Bulletins
August 29, 2008: Blue-green Algae Remains in Ohio River
Public Urged to Use Caution in Water
Continued surveillance of water quality in the Ohio River, conducted by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) continues to show the presence of blue-green algae extending from near New Richmond, Ohio (just east of downtown Cincinnati) to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. While the algae, which occur naturally, are no longer visible in large mats, they are dispersed throughout the water at levels where they could cause health problems such as skin irritation, eye irritation or intestinal illnesses.
Welcome
In a newly coordinated venture several state agencies in Indiana are working to provide information about blue-green algae in our waterways. The effort formed due to concerns over blue-green algae in Indiana and a general lack of understanding regarding the threat they actually pose. Algae are commonly found in Indiana lakes and streams without concern, however the concentrated presence of blue-green algae can be linked to some health effects and has prompted this project.
The coordinating agencies include the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Indiana Board of Animal Health. These organizations, in cooperation with the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, have developed a multi-pronged approach to keeping the public informed of blue-green algae while further researching its presence and effects in waterways.
Senators Beverly Gard and James Merritt and Representative Brian Bosma hosted an informational meeting on April 29, 2008. During this meeting the cooperative effort was announced along with presentations by the participating agencies. Members of the audience included residents who live near Geist Reservoir and expressed concern about blue-green algae.
Additional Resources
- View the Dr. Tedesco's presentation given at the April 29th, 2008 meeting
- Presentations given by the state agencies at the April 29th, 2008 meeting [PPT]
- IUPUI Center for Earth and Environmental Science
- World Health Organization Guidelines for Safe Recreational waters
- Nebraska Website background information
- Wisconsin blue-green algae site
- USGS Kansas Water Science Center
- Monitors of weather patterns and flow conditions as physical conditions that may relate to blooms:
- IDNR Goose Manage page
- IDEM Blue-Green Algae Fact Sheet [DOC]
- What should I do with my old computers and electronics?
- Where can I recycle?
- What are “Pay-as-You-Throw” programs?
- How can I get funding for recycling programs?
- What is “household hazardous waste”?
- Why is mercury dangerous?
- Where can I find information about available IDEM grants, loans, or funds?
- What are the benefits of recycling?
- What is composting and how do I do it?
- Where can I find information about flooding?
