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Officials with the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection are warning people to stay out of the water at Great Hill Pond in Portland after dangerous bacteria was found
DEEP officials were called to inspect the area around the shoreline and dock for a “distinct blue-green surface scum” that was seen on top of the water. State inspectors confirmed that it was an active cyanobacteria bloom on Saturday, according to a report filed by DEEP
“The rapid, mass-die-off of lily pads and aquatic vegetation caused by the contact herbicide Flumioxazin released a massive nutrient load including phosphorus and nitrogen into warm shoreline waters,” DEEP said in its report
“This is no longer merely decomposing plant biomass; this is an active Harmful Algal Bloom capable of producing microcystin toxins. This poses an immediate, acute public health hazard for recreational users, children, and domestic animals exposed to shoreline waters.”
Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, are plant-like organisms that live in water. They can quickly grow out of control, or “bloom” under certain nutrient dense conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some of these blooms produce toxins or poisons that make people and animals sick
Going in or near water that contains toxins made by cyanobacteria can make you sick, the CDC says. Getting water on your skin or breathing in tiny droplets of water from a harmful algal bloom can cause skin rash, eye irritation, nose irritation, sore throat and cough
If a person swallows or ingests water containing the bacteria or eats fish swimming in toxic water, symptoms can be much more severe. Swallowing these toxins can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle weakness, dizziness and long term liver damage
According to DEEP, the Chatham Health District has been ordered to issue a formal public health advisory for Great Hill Pond regarding the presence of cyanobacteria. In addition, the health district must conduct mandatory field sampling and toxin testing and conduct immediate surface water sampling across affected shoreline zones for microcystin toxin levels and cyanobacteria cell counts
The health district must also immediately install temporary health hazard warning signs advising against human and pet water contact at all primary access points, including public access points and the pond’s boat launch area, the private firemen’s beach grounds and area, Noyes Camp and Youth Camp Waterfront, and around private residential shorelines and community swimming areas
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
