A news release issued by Ohio EPA and ODNR states that water testing has revealed nerve and liver toxins in Grand Lake St. Marys, and state officials are advising the public to continue avoiding contact with the water.
Sample Results for Grand Lake St. Marys
Ohio EPA received laboratory results from water samples collected in Grand Lake St. Marys on Wednesday, June 23, 2010. The results showed the presence of cylindrospermopsin, a liver toxin, at the West Beach of the state park. In addition, saxitoxin, a nerve toxin, was found at low levels (just above the detection limit) in the same area. At the boat ramp, there was a very low level of cylindrospermopsin.
Due to the highly unpredictable nature of blue-green algae and the toxins it can produce, it is impossible to know with certainty if toxins are present in the water on any given day at a particular location. Since there are no national standards or benchmarks for these toxins in water, state officials are advising the public to continue to avoid contact with the water.
Ohio EPA and ODNR have developed a new frequently asked questions document about the recent algae bloom at Grand Lake St. Marys. The document can be found at: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/pic/glsm_algae.aspx.
To see Grand Lake St. Marys water sampling data, visit: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/inland_lakes/glsm_microcystin_data.pdf