Algae blooms in Lauderdale Isles
Posts on Nextdoor are inaccurate regarding "spraying for algae." So are posts about "skimming for algae."
According to the guidance provided to LIWMD by the City's Environmental Services Department, neither is effective.
On September 24th, we had our first sighting of green algae in Lauderdale Isles canals. Lots of nutrients(fertilizers), pet waste, very warm water, and lots of sun are the formula for an algae bloom like we are seeing now. And maybe a little 'bleed-down" from Lake Okeechobee to get it started.
Note that in open water like our canals and the river, spraying is ineffective for algae. That's why the City has not done any spraying of the Las Olas Canals, where the algae is 1000 times worse than in our canals.
Note: In small freshwater ponds, spraying is done with a formulation of hydrogen peroxide. However, when used, this compound causes the toxic compounds in the algae to be released, resulting in a massive toxic release, with detrimental effects on all the living organisms in the pond.
Fort Laudedale's Environmental Services Division recommends NOT spraying the algae, and we follow the guidance of the scientists in that department.
Here is the answer from the Manager of that department when we inquired with him about the algae:
"Please see attached a memo (link below) to the City Commission dated August 22 explaining recent algal blooms such as the one you are reporting. Algae are naturally occurring and form blooms when the water is warm and nutrient rich. Increased reporting of blooms often follows heavy rains.
While these algal blooms are a nuisance and can impact aquatic life, most do not present a risk to human health. The City environmental inspectors are monitoring the City waterways weekly and reporting any observations to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). This state agency takes the lead to determine if any given algal bloom is toxic and works in tandem with the Florida Department of Health to issue health advisories if needed.
FDEP has been notified of the algal blooms observed in Fort Lauderdale. For more information see FDEP’s website at https://floridadep.gov/dear/algal-bloom . To report new algal blooms, you can contact the state at (855) 305-3903 or on line at www.reportalgalbloom.com.
The Florida DEP along with the Florida Health Department and the FWC have formed a task force for this year's algae problems, primarily addressing the Red Tide in Southwest Florida.
Spraying our canals for the algae at this time would not be effective. We receive all our guidance on this matter from the City and will continually consult with them regarding the issue. We will continue to monitor the canals in Lauderdale Isles.
Don't believe everything you read on Nextdoor.
| commission_memo_18-128_algal_bloom_monitoring.pdf |