BRIEF: 'Widespread' toxic algae in Chautauqua Lake, Findley Lake

Aug. 18--It's toxic algae season in Chautauqua County.

Environmental health officials cautioned the public Friday that "widespread" hazardous blue-green algal blooms were found in both Chautauqua Lake and Findley Lake this week.

Hazardous blue-green algae has been present for a month or so in Chautauqua Lake, but county officials are making their first report of toxic algae on Findley Lake this year.

Officials reported "widespread harmful algal blooms in the south basin and near Long Point State Park" on Chautauqua Lake and "isolated blooms in the north basin."

Widespread blooms of toxic algae were reported throughout Findley Lake.

Other toxic algal blooms around the Buffalo Niagara region were reported in the Allegany Reservoir, Silver Lake Reservoir and Java Lake, the state Department of Environmental Conservation reported.

Blue-green algae contains cyanobacteria and can cause damage to the nervous system, liver and skin.

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