Algal blooms shut down more HV beaches, lawmakers push for better remediation strategy
The latest to close is the Lake Welch, a popular beach and campground in northern Rockland County.
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A certain bacteria is turning some popular swimming spots green, forcing their closure and now forcing some officials to start a campaign to fix the growing problem.
The latest to close is the Lake Welch, a popular beach and campground in northern Rockland County.
New York state parks and environmental officials deemed the recreation spot unsafe due to high levels of harmful algal blooms (HABs).
Exposure to HABs can cause nausea, eye irritation and breathing problems in humans - and it can kill some animals.
"It is becoming more of a problem," said Dr. Shannon Roback, of the clean water advocacy group, Riverkeeper, "primarily due to increases in temperature."
Speaking with News 12 over Zoom Thursday afternoon, Roback said the other main contributor to algal blooms besides heat is runoff containing wastewater and fertilizer, which feed the algal blooms.
She said a series of water treatment system upgrades is one way to decrease runoff containing certain nutrients.
"It's going to be difficult to lower the temperature as it does continue to get hotter," she said, "but if we can reduce the amount of nutrient pollution that's entering the water, we're removing that food source for the bacteria."
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is promoting a bill that would classify HABs as a water contaminant.
The designation could force the state to put more resources into remediation of the bacteria and create a commission tasked with finding out how to control it.
"I don't want to risk it with my kids," father of four Eric Panganiban said after arriving at Lake Welch to learn it was closed. "That law would be good for everybody. They have to work harder."
State Sen. Rob Rolison and Assemblyman Matt Slater will hold a press conference 10 a.m. Friday at Roaring Brook Lake in Putnam County to further discuss the legislation.
Putnam County has three beaches currently closed due to high levels of HABs.
