algal blooms

Algal Bloom Interim Action Plan

The intent of this plan is to provide the framework how the Twin Lakes Water Quality Committee (TLWQC) on behalf of the Twin Lakes Property Owners Association (TLPOA) and associated communities, Brandtwood, East Cove Woods, The Preserve, Twin Cove, Twin Lakes Park, and Twin Lakes Woods (Communities) will investigate algal blooms on Twin Lakes. 

It should be noted that not all algal blooms contain cyanobacteria and not all cyanobacteria can produce toxins, and cyanobacteria that can produce toxins do not produce them all of the time.  So, the presence of algal is not always an immediate concern, however it typically takes quantitative analyses to make this formal determination. Our intent is to communicate and advise.  Since many blooms are transient and do not last long, in many cases, we will not be able to sample and will not be able to verify the presence or absence of toxic harmful algal blooms (HABs).

Below are some links with useful information on HABs:

“IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT, STAY OUT”

reporting an algal bloom sighting

If you think that you are observing an algal bloom, please reach out to one of the following TLWQC representatives and someone will come to inspect the conditions. As noted below, the TLWQC will place a sign warning the community of the condition if a HAB is confirmed.

Peter Loewrigkeit - 727-318-7755 - 154ploew@gmail.com 

Vijay Pinch - 860-879-1292 - wpinch@protonmail.com 

Bob Jones - 609-462-4640 - kayakbj@hotmail.com 

Chris Proce – 516-250-0356 – cproce@rouxinc.com

The following provides the sequence of actions/notifications that will be taken after a HAB report is made as well as the rationale on how the TLWQC will react to the report. We provide this to offer context and information so that all can know what will happen in the event that a visible algal bloom appears at one of the lakes

 Initial sighting of an algal bloom

  • Upon a sighting or reporting of an algal bloom being shared with TLWQC or TLPOA, a group text message will be sent from the person contacted to the TLWQC/TLPOA with a request if anyone is present on the lakes who can make a visual confirmation of the bloom.

  • Upon visual observation of the bloom, the representative present will take two photos (one up close and one showing full extent) and share with the group if they feel it is truly a bloom, including some key characteristics, such as:

    • Extent of bloom

    • Present at the surface and/or in the water column

    • Visual description (e.g., dots/clumps, bubbling scum, paint chips, streaks, grass clippings, other)

  • Upon consultation with a knowledgeable person, they together will determine if there is a belief that a true algal bloom is present.

  • If a true bloom is believed to be present, a sign will be installed in the general area.

    • Three signs will be available for easy of deployment

      • One is in the shed on the lower level outside of the Proce property (827 Twin Lakes Road)

      • One is in the shed at Nordstrom/Kreger property (107 Park Place South)

      • One is in the garage at Nikles property (108 Preserve Drive)

  • The representative will make contact with TLPOA Executive Committee or TLWQC chairman to get a message out to all Communities

    • Although Sagamore is not part of the TLWQC, they will be contacted if the bloom is identified near their beach, as a courtesy

    • The TLWQC representative from TWCWC will advise the TWCWC

  • The representative present will collect a sample of the bloom in a clean and sealed jar and set this aside in a cold location (not frozen) for testing and it will be shipped ASAP.

  • Regardless of testing the sign will remain for a duration of 48 hours after the bloom disappears.

    • The conditions for a bloom to be toxic are complex and can change and there is a risk that toxins are present beyond 48 hours.

Analytical Testing 

  • A sample cooler for this analyses is present at the lake and located in the shed on the lower level outside of the Proce property (827 Twin Lakes Road).

  • Sample will be sent for analyses to GreenWater laboratory.

  • Results are not anticipated to be available for 3-5 days, and it is very likely that the bloom will have dissipated, but this will provide good confirmation as to presence or absence of toxic HAB.


template email that will be sent to all the communities

All,

It should be known that a community member has identified a potential algal bloom at __________.  TLWQC representative(s) have observed it and collected a sample for analysis and placed a sign warning everyone that they should avoid contact with the water, including dogs.  As the analytical data takes a few days to confirm the presence or absence of toxins, we are advising everyone out of an abundance of caution to remain out of this area, including a minimum of ~100 feet from the observed water discoloration, for a minimum of 24 hours after discoloration is present.  It should be clear that these distances and times are subjective and there is no way to confirm a lack of risk at this point.  We will send around a confirmatory email after we receive the analytical data, which should be available in approximately 3-5 days.  

Additional resources are available in the following links:

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Chris (516-250-0356) or Verne (513-519-8699).

sign template

algal reporting form

Date: ___________________________________

Time: ___________________________________

Observer: ___________________________________

Lake: ___________________________________

Location: ___________________________________

Weather ___________________________________

Debris or Trash Present Near the Suspected Algae Bloom? YES/NO

Colors and Particles:

Particle Chart:

1. None: you see no particles - note: the water can be colored but have no visible particles. 

2. Unidentified particles: you see particles but can’t tell whether they are sediment or algae. 

3. Visible algae: you see particles that are distinctly green. There are clear spots between the algal particles. 

4. Algal bloom: you can see green particles but there are no clear spots between the clumps. The water is cloudy and looks like pea soup.

Describe Algae at the Surface:

  • No Bloom: no algae visible at the surface.

  • Full Scum: think or bubbling mat at the surface

  • Streaks: streaks of algae on surface, often green and parallel

  • Dots or Clumps: dots, clumps, globs, filaments floating on the surface

  • Spilled Paint: resembles green, blue, or white paint on surface

  • Duckweed: tiny plants with elliptical leaves and hanging roots

More Description:

Describe Algae in Water Column (you can choose more than one):

  • Nothing: no algae visible through the water column

  • Thick Soup: water looks like pea soup through depth

  • Dots or Clumps: suspended dots, clumps, or globs

  • Other: describe in comments below

More Description:

Describe Extent of Water or Surface Bloom (you can choose more than one):

  • No Bloom: no algae visible at the surface

  • Localized: area the size of a pontoon boat or smaller

  • Regional: through a cove, beach or section of shoreline

  • Widespread: lake-wide, multiple coves or shorelines

More Description: