Press Release: 2019-11-18

Toxic algae bloom still present in Santuit Pond in Mashpee

Toxic algae bloom still present in Santuit Pond in Mashpee

By Geoff Spillane

Posted Nov 13, 2019 at 5:36 PM

Updated Nov 14, 2019 at 6:31 AM

   

Mashpee water body remains tainted by cyanobacteria.

MASHPEE — A cyanobacteria bloom that has plagued Santuit Pond since early summer continues to pose a health risk to wildlife, pets and humans.

“That it’s happening at all — let alone this late in the year — is a disgrace,” said Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod.

Cyanobacteria is a blue-green and often toxic algae that thrives on warm weather, stagnant or slow-moving water and nutrients from septic systems, stormwater and fertilizers.

Association staff observed — both on the ground and from a drone — dense accumulations of cyanobacteria along the shoreline of the pond as recently as Tuesday.

A cyanobacteria monitoring map on the association’s website identifies the pond as having a Recreational Use Advisory issued by the town.

“This status level indicates moderate to severe health risks for people, children and pets,” according to the advisory. “This status level is triggered when monitoring data indicate that high levels of cyanobacteria cells and pigments are present. At this public health advisory level suspended particles, surface or shoreline scum is likely to be present, water is likely very cloudy with visibility less than 4 feet, and cyanotoxin levels are at or above state guidelines.”

Blooms lasting into the fall are not common, but have happened before in Santuit Pond, said Glenn Harrington, the town’s health agent.

“We have had one go into December, especially if it’s been a warm fall,” Harrington said. “Santuit is the one (pond) we’ve had the most trouble with.”

He said the initial advisory for Santuit Pond has been in effect since June.

Harrington said he hopes the bloom will dissipate with this week’s cold temperatures.

“It will eventually abate, but there’s no reason to expect it will be better next summer unless towns take measures to reduce the source of nutrients,” Gottlieb said. “This is clear real-time evidence of the implication of climate change on Cape Cod and the effect of heavier rains and warmer temperatures.”