By MATT PIKE
The City of St. Joseph is asking residents to keep animals out of the water and avoid fishing at Corby Pond after the detection of a harmful algae bloom.
The city is placing signage at the pond to warn visitors which will remain in place until 14 days after the bloom has completely disappeared. The additional 14-day period is a precaution in case toxins were produced during the bloom. Cyanobacteria, often referred to as blue-green algae, are responsible for harmful algal blooms. Some types can produce toxins that may affect the health of people and animals, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources says. However, the presence of a bloom alone does not indicate that toxins are present.
Although these blooms occur naturally, excess nutrients in a pond can cause them to develop more frequently or become more severe, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Eventually, these blooms generally disappear on their own. However, the City of St. Joseph had its contracted pond management company treat both Corby Pond and the Krug Park lagoon for algae on Tuesday. A few dead fish have been observed in Corby Pond. According to Missouri Department of Natural Resources officials, the fish deaths are likely the result of low dissolved oxygen in the water rather than cyanotoxins, if toxins are present.
Visitors are asked to follow the posted warnings and keep themselves, children and pets out of the water until the warning signs have been removed.
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