Health department watches for algal blooms

The summer green scum is back in Michigan waters, signaling harmful algal blooms.

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Health Agency Environmental Health Director Paul Andriacchi said nothing has been confirmed yet in the three-county district, but there is a nearby suspected site.

Rain and hot weather may mean danger in area waters creating scum, foams, globs, mats and green sheens, possibly indicating harmful algal blooms, which can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick.

Michigan Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy reported a bloom in Pine Lake in neighboring Cass County.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Health Agency warns when conditions are right, such as plenty of nutrients, warm temperatures, plenty of sunlight, and relatively calm conditions, cyanobacteria blooms grow fast.