The Weekly Update for algal bloom from the Department of Environmental Protection is out and it is not good. It is early in the season for this to be happening. What is to come when the hot months arrive? It is not just too early, it should not be happening at all.
When they met to “discuss nutrient reduction projects,” it is good that Lisa Rinaman was present. Hers is a voice which will protect the St. Johns, and tell the ones in power that fertilizer must be reduced drastically and immediately. That and stop the biosolids applications in wetlands.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
BLUE-GREEN ALGAL BLOOM WEEKLY UPDATE
Reporting April 27 – May 3, 2019
SUMMARY
On Tuesday, Secretary Noah Valenstein joined St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle, St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman and agency water quality experts to examine an active algal bloom on the lower St. Johns and to discuss nutrient reduction projects.
The bloom is present from Lake George to CR 214 and has persisted since April 10. DEP is also working with FWC to investigate possible algae and fish abnormalities in Blue Spring State Park, Silver Glen and Salt Spring.
Blooms continue to be reported to DEP by US Army Corps Lake Okeechobee lock operators. At this time, algae is present at the Caloosahatchee (C-43) structures but is light in occurrence (no thick mats).
DEP staff site visits indicate generally that Microcystis is the dominant species being found, but toxins have not been detected. Lee County staff have reported three site visits this week, with only one indicating the presence of algae (Microsystis) and with Microcystin toxin detected at less than 1 microgram per liter. Satellite imagery indicates that conditions on the Lake Okeechobee have become less favorable for algal bloom development.
