News Release
| Release Number: | 07-086 |
| Dated: | 7/9/2007 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – An advisory prompted by high levels of a toxic species of algae in Lost Creek Lake will be lifted July 10, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced.
Water sampling confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. The advisory will be lifted Tuesday as long as no additional algae blooms appear. State guidelines recommend waiting two weeks after algal cell counts fall below state-specified levels before lifting advisories related to algae blooms.
The Oregon Department of Human Services advises people who recreate in Oregon reservoirs to always be alert for signs of algal blooms. People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water.
For local information contact the Rogue River Basin Project at (541) 878-2255. For health information, contact DHS environmental health specialists, Ken Kauffman at (971) 673-0435, or Deanna Conners at (971) 673-0444.
Additional information on blue-green algae can be found on the DHS Web site at http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml.