Sampling performed by SUNY Stony
Brook has confirmed the presence of new cyanobacteria blooms, more commonly known
as blue–green algae, at an unnamed pond on the corner of Silvermere Road and
Shore Drive in Greenport. Due to these
findings, health officials ask residents not to use or swim or wade in these
waters and to keep their pets and children away from the area.
Though blue-green algae are
naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers, they can become
abundant, forming blooms in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red.
They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the
water to take on paint-like appearance.
Contact with waters that appear
scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with
clean water immediately. Seek medical
attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea,
vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; or allergic reactions or
breathing difficulties.
To report a suspected blue-green
algae bloom that is in a body of water that does not contain a Suffolk County
permitted bathing beach, contact the Division of Water at New York State DEC:
518-402-8179 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or anytime via email at habsinfo@dec.ny.gov
To report a suspected blue-green
algae bloom at a body of water that does contain a Suffolk County-permitted
bathing beach, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office
of Ecology at 631-852-5760 between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by email at any time
at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov
For a comprehensive list of
affected waterbodies in New York State, visit the DEC’s Harmful Algal Bloom
Notification Page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html
For more information about
blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/MarineWaterQualityMonitoring/HarmfulAlgalBlooms/Cyanobacteria.aspx
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