Texoma Under Warning for Blue-Green Algae Presence
From the Army Corp of Engineers Website
TULSA– In order to provide members of the public the latest information available so that so that they are able to make informed decisions, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, has once again updated the blue-green algae matrix. (The latest version is incorporated in this document.) The Treasure Island portion of Lake Texoma west to the mouth of the Red River including Buncombe Creek and Big Mineral Arms is now under a WARNING and water contact is prohibited. Corps recreation areas included in the WARNING area include Caney Creek, Buncombe Creek, and Juniper Point. The parks are still open to camping, however, at the WARNING level, harmful algae have been found to be present, and the water is considered unsafe for people and pets. Also, Lake Texoma is now under lake-wide blue – green algae ADIVSORY. At the ADVISORY level, water contact is discouraged and water may be unsafe for people and pets.
Blue-green algae are naturally present in Tulsa District lakes at low concentrations, however, during hot and dry conditions, nuisance blue-green algae blooms can occur and these blooms can create unwanted risks associated with swimming and wading at recreational areas. A blue-green algae bloom can occur in any lake at any time if the conditions are right.
More information from the Army Corp of Engineers is available here.
For a look at the matrix of warnings and closures visit – http://www.swt.usace.army.mil/WWWattachments/BGA%20update%208-26-11.pdf
What is blue-green algae?
A quick look at wikipedia states that blue-green algae is a neurotoxin that can even cause contraction of ALS also known as Lou Gherig’s disease. I am not finding anything written that backs that up, although there are documented cases of dog deaths after exposure to blue-green algae.
TPWD has some drawings on their website.
Category: Science and Environmental
I’ve been in plenty of green pea soup, but blue-green?