Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Algae vapor not harmful at distance

Stench of Grand Lake part of bigger issue

By Shelley Grieshop
Photo by Shelley Grieshop/The Daily Standard

Bright blue-green algae scum spans a channel at Windy Point in Montezuma. The decomposing algae blooms continue to emit an awful smell around Grand Lake. Local, state and federal officials are attempting to find short- and long-term solutions to water quality issues that hamper the lake.

The awful smell emitted from the algae in the lake likely isn't harmful to humans unless they are directly exposed to the water by activities such as jet skiing and tubing, a state health official said.
Greg Stein of the Ohio Department of Health in Columbus is actively investigating the algae issues at Grand Lake to identify possible public health problems. He and his program chief, Dr. Bob Frey, recently released information about the byproduct, geosmin, produced when the blue-green algae dies.
"The human nose is extremely sensitive to geosmin and we are able to detect it at concentrations as low as 5 parts per trillion," Stein said.
The geosmin is an organic compound considered chemically not toxic in the air, so the blue-green (cyanobacterial) algae "does not appear to pose a vapor problem." The toxins produced are not "off-gassing" and can't be carried through the air into neighboring homes, he added.
However, there is a possibility the toxins can be aerosolized - a gaseous suspension of particles - by activities such as speed boating, jet skiing or tubing, which causes heavy wave or wake action, Stein said.
"In this case, the violent disturbance of the water can cause the water to be aerosolized and the people engaging in these activities can be exposed to the lake toxins in an aerosolized format," he said.
Stein also noted the smell alone can be uncomfortable for those who are sensitive to odors and can cause temporary headaches and nausea. The stench is more likely to affect sensitive populations including young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic health problems, he added.
"Because it can be detected at such small levels, the lake is likely to stink and the residents and businesses in close proximity to the lake will likely detect these odors . . ." he said.
Stein did not say how long the algae smell will linger.
Meanwhile, the decision to be near or on the lake is a personal one.
"Each individual needs to determine if they believe their health is being impacted by foul odors and consider their options to reduce their exposures," he said.
Additional online story on this date
Funds will go toward land buy at Grand Lake Industrial Park
CELINA - City council members on Tuesday approved the final reading of an ordinance to issue $100,232 to Rob Kraner from the city's revolving loan fund. The move will finance the purchase of 12.59 acres of city land in the Grand Lake Industrial Park. [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
GRAND LAKE - Securing funds, amending legislation and achieving solidarity among leaders and organizations are key steps in cleaning Grand Lake, according to Ohio Senator Keith Faber (R-Celina).
State officials report
CELINA - Though the public has been advised by the EPA to avoid direct contact with the water of Grand Lake, the City of Celina's drinking water remains safe, according to various officials.
ST. MARYS - Attorneys for the local board of education have made response to a terminated teacher's legal action to restore his job with back pay, benefits and seniority intact.
Minster
MINSTER - With the proposed $3.65 million Fourth Street Reconstruction Project on the horizon, village officials received some good news from the government.
ST. MARYS - A nonprofit organization that plans to provide job services for people with disabilities has received its first grant.
Good for Busines
Coldwater and St. Marys ACME avoid elimination
ST. HENRY - In the precarious position of not making the ACME district tournament for the first time in recent memory, Coldwater needed to bounce back against St. Henry to keep its season alive.
Coldwater and St. Marys ACME avoid elimination
MINSTER - Facing a win or go home situation, rivals Wapakoneta and St. Marys locked horns on Tuesday night in Minster for the elimination bracket of the Auglaize County ACME tournament.
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
Hamilton put the game out of Grand Lake's reach in its last two at-bats as the Joes dominated the Mariners 10-1 in Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League action at Foundation Field in Hamilton.