Weather Alert  

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following areas: All five boroughs of New York City, and Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. Until 11 PM EDT this evening. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Ground Level Ozone. The New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. A toll free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The toll free number is 1 800 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5.

Health Officials Warn of Cyanobacteria Blooms in Montauk

Local News, Health & Wellness, Press Releases

By Published: August 03 2015

LongIsland.com

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has reported that cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) have exceeded bloom criteria at Fort Pond in Montauk.

Print Email

Montauk, NY - August 2, 2015 - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has reported that cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) have exceeded bloom criteria at Fort Pond in Montauk. Blue-green algae persist at the following locations:

Old Town Pond in Southampton, Kellis Pond in Bridgehampton and parts of Lake Ronkonkoma,* which were reported to have exceeded NYSDEC bloom criteria on July 17, 2015 are presently below bloom criteria levels.

Health officials ask residents not to use, swim or wade in these waters and to keep pets and children away from the area.  Extra precautions should be taken to avoid direct exposure to waters at Agawam Lake, as levels of cyanobacteria and associated toxins in Agawam Lake are very high.

Cyanobacteria are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers; however, they can become abundant, forming blooms in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water, or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance. 

Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately.  Seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

To report a suspected cyanobacteria bloom at a body of water that contains a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach, contact Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 852-5760.

To report a suspected cyanobacteria bloom that is in a body of water that lies within Suffolk County but does not contain a Suffolk County permitted bathing beach, contact the Division of Water at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: (518) 402-8179.

For more information about cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), visit the Suffolk County website*

*Lake Ronkonkoma Beach in the Town of Islip is open. Cyanobacteria have not been detected at levels warranting beach closure at Lake Ronkonkoma Beach this summer.