NEWS

Cyanobacteria Bloom - Long Pond

Chris Jacobs of Pinewoods Camp indicated yesterday evening that there was a bloom in the cove north of Cornish Field Road and she’d informed the Town Dept of Public Health and DMEA. Visual observations provided by the Department of Marine and Environmental Affairs (DMEA) indicate the presence of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) cells in the listed pond. This evidence suggests that the level of cyanobacteria in the water may exceed the MDPH guidelines for recreational waterbodies in Massachusetts. Accordingly, as recommended by MDPH, a public health advisory is being issued by the Plymouth Public Health Department. Signage will be posted at public access points, where available to warn individuals against contact with the water (please see attached sign).

What are the health concerns associated with cyanobacteria?

A confirmation of cyanobacteria bloom does not necessarily indicate it is toxic. Cyanobacteria MAY give off microcystin toxins. However, all cyanobacteria blooms are treated as potentially toxic to ensure public health.

Skin irritation, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, blisters of the mouth and liver damage.

Swimmers in water containing cyanobacterial toxins may suffer allergic reactions, such as asthma, eye irritation, rashes, and blisters around the mouth and nose.

Animals, birds, and fish can also be affected by high levels of toxin- producing cyanobacteria.

If your animal goes into the water, be sure to rinse them off thoroughly

If your animal ingests water and shows signs of illness, contact your veterinarian

Advisories are not lifted until the water has been consistently clear for TWO WEEKS

For more information on cyanobacteria, please click here.

An advisory cannot be lifted until the bloom has been visibly clear for two consecutive weeks.

To report a cyanobacteria bloom: Take a photo, document location and send
to Plymouth Department of Public Health (DPH) or Plymouth Department of Marine and Environmental Affairs (DMEA)

Kim Tower
Environmental Technician
Department of Marine and Environmental Affairs
26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 747-1620 x10198
https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/marine-and-environmental-affairs

Any further questions or concerns, please contact Six Ponds President Hampton Watkins

617-510-4656 (mobile)

hampton@alum.mit.edu (preferred)