.
• Don’t fish or eat fish caught from areas with blooms or surface scums, or water that is noticeably discolored.
• Pay attention to beach closures, advisory signs, press releases, and websites.  Never swim at beaches that are closed.
• Never drink, prepare food, cook, or make ice with untreated surface water, bloom or no bloom.”

If people or pets are accidentally exposed to a bloom use clean water to rinse off as soon as possible. Consider medical attention if people or pets have symptoms including diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, skin irritation, and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties after exposure to surface waters with HABs.

New York State and Chautauqua County have active programs aimed at reducing the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen entering streams and lakes. Watershed management plans have been developed for several lakes in Chautauqua County, including Chautauqua and Findley. As the plans are implemented, improved water quality will follow, but it may take years to see improvements.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health investigate HAB reports, sample blooms for toxins, and conduct research to learn more about HABs and toxin production.

The Chautauqua County Health Department monitors permitted bathing beaches for HABs and the indicator bacteria E. coli.  To best protect the public from possible illness, beaches are closed when the water exceeds bacteria safety standards and/or HABs are identified.  The current status of Chautauqua County permitted public beaches and additional information about HABs are listed on the County Website at https://chqgov.com/environmental-health/beach-closings.

Chuck Schumer (left) and Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON – New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to prioritize funding to protect the lake’s water quality from toxic algal blooms by including a Chautauqua Lake Feasibility Study in its Fiscal Year 2020 Work Plan.

In a joint press release, the senators said Chautauqua Lake and its surrounding communities suffer from continued environmental, public health, and economic damage caused by repeated harmful algal blooms, and this study would allow USACE to evaluate the excessive phosphorous runoff that causes these harmful algal blooms.  Additionally, the USACE would be able to study flood risk management measures, assess ecosystem restoration efforts, and address the accelerated erosion along the lake’s tributary stream banks.

“Chautauqua Lake is a jewel of Western New York and a vital source of drinking water, recreation and economic activity for both residents and countless visitors alike, but it is threatened by harmful algal blooms that we must do more to reverse and prevent,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why today I’m calling on the Army Corps to include the Chautauqua Lake Feasibility Study in its Fiscal Year 2020 Work Plan, to carefully examine the destructive, repeated harmful algal blooms in Chautauqua Lake that have significantly diminished water quality. To successfully battle the blooms, Chautauqua Lake is going to need the Army Corps’ expertise and support.”

The Chautauqua Lake Feasibility Study would enable the local communities to better understand changing flood risks and provide tools to help guard against future environmental degradation and property damage. The study would inform best practices concerning excessive weed and harmful algae growth, as well as mitigation for sediments deposited at the mouths of the tributaries, to further minimize flood risks harming the environmental health and economic viability of Chautauqua Lake.

A Blue Green Algae bloom on Chautauqua Lake. (Photo courtesy of Chautauqua County Department of Health)

MAYVILLE – County Health officials were forced to close two beech areas on Chautauqua Lake over the weekend due to localized Harmful Algal Blooms.

A media release sent out late Friday afternoon said the HABs were observed in the south basin of Chautauqua Lake and near Long Point State Park. As a result, Lakewood Beach and Long Point State Park Beach were closed.

HABs are created when blue-green algae release toxins which can be harmful to human and animal health.

Health officials urge all residents and visitors to be cautious when using any local lake or waterway, especially if HABs are present.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are naturally present in lakes. Nutrient rich runoff from surrounding land, warm water temperature, and sunshine encourages blue-green algae growth. Under the right conditions, blue-green algae form floating mats which may resemble “pea soup” or have a paint-like appearance with strong colors including blue-green, green, yellow, white, brown, purple, or red. These blooms are more likely in nearshore areas than open water areas and are known to contain higher toxin levels than those in open water.

People and pets can be exposed to toxins by contact (touching, swallowing, and inhaling) with HABs during water recreation activities, through surface water use around the house, such as watering gardens, and through drinking water.

Christine Schuyler, County Director of Health & Human Services, said, “The greatest threat to public health from HABs is when people or pets drink or otherwise ingest water directly from a lake where a bloom is occurring.  Lake water that is properly treated through an approved DHHS water treatment plant does not pose a risk. Swimming or recreating in areas where the water contains high levels of toxin can cause skin irritation and other symptoms to those with high sensitivity.”

Not all blooms are hazardous but the public should use common sense and take the following precautions:

• When swimming, wading, or boating, avoid areas with blooms or surface scums, or water that is noticeably discolored.
• Do not allow young children or pets to play in water where an algal bloom is present.
• Don’t fish or eat fish caught from areas with blooms or surface scums, or water that is noticeably discolored.
• Pay attention to beach closures, advisory signs, press releases, and websites.  Never swim at beaches that have been closed.
• Never drink, prepare food, cook, or make ice with untreated surface water, bloom or no bloom.

If people or pets are accidentally exposed to a bloom use clean water to rinse off as soon as possible. Consider medical attention if symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, skin irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur after exposure to surface waters with active blooms.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Department of Health investigate HABs reports, sample blooms for toxins, and conduct research to learn more about HABs and toxin production.

DHHS’ Public Health Division monitors permitted bathing beaches for HABs and the indicator bacteria E. coli.  To best protect the public from possible disease exposure, beaches are closed when the water exceeds bacteria safety standards and/or HABs are spotted. The status of Chautauqua County permitted public beaches and additional information about HABs are listed on the County Website at  http://chautauqua.ny.us/246/Beach-Closings.

New York State and Chautauqua County have active programs to reduce the amount of nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen, entering streams and lakes. A watershed management plan has been developed and implemented for Chautauqua Lake to help address the issue of nutrient flow and water quality.

For more information, visit http://www.co.chautauqua.ny.us/248/Blue-Green-Algae

A Blue Green Algae bloom on Chautauqua Lake. (Photo courtesy of Chautauqua County Department of Health)

MAYVILLE – Harmful Algal Blooms – or HABs – are once again becoming a problem in some areas of Chautauqua Lake.

On Friday the County Department of Health and Human Services announced it had documented HABs in areas of the south basin of Chautauqua Lake, including Celoron and near the Interstate 86 bridge over the lake.

Lakewood Village Beach was closed for swimming early last week due to the presence of blue-green algae, but was re-opened Thursday once testing showed that toxin levels had diminished.

Officials say HAB conditions can change rapidly. Those using lakes where an active bloom is present should use caution and not ingest the water.

For more information about harmful algal blooms and general beach status updates, visit the county health department’s website.