Thread: Pomme Alert

Public health information concerning harmful algae in Kansas City District Lake

KANSAS CITY DISTRICT, NORTHWESTERN DIVISION, U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Published May 21, 2021






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KANSAS CITY, Mo. --The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively responding to a potentially toxic blue-green algae bloom at Pomme de Terre Lake with site-specific sampling and posting lakes with public health advisory signs as recommended by state health agencies.
On 18-May, potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms were observed near the dam and near Wheatland Park Area. Blue-green algae blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float or drift around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid all water contact and keep pets away.
Pet owners need to be particularly mindful of the presence of blue-green algae. Dogs are highly susceptible to algae toxins and frequently ingest concentrated toxins from shoreline areas. Pets that contact water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or even die.
Drinking water and showers at campgrounds are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Boating and fishing are safe under current conditions. It is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak but areas with concentrated algae, surface scum or paint-like appearance should be avoided. Always rinse fish with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.
The Corps of Engineers will continue to monitor the algae bloom and work with Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Department of Health and Senior Services to provide public health notices to post on the district website when new information becomes available.
More information on algae bloom, including up-to-date conditions, can be found online at dnr.mo.gov/env/cyanobacteria.htm and www.epa.gov/cyanohabs.



Contact
Kansas City District Public Affairs
816-389-3486
[email protected]
Kansas City, Mo.




Release no. 21-037

Never thought of that, but we got geese everywhere here.