Nbc-2.com

Lake O blue-green algae a warning sign?

By Blake Burman

May 6, 2008

http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=19112&z=3

LAKE OKEECHOBEE: Brand new pictures from SKY2 over Lake Okeechobee captured something that shouldn't be there. Blue-green algae has conservation leaders concerned.

At Lake Okeechobee, there’s almost as much blue-green algae as there is water.

On the outer banks by Pahokee, for about a mile you can see blue green algae.

"It’s a system out of balance when the conditions exist," said Rae Ann Wessel, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Federation.

She says it is a blatant warning sign for all of Southwest Florida.

"The expectation is if we get excess rain and all of that washes out we can expect it to come down the Caloosahatchee," said Wessel.

A low Lake O means it won't happen now, but Wessel says two more feet of water and the algae will meet the Caloosahatchee.

The blue-green algae is close to shore, in the marina and traces of it are infesting the lake.

"Very reminiscent of the conditions we had in 2005 and 2006 in the Caloosahatchee," said Wessel.

If all the blue green algae seems like just a random case of water woes, it has major consequences for when it gets exposed.

"You can have a dermatological reaction like you would with poison ivy. There can be respiratory effects. For drinking water purposes there are toxins that can affect the liver," said Wessel.

As for the 4,000 acre fire burning at Lake O, investigators believe it was intentionally set. They are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist.

One of the biggest concerns is how the smoke will impact visibility for drivers in the area.