Iowa DNR News Environmental Services Division For immediate release July 6, 2009 BROWN ALGAE BLOOM VISIBLE ON STORM LAKE STORM LAKE - A discoloration of water along some of the shorelines on Storm Lake is being caused by a brown algae bloom. Portions of the shoreline appear to have what looks like brown paint or stain. Growth of brown algae can occur when there are excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. Brown algae typically do not produce toxic compounds in the environment. The DNR is collecting samples to analyze for the presence of toxins that can be produced by a variety of algae. Results of these analyses should be available later in the week. Although there were some dead bullheads spotted along the eastern shoreline, it is believed those fish died from post-spawn stress. The DNR did collect some water samples on Monday to determine if the brown algae was causing oxygen depletion in some portions of the lake near the algae bloom, but those results indicated oxygen levels were good. For more information, contact Julie Sievers at 712-260-0625. -30- Kevin Baskins Communications Bureau Chief Iowa Department of Natural Resources 515-281-8395 [log in to unmask] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp