Local officials gathered in this Wayne County town this morning to redouble efforts to inform the public about an outbreak of potentially dangerous cyanobacteria in Sodus Bay.

Leaders of Wayne County, the towns of Sodus and Huron and the village of Sodus Point said they may use posters, reverse 911 calls to bayside residents, mailings and even a door-to-door campaign to inform people to avoid tainted water. “We’ve got to get the word out there,” said Laurie Crane, Huron town supervisor.

The bay, about 40 miles of Rochester on Lake Ontario, has been beset for several weeks by outbreaks of the bacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae.

Residents have complained they were learning of the problem mainly through word-of-mouth, and that government agencies had provided no information or advice.

Some varieties of cyanobacteria can release toxins that are harmful to human and animal health. Toxin has been found in Sodus Bay, though state health officials have released few details. Dead birds and fish have been noted near patches of the bacteria, including hundreds of dead fish in one area of southern Sodus Bay. A dog reportedly got sick after swimming in affected water and later was put down by its owner.

Nick Rich, district director for the state Department of Health in Geneva, reiterated at today’s gathering that people should avoid contact with bay water if there is visible evidence of an algae bloom.

He said the department would do testing for cyanobacteria toxins at two beaches in Sodus Point that now are closed to swimmers due to algae concerns, and also at other strategic points around the bay. He was unable to say how extensive that testing would be, however.

Rich also said he would need to consult other health officials before saying whether it was safe to eat fish caught in the bay.

via Dangers of Sodus Bay algae to be publicized | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle.