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PUBLIC HEALTH Algae bloom at Lost Creek Lake will test new protocols Comment By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune Posted May. 27, 2015 at 6:36 PM By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune Posted May. 27, 2015 at 6:36 PM » Social News TRAIL — A new and pervasive blue-green algae bloom at Lost Creek Lake will test how the public responds to an education program there that replaces water-quality testing and the posting of voluntary advisories against water contact. The bloom is similar to the ones that have hit the Rogue River Basin's largest reservoir each summer, but the first in which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not plan to test the water to determine whether the levels of suspected cyanobacteria exceed Oregon Health Authority standards for issuing a voluntarily advisory. The Corps this spring opted out of the advisories, and instead has posted information at several access points around the lake warning people how to gauge water quality and decide for themselves whether to enter the water. "We're going to give people the information they need to make a decision whether to recreate at Lost Creek or not," Corps spokesman Scott Clemans says. Jim Buck, the Corps' Rogue Basin operations manager, says he noticed the bloom Tuesday after returning to the reservoir after the Memorial Day weekend. "It's significant and throughout the water," he says. "Based on what we normally see, it'll probably be here for a good three weeks." One of the key messages on signs now posted around the reservoir warns would-be recreators that, "if in doubt, stay out." "People should use caution," Buck says. "I'd rather the public know there might be a problem before they come up here." The algae tests were the precursors for issuing and lifting the volunteer advisories, which typically have hit Lost Creek Lake twice a year since the cyanobacteria levels were first tested for and discovered in 2006. No one has been confirmed to have become sick from blue-green algae contact at Lost Creek Lake or any other water body in Oregon, though four confirmed dog deaths have been attributed to algae toxins in the Umpqua and South Umpqua rivers. The change, Corps officials say, comes largely from an over-reliance by the general public on the volunteer postings as the be-all, end-all evidence on whether the water is safe. The testing procedure also doesn't take into account that blooms are uneven throughout the lake, so water testing safe in one cove could give a false sense of security to those recreating in another cove where the algae is present at levels deemed unsafe for public contact, Corps officials say. During and immediately after algae blooms, the Oregon Health Authority warns that people and pets should avoid water contact, but there are no public closures. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch-and-release fishing during advisories. Exposure to toxins can produce numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting also should receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Reach reporter Mark Freeman at 541-776-4470 or [email protected] . Follow him at www.twitter.com/MTwriterFreeman . By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune Posted May. 27, 2015 at 6:36 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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