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Officials: Expect Levels To Fluctuate |
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Friday, 17 July 2009 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — A state park official says visitors to Grand Lake St. Marys should expect levels of an algal toxin to swing back and forth this summer.
“I think they should be prepared for the numbers to go up and down,” Grand Lake St. Marys Park Manager Craig Morton said. “Those numbers surprised us when they were that low. I do think we will have to expect those to go up and down and we think there will be a good chance the signs will have to stay up for this season.”
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week released results of samples taken from Grand Lake St. Marys Monday regarding microcystin toxin levels. The results were: near intake at 53.7 parts per billion; Safety Island at 26.1 ppb; Camp Beach at 26.5 ppb; East Beach at 45 ppb and West Beach at 37 ppb. The World Health Organization set a limit of 20 ppb as a moderate risk for recreational contact. Those numbers are higher than samples taken June 30, which ranged from 8 to 13.8 ppb.
The results were the first time testing conducted by the city of Celina and Ohio Department of Natural Resources showed increasing levels of the toxin. A different testing procedure conducted by a Florida lab showed higher levels because its process kills the algae. The algae produces the toxin once it dies. The process used by Celina measures the present level and EPA officials have said both are acceptable ways of testing.
Morton said the advisories posted along the lake have prompted residents to call and voice concerns.
“There are some people who are skeptical if the lake really needs advisories posted,” Morton said. “Some people say the whole thing may be overblown. But until we know for sure, we have to play it safe.”
Morton said activity in the camping sites remains on par with last year’s figures. Despite a few cancellations, Morton said he is confident campers will continue to visit the park.
“I think low gas prices will help,” Morton said. “I think it will help more people come out and make more camping trips. I think it will help tourism in the whole area.”
Ohio EPA spokesperson Dina Pierce said her office has fielded calls from area residents seeking information on the water quality advisory issued for the lake. Pierce said the advisory will not be lifted unless the numbers are consistently below the 20 ppb threshold set by the WHO.
“It can shoot right back up and it would be more confusing to people,” Pierce said. “I hope we have made it clear that the algae can produce this toxin and on other days not. This can fluctuate from day-to-day.” |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 September 2009 )
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