Group warns of algae outbreak in Back Bay river

[Ian David]

Posted on July 11, 2008 by Greg Reibman
Filed Under 617 area code, Environment |

Environmental groups are urging residents to keep dogs and children away from the Muddy River after a hazardous bacteria was detected in Boston’s Back Bay Fens .

The bacteria, known as blue green algae, was spotted by environmental crews near the Agassiz Road bridge in Boston.

An initial test showed the water contained a potentially hazard level of the bacteria, which can cause rashes and throat irritation in humans and has been known to kill dogs in some cases.

More:
http://home.wickedlocal.com/2008/07/11/group-warns-of-algae-outbreak-in-back-bay-river/





See also:


Saturday, July 12, 2008
blue green algae alert!

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From Kate Bowditch:
Hello MMOC members-

Today while CRWA staff were out doing some water quality monitoring on the Muddy River, they saw obvious signs of blue-green algae (more formally called cyanobacteria, and not a true algae). While all algae stresses the river when in excess, blue-green algae in rivers and ponds is a particular concern because it can produce toxins which can cause allergic reactions in people upon contact, and has in some cases been known to kill dogs who drink it. We have been monitoring this problem on the Charles for several years, and when blue-green algae "blooms" reach dangerous levels, DCR posts signs warning the public about the potential risk and advising them to avoid contact with the water and to keep pets out of the water.

Our meter tests indicate levels of blue-green algae that are at or near the threshold for these warnings at the Agassiz Bridge, and visual indications of the blue-green algae continue downstream towards Charlesgate. Upstream of the Agassiz Bridge this problem was not observed. CRWA will conduct follow-up monitoring early next week and we will report to this body, as well as to DCR and other interested groups.

I have notified DCR of our findings, and suggested that they contact Hugh, as well as the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, if they feel it is appropriate to post warnings so that he can help, and perhaps recruit volunteers to help hang signs.

At these levels, given the uses of the Muddy River, I believe the main concern is to ensure that people do not let their dogs swim in our drink the water in the river where the blue-green algae is present. Fishing could pose some risks as well since fishermen could contact toxins as they handle fish and equipment. People walking along the banks are not considered at risk.
The main causes of blue-green algae blooms are warm temperatures, and high levels of nutrients, mainly phosphorus, in the water, especially water that is shallow and slow-moving. More information about blue-green algae can be found on the CRWA website at www.charlesriver.org.

More:
http://carverthethreeleggeddog.blogspot.com/2008/07/blue-green-algae-alert.html


And:


The good, the bad, and the algae

July 21, 2007

THE STATE Department of Conservation and Recreation's Nahant Beach Reservation includes about two miles of beachfront on the thin strip of land connecting Nahant to Lynn. Nearby residents know it as Long Beach. And on one bright, hazy afternoon this week, it was the ideal place to be.

Or at least the southern end of it was.

The physical setting there is striking. To get to the water, visitors cross over a low dune grown thick with wildflowers and rosa rugosa . Jutting well into the bay is a spit called Little Nahant, and bathers enjoy a dramatic view of the homes perched there. On Tuesday afternoon, the bay itself looked blue-green from a distance but almost clear up close. The water was warm by New England standards, and just right for swimming.

Visitors were using this summer playground accordingly. One sun-worshipping beachgoer set up his chair in the water and let the waves lap against his ankles. Not far away, a couple of children splashed about on bodyboards. Meanwhile, dozens of other visitors who had waded in up to their waists were enjoying the idyllic scene.

More:
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2007/07/21/the_good_the_bad_and_the_algae/

[YankeyMCC]

1. The issue of misues of waterways, by dumping warm (hot) water

or excess heat in some form is a big problem.