Blue-Green Algae Taints Blue Rock State Park

A blue-green algae has made its way into Muskingum County, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is investigating.

Now three of Ohio’s state parks have tested positive for a toxic, blue-green algae. A park administrator says that employees at Muskingum County’s Blue Rock State Park observed the algae on Cutler Lake for the first time on August 1. On August 2, water samples from the lake were taken, and two nuerotoxins were discovered, which if ingested, can adversely affect the nervous system. Currently, a "no contact advisory" is posted at Cutler Lake, strongly advising people and their pets to avoid any contact with the water including boating or fishing.

Muskingum County Health Department Environmental Health Director, Mike Kirsch, says no illnesses resulting from the lake have been reported. Ohio Department of Natural Resource officials in Columbus says the issue is in the hands of the EPA.

Other warnings are in effect at the lake in Burr Oak State Park in Southeast Ohio, and at Western Ohio’s Grand Lake St. Mary’s. The Ohio Department of Health is investigating reports of 13 people possibly becoming sick from the algae at Grand Lake St. Mary’s. Officials say that the lake will not reopen before next spring.