LUDLOW — On Sept. 13, a message was released on the Ludlow website stating that toxic algae may be present at Haviland Pond.
Health Inspector Emily Quinn told Reminder Publishing they received a report of the algae from a concerned resident on Thursday, Sept. 12, and it was positively identified as a cyanobacteria bloom by both the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Lakes and Ponds Program and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Environmental Toxicology Program through photographs.
The Ludlow Health Department has put out an advisory for the public to stop recreation at Haviland Pond at this time. Signage has been posted at the public access point and the advisory has been shared online.
Quinn said, “Thankfully, we have not received any reports of illness related to the bloom at this time. Haviland Pond is just one of many freshwater bodies that is experiencing an HAB [harmful cyanobacterial bloom], there is a list available on mass.gov that includes the waterbodies that have been reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.”
Cyanobacteria blooms are sometimes called blue-green algae, these blooms are common at this time of year. Throughout the summer, the water tends to become temperature stratified, where the bottom is colder than the surface. Quinn pointed out sometimes in this colder water, the water can also contain low amounts of oxygen compared to surface levels. Under low oxygen conditions, any phosphorous that is bound to iron within the sediment becomes unbound and is now trapped in that colder water layer at the bottom. When the surface water cools down and begins mixing with the bottom layers, all that phosphorous mixes into the entire water column. Phosphorus is the primary food source for algae and cyanobacteria. If there are any cyanobacteria present when the water mixes, then they now have a source of food to continue growing and creating a bloom.
Quinn said, “It is important to note that not all algae blooms are harmful, however, a cyanobacteria bloom can harm people or animals through contact and ingestion. If you suspect there is an algae bloom, stay out of the water. Unfortunately, once a bloom appears there are few options besides letting it run its natural course.” She went on to say, “Chemical treatment methods are not recommended during a bloom. To help reduce algal blooms in the future, MDPH recommends maintaining septic systems and storm drains, reducing application of fertilizer, picking up pet waste, do not feed ducks or geese, and planting and maintaining native vegetation around the water’s edge.”
Quinn also said they have been in contact with MDPH regarding the bloom and the next steps. They will continue to monitor the bloom and once it visually appears to have dissipated, they will report it to MDPH. At which time, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will send someone to sample the water to test the levels of bacteria present. The advisory may be rescinded after two successive samples, taken a week apart, that demonstrate cell counts or toxin levels below the quantitative guideline values.
At this time, the Ludlow Health Department recommends staying out of the water until the bloom has passed. Community members are welcome to contact Quinn at the Ludlow Health Department at 413-583-5600, ext. 1273, with any questions or concerns regarding this advisory.
For general questions about cyanobacteria, contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-624-5757 or visit www.mass.gov/dph/algae.
