Algae Bloom Suspends
Y Swim At Gilbert Lake
DEC Scientist To Brief County On Danger
By IAN AUSTIN • for www. AllOTSEGO.com
LAURENS – The annual YMCA Gilbert Lake swim was cancelled again this morning, this time due to HABs, harmful algae blooms that have kept campers out of the water for the past several days.
Signs were posted warning park goers to avoid contact with the growth and to avoid contact with algae in the water, on fishing lines and boats.
HABs occur when colonies of algae – simple plants that live in the sea or freshwater – grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, animals and birds. Symptoms from exposure can range allergic-like reactions to skin irritations to vomiting and stomach pains.
Currently, HABs have also appeared locally in Canadarago Lake, and DEC scientist Rebecca M. Gorney will brief the county Water Quality Coordinating Committee when it meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Meadows Office Building on Route 33 south of Cooperstown.
Meanwhile, any who believes they are ill because of exposure to HABs should call the state Department of Health at 432-3911.