[env-trinity] Times-Standard: Blue-green algae warning for Klamath

[Tom Stokely]

http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_21523412/blue-green-algae-warning-klamath 

Blue-green algae warning for Klamath
The Times-Standard Eureka Times Standard
Created:
Times-Standard.com
Water quality officials are posting blue-green algae warnings along the Klamath River and its reservoirs, encouraging people to stay out of the water.

”It's a human health issue,” said Craig Tucker, a Klamath campaign coordinator for the Karuk tribe. “The hotter and drier it is, the worse the algae blooms.”

Users are warned to avoid contact with the blue-green algae, which contains the microcystis toxin. Microcystin is a known tumor promoter and liver toxin, according to a press release from the Karuk Tribe Department of Natural Resources.

Craig said that the blooms affect reservoirs along the Klamath every year, but do not always contaminate the river downstream.

This year, however, posted warning areas include Copco Reservoir, Iron Gate Reservoir and the river itself downstream to Turwar on the Yurok Reservation.

The algal blooms usually occur between June and October because shallow, nutrient-rich water trapped behind the Klamath dams heats up. This provides an optimal environment for algae to bloom.

”We think the only way to deal with it is dam removal,” Tucker said.

Blooms normally occur while downstream tribes are holding annual World Renewal ceremonies. According to the release, the ceremonies require spiritual leaders to bathe in the river, which puts them at risk of exposure.

Tucker said, the Karuk medicine men who do the rituals are at an elevated risk.

”They're going to bathe in the river, no matter what,” he said.
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