Neila Seaman, MPA
Director
Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA  50310
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515-277-8868




From: "Karen Grimes" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: DNR News Release on Algae in Iowa lakes
Date: Fri, 07 Jul 2006 16:50:58 -0500


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Pasted below and attached as a Word document is a news release from the Iowa 
Department of Natural Resources on algal blooms that occur in Iowa lakes and 
streams.

Iowa DNR News
Environmental Services Division

For immediate release	July 7, 2006

For more information, contact Mike Wade at (563) 927-2640.


ALGAL BLOOMS IN BACKBONE LAKE AND OTHER IOWA WATERS

STRAWBERRY POINT * The DNR investigated floating mats of algae at Backbone 
Lake on Thursday after a call from the park ranger at Backbone State Park.

DNR environmental specialists checked streams above the park, including the 
area right below the Strawberry Point wastewater facility.

"The streams were crystal clear and ammonia was not detected in water 
samples from Richmond Springs, upstream of Backbone Lake," said Mike Wade, 
an environmental specialist from the DNR Manchester field office.

He added that previous monitoring indicates that it would be very difficult 
for high levels of bacteria from the Strawberry Point wastewater lagoon to 
reach the lake three miles downstream.

Wade said the floating mats of algae in the lake were typical of Iowa lakes 
and many streams at this time of year. Hot, dry weather and clear water 
allows sunlight to penetrate to the stream or lake bottom providing energy 
for algae.  The abundant nutrients in Iowa's surface waters make conditions 
ideal for algal growth.

Algae don't have a long life cycle. So as the plant materials begin to die, 
the decaying matter floats to the top of the water and may give off a 
disagreeable odor. On a windy day, the algae tend to pile up along the 
shorelines.

Many people mistake the mats of decaying algae for manure or sewage because 
of the odor. "What we observed at Backbone and in many other streams and 
lakes are dark green algae," said Wade. "People typically avoid these areas 
while swimming or wading, but these algae are not the direct result of human 
or animal discharges."

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Karen Grimes
515-281-5135
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