Toxicology results have confirmed low levels of microcystin-LR in the eastern leg of Sturgeon Lake. The good news is that the toxin levels were very low – in fact, they were lower than the acceptable level for this toxin in drinking water. (Note: This doesn’t mean that the lake water is safe to drink!)
News
General Community News.
Blue-green Algae confirmed – warning remains in place (August 11, 2011)
The Ministry of the Environment’s test results have confirmed the presence of anabaena, a species of blue-green algae (sometimes known as Cyanobacteria). This is a species that can produce toxins in the water. In sufficient concentrations these toxins can cause health problems.  The health warning will stay in effect until further notice.
Blue-green Algae Advisory Update (August 8, 2011)
On Monday morning the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District (HKPRD) Health Unit reported that the Blue-Green Algae Bloom Warning remains in place today. The Health Unit is expecting test results from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on Wednesday. Those results are expected to be more specific than the very general warning presently in place. The warning status is unlikely to change before then.
Road work in the final stretch…
After a brief hiatus on our road rehabilitation, Mr. Grader and Mr. Roller finally started their jobs on Second and Third Streets today. This was great fun to watch for fans of those “Big Truck” shows. The paving work will start tomorrow, although it is uncertain whether that task will be completed in a single day. It will almost certainly be completed on Friday. There will be clean up and finishing work to do afterwards. This may drag into next week. I think we can reasonably expect the road crews to be clear of the Village before the August long weekend. Residents of Second and Third Streets will rejoice!