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1
Geist Public MeetingApril 29, 2008
Indiana Department of Natural ResourcesIndiana Department of Environmental Management
Indiana State Department of Health
Blue Green Algae and Geist:Agency Approaches
2
Introduction
Dr. Lenore Tedesco: CEES
Dr. James Howell: Indiana State Department of Health
Bruno Pigott: Indiana
Department of Environmental Management
Ron McAhron: Indiana
Department of Natural Resources
3
Health Risk Associated with Recreation Use of Untreated Surface Water
James Howell, DVM, MPH
Diplomate, ACVPM
State Epidemiologist
Indiana State Department of Health
4
Untreated Surface Water
Ponds, creeks, rivers, lakes, sea shores Unfiltered to remove protozoa parasites Untreated with chemicals to destroy
bacteria or virus
8
Toxins
Cyanotoxins are a diverse group of chemical substances that are categorized by toxic effects as follows:Neurotoxins affect the nervous system. Hepatotoxins affect the liver. Tumor promoters - chemicals that can increase tumor
growth.
9
Toxins
CynobacteriaMicrocystins - liver, tumor promotor
Saxitoxins - neurotoxin
Anatoxin-a - neurotoxin
Nodularins - liver, tumor promotor
Lipopolysaccharide - inflammation
Cylindrospermopsin – liver other organs
10
Cyanotoxin Human Health Effects Skin
Rashes, hives, skin blisters
Inhalation Runny eyes and/or nose, sore throat, asthma-like syndrome,
allergic reactions
Swallowing Acute and severe gastroenteritis Liver toxicity Neurological symptoms
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Effects on Pets and Domestic Animals Drinking contaminated water may cause
Photosensitization Liver failure Neurological
Signs and Symptoms Lethargy, muscle tremors, rapid breathing, Twitching, paralysis, convulsions
Can cause death
12
Fish from Contaminated Waters
Shellfish such as fresh water mussels can bio-accumulate toxins and should not be eaten
Healthy fish may be eaten, but should exclude liver and kidneys
13
Bottom Line
Risk of health effects is dose dependent Higher the level of toxin present, higher
the risk Skin contact, nasal contact, ingestion
The route of exposure can increase the risk of health affects.
14
What a Recreational User Can Do Wise users take certain sensible precautions:
Prepare before entering the water:
Bring appropriate gear .
Be sure to check weather conditions
While in the water:
Recreate in groups
Always supervise children
Try to avoid consuming large amounts of water
When you’re finished:
Make sure you shower
Take time to clean your equipment
16
Water Quality Issues in the Upper Fall Creek Watershed 303(d) list of Impaired Waters 2008 Impairments in the Upper Fall Creek Watershed
E.coli: Fall Creek-Honey Creek Fall Creek-Sugar Creek/Deer Creek Fall Creek-Mud Creek/Little Creek Tributaries Sly Fork: Brandon Ditch Minnie Creek Tributaries
PCBs in Fish Tissue:
Geist Reservoir Fall Creek Fall Creek/Devon Creek
Mercury in Fish Tissue:
Fall Creek
Taste and Odor Geist Reservoir
Algae Geist Reservoir
18
Taking Action to Improve Water Quality
Citizen Action: Geist Residents are Organized IDEM and other agencies work
with watershed groups
Central Indiana Water Resources Partnership Preliminary Report on Water
Quality and Nutrient Cycling in the Watershed
Reservoir Research
IDEM Watershed Work
19
IDEM Work in the Watershed
IDEM Sampling Upper Fall Creek Watershed73 sites for:
Nutrients Metals Chemistry
30 sites for pesticides
21
An IDEM Watershed Team: Cross Section of IDEM Office of Water Quality programs
including: Drinking Water Permits Compliance Assessment Watershed Planning
Purpose: Review Monitoring Data Review Permit, Compliance information in the Watershed Work with Watershed Groups Propose things we can do to improve Water Quality in the Watershed
IDEM Work in the Watershed
22
Coordination
CEES Monitoring Geist Reservoir IDEM Sampling Upper Fall Creek
Watershed DNR and ISDH providing
information Organizations and Agencies are
Coordinating work to Leverage our knowledge
24
Pilot Project
Established Website: Algae.in.gov Samples from biweekly Monitoring Mid-May
through Mid–October analyzed and posted Provide public with Information about:
Toxins from Algae Risks associated with toxins Precautions you can take Information from other organizations Several links to other websites