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Geist Public MeetingApril 29, 2008

Indiana Department of Natural ResourcesIndiana Department of Environmental Management

Indiana State Department of Health

Blue Green Algae and Geist:Agency Approaches

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Introduction

Dr. Lenore Tedesco: CEES

Dr. James Howell: Indiana State Department of Health

Bruno Pigott: Indiana

Department of Environmental Management

Ron McAhron: Indiana

Department of Natural Resources

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Health Risk Associated with Recreation Use of Untreated Surface Water

James Howell, DVM, MPH

Diplomate, ACVPM

State Epidemiologist

Indiana State Department of Health

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Untreated Surface Water

Ponds, creeks, rivers, lakes, sea shores Unfiltered to remove protozoa parasites Untreated with chemicals to destroy

bacteria or virus

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Viruses of Concern

Hepatitis A Enterovirus

29 Coxsackie viruses28 Echoviruses5 other

Norovirus

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Bacteria of Concern

Campylobacter E. coli 0157:H7 Leptospira Salmonella Shigella Swimmer’s ear

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Parasites

Cryptosporidium parvum Naegleria Swimmer’s itch Acanthamoeba

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Toxins

Cyanotoxins are a diverse group of chemical substances that are categorized by toxic effects as follows:Neurotoxins affect the nervous system. Hepatotoxins affect the liver. Tumor promoters - chemicals that can increase tumor

growth.

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Toxins

CynobacteriaMicrocystins - liver, tumor promotor

Saxitoxins - neurotoxin

Anatoxin-a - neurotoxin

Nodularins - liver, tumor promotor

Lipopolysaccharide - inflammation

Cylindrospermopsin – liver other organs

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Cyanotoxin Human Health Effects Skin

Rashes, hives, skin blisters

Inhalation Runny eyes and/or nose, sore throat, asthma-like syndrome,

allergic reactions

Swallowing Acute and severe gastroenteritis Liver toxicity Neurological symptoms

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Effects on Pets and Domestic Animals Drinking contaminated water may cause

Photosensitization Liver failure Neurological

Signs and Symptoms Lethargy, muscle tremors, rapid breathing, Twitching, paralysis, convulsions

Can cause death

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Fish from Contaminated Waters

Shellfish such as fresh water mussels can bio-accumulate toxins and should not be eaten

Healthy fish may be eaten, but should exclude liver and kidneys

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Bottom Line

Risk of health effects is dose dependent Higher the level of toxin present, higher

the risk Skin contact, nasal contact, ingestion

The route of exposure can increase the risk of health affects.

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What a Recreational User Can Do Wise users take certain sensible precautions:

Prepare before entering the water:

Bring appropriate gear .

Be sure to check weather conditions

While in the water:

Recreate in groups

Always supervise children

Try to avoid consuming large amounts of water

When you’re finished:

Make sure you shower

Take time to clean your equipment

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Blue Green Algae:

What are We Doing to Improve Water Quality?

Bruno Pigott

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Water Quality Issues in the Upper Fall Creek Watershed 303(d) list of Impaired Waters 2008 Impairments in the Upper Fall Creek Watershed

E.coli: Fall Creek-Honey Creek Fall Creek-Sugar Creek/Deer Creek Fall Creek-Mud Creek/Little Creek Tributaries Sly Fork: Brandon Ditch Minnie Creek Tributaries

PCBs in Fish Tissue:

Geist Reservoir Fall Creek Fall Creek/Devon Creek

Mercury in Fish Tissue:

Fall Creek

Taste and Odor Geist Reservoir

Algae Geist Reservoir

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Impairments Upper Fall Creek Watershed

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Taking Action to Improve Water Quality

Citizen Action: Geist Residents are Organized IDEM and other agencies work

with watershed groups

Central Indiana Water Resources Partnership Preliminary Report on Water

Quality and Nutrient Cycling in the Watershed

Reservoir Research

IDEM Watershed Work

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IDEM Work in the Watershed

IDEM Sampling Upper Fall Creek Watershed73 sites for:

Nutrients Metals Chemistry

30 sites for pesticides

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An IDEM Watershed Team: Cross Section of IDEM Office of Water Quality programs

including: Drinking Water Permits Compliance Assessment Watershed Planning

Purpose: Review Monitoring Data Review Permit, Compliance information in the Watershed Work with Watershed Groups Propose things we can do to improve Water Quality in the Watershed

IDEM Work in the Watershed

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Coordination

CEES Monitoring Geist Reservoir IDEM Sampling Upper Fall Creek

Watershed DNR and ISDH providing

information Organizations and Agencies are

Coordinating work to Leverage our knowledge

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Going Forward:Ron McAhron

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Pilot Project

Established Website: Algae.in.gov Samples from biweekly Monitoring Mid-May

through Mid–October analyzed and posted Provide public with Information about:

Toxins from Algae Risks associated with toxins Precautions you can take Information from other organizations Several links to other websites

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Conclusion

Questions?

Dr. Lenore Tedesco, CEES Dr. James Howell, Indiana State Department of

Health Bruno Pigott, Indiana Department of Environmental

Management Ron McAhron, Department of Natural Resources