U.S.Army Corps of Engineers

Contact: Jennifer Sowell

Phone: (503) 808-4510

October 31, 2006

Toxic algae bloom has cleared from Willow Creek Reservoir

            PORTLAND, Ore.– The toxic blue-green algae bloom that formed in Willow Creek Reservoir last month has cleared, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today.

            Although a health advisory was not issued signs were posted at the reservoir, near Heppner, Ore., in September advising visitors to avoid affected water after an algae bloom was confirmed to be microcystis aeruginosa, a species of algae having the ability to produce toxins.

            “Cell densities of toxic blue-green algae levels have been below the state’s threshold for more than two weeks and reservoir clarity has improved,” said Jim Britton, a water quality specialist with the Corps.  “Under these conditions, according to state guidelines, an advisory can be lifted.”

            Blue-green algae are plants that occur naturally in lakes and are often associated with increased water temperatures and nutrients in lake water. Algal blooms are rapid buildups of algae that are often found near the shore due to wind and waves, and are visible as masses of green, yellow or bluish-green slime.

            Those who recreate in Oregon water bodies should always be alert to signs of algae blooms and people and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water.

            For more information on toxic algae, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/.