Although our governor has appointed a task force to combat toxic algae, he usually ignores their recommendations.
We actually don’t need a task force because the causes for the algae are well known– excess nutrients and over-pumping of groundwater. DeSantis needs it to put forth the illusion that he is doing something about it.
So DeSantis can appoint task forces and committees to sit around and talk about it but the solution remains the same.
Most of the excess nutrients come from uncontrolled applications of agricultural fertilizer as well as septic tanks. Over-pumping reduces water flow in springs and rivers which allowed increased growth of algae.
Our state is way too slowly converting septic tanks to sewers but at the same time allowing new ones to be built. The over-pumping is rampant and water districts continue to issue new permits to any who apply.
The State of Florida is not interested in the solution because it will cost money and curtail profits of the industries which control our politicians.
Read the original, complete article here at USA Today.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
CDC report: People and animals are increasingly getting sick from toxic algae
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A new federal report says more people and animals, including beloved pets, are getting sick from exposure to toxic algae that forms in natural waterbodies across the country.
While there have been no human deaths, animals have died from the toxic effects, the report shows.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) seem to be becoming worse nationwide, especially during the summer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new report that analyzes data from 2021, 16 states reported a total of 117 human illnesses and at least 2,715 animal illnesses as a result of HAB events.
HAB events peak in August, the report found, with 90% of blooms occurring in lakes, reservoirs and other fresh waters. HABs emerge from the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria — also known as blue-green algae, according to the CDC.
The CDC’s report is based on voluntary reporting by public health agencies and their designated environmental health or animal health partners.
Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause illness and death, the CDC said. Several states have reported wildlife, domestic pet and livestock illnesses and deaths in recent years.
What did CDC find?
Human illnesses from toxic blue-green algae happened predominately in June, the CDC said. The most commonly reported symptoms were gastrointestinal, dermatologic, and generalized, such as headaches and fevers.
Of the 117 cases, the CDC said 46% of illnesses were among people younger than 18 years old, suggesting children and teens may be at higher risk of illness than adults. No deaths were reported.
Nearly all of the cases of human illness reported water as a source of exposure to HABs, according to the CDC. People were exposed to HABs predominately at public outdoor areas and beaches.
Animal illnesses occurred primarily in August and mostly involved wildlife, according to the CDC. Among the cases, the animals most affected were dogs, cattle and bats.
