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Environment and Conservation July 3, 2008
Blue-Green Algae Monitoring Plan Launched for 2008 The Department of Environment and Conservation has launched a blue-green algae monitoring plan for 2008. The plan involves monthly sampling of the ponds affected by a blue-green algal bloom that occurred in 2007. The ponds affected were Cochrane Pond, Paddy�s Pond, Three Arm Pond and Three Island Pond."We want to take a proactive approach to monitoring water quality in this pond system in 2008," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "Should a blue-green algal bloom be identified in any of these ponds this year, we will take the necessary steps to inform the public of its presence." Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that live in fresh water and cause discoloured water; reduced light penetration; taste and odour problems; oxygen depletions; and toxin production. When conditions are favourable, such as warm weather and the presence of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, blue-green algae grow profusely and make pond water thick and murky. This condition is called a blue-green algal bloom. Water samples will be collected on a monthly basis from 12 areas of interest, and will continue until October 2008. These areas include: the outlets of Thomas Pond, Cochrane Pond, Paddy�s Pond, Three Arm Pond, Three Island Pond and Topsail Pond (six sampling sites); and the inflows/outflows of six culverts that drain into Paddy�s Pond (six sampling sites). The frequency of sampling may increase in the event that a blue-green algal bloom develops. The monitoring program includes analysis of water samples, blue-green algae identification and cell enumeration, and microcystin-LR analysis. Microcystins are the most common of the blue-green algae toxins found in water, as well as being the ones most often responsible for affecting animals and humans who come into contact with toxic blooms. If the toxin microcystin-LR is identified in a water body within the province, public advisory signage will be posted at the site and will include safety precautions that should be followed while the bloom is in effect. "Water quality in all of our water sources is extremely important," said Minister Johnson. "It is our goal to ensure that our pond water, as well as our public drinking water sources, does not pose any potential health concerns. Our monitoring efforts will help ensure that we become immediately aware of any situation that may develop." Information on blue-green algae and its toxins is available on the Department of Environment and Conservation�s website at //www.env.gov.nl.ca/Env/env/waterres/WQMA/Blue_Green_Algae/BGA.asp If anyone suspects an occurrence of blue-green algae in a water body in the province, they are asked to call 709-729-2563 to report the finding. - 30 - Media contact: 2008 07 03 11:35 a.m.
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