Another blue-green algae bloom has been found in the Thames River in Chatham.
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) officials say staff noted another discolouration in the river caused by a bloom of blue-green algae on Friday, September 22.
LTVCA officials say the bloom seems to have spread over the weekend and now appears to be forming upstream in the Lower Thames through Middlesex and Elgin Counties, as well as having flowed downstream to the mouth at Lake St. Clair.
“Overall, the bloom doesn’t seem to be as severe as the one that occurred in late August, but this one seems to cover a larger area,” LTVCA officials said in a press release.
“Some varieties of this algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals. People should take a precautionary approach and assume toxins are present, avoid using, drinking, bathing or swimming in the water, and restrict pet and livestock access to the water.”
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has issued some information about blue-green algae blooms. Click here for more information.
LTVCA official say if you spot blue-green algal blooms, call the: Spills Action Centre, 416-325-3000 or 1-800-268 6060, or 1-855-889-5775.
– Photo credit: LTVCA
