Press Release
AUGUST 15th, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3035
|
Lake Clarke Shores, FL-
Residents of an area south
of Summit Boulevard and east
of Florida Mango have been
experiencing a pungent odor
similar to that of raw
sewage since Thursday. Test
results have now shown this
to be from an algae bloom
and decaying organic
materials from canal banks.
Palm Beach County Health
Officials caution against
swimming in these waters but
boating and fishing
restriction have been
lifted.
On Thursday evening August 11, 2005 Lake Clarke Police were
notified of a major sewage
odor and water discoloration
in the vicinity of Florida
Mango and Forest Hill.
Further investigation on
Friday discovered two
additional locations and
upon visual inspection by
Health and other water
officials it was thought to
be the result of illegal
dumping of raw sewage. The
water avoidance order was
issued by the Health
Department while Lake Clarke
officials had the waters
tested.
Lab results received Monday showed the presence of large
amounts of decaying organic
material, mass quantities of
algae cells but very low
levels of fecal coliform,
the bacteria associated with
human waste. “We are
continuing to investigate
the cause but at this time
we now feel that this is the
result of an algae bloom
coupled with decaying
organics due to weed control
along the banks,” Said
Health Department
Environmental Supervisor
Michael Hambor. Over the
past several weeks canals in
the area were treated with
an herbicide to control the
weeds. High heat,
oxygenation of the material
and resultant die off have
been known to create pungent
odors and clumping as the
organic material rots.
The Town of Lake Clarke Shores has removed much of the
material and the remainder
is being monitored for
dissipation.
####
<<
Back to Press
|
