The toxic bacteria that has all but shut down New Jersey’s largest lake has struck yet another major lake.
On Tuesday, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) closed state-owned swimming areas on Greenwood Lake, according to reports from NorthJersey.com and The Warwick Advertiser. Greenwood Lake stretches about nine miles between West Milford and Orange County, New York.
Paul Zarrillo, who is the New Jersey chairperson on the Greenwood Lake Commission, confirmed to NJ Advance Media on Tuesday evening that preliminary sampling results showed a harmful algal bloom in the lake. He said that he expected to get more concrete results and guidance from the DEP on Wednesday.
The bacteria in the bloom can cause a skin rash if touched. If the water is consumed, it can cause abdominal pain, headaches, vomiting, nausea, blistering around the mouth and flu-like symptoms, according to health officials. Pets can be harmed by the bacteria, as well.
Zarrillo said that people should avoid making contact with the lake’s water, but stressed that the lake is not off-limits.
“The lake is not closed," Zarrillo said. "You’re allowed to boat.”
According to Zarrillo, three public beaches in West Milford had been closed as well as the area around the Greenwood Lake Dam. A warning about the harmful algal bloom in Greenwood Lake was posted to West Milford’s website on Tuesday.
Neither the DEP nor West Milford Mayor Michele Dale immediately responded to NJ Advance Media’s request for comment on Tuesday.
The bloom in Greenwood Lake comes as a similar situation in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest lake, has persisted into its third week.
Recent weather has created ideal circumstances for harmful algal blooms to occur. The bacteria in the blooms thrives on nutrients like phosphorous, which is found in things like fertilizers and septic systems leaks that often are washed into waterbodies after heavy rain events. Hot temperatures then heat up the water, creating an environment for the bacteria to grow in.
State Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris) seized on the Greenwood Lake news to call for legislative action to fund protections for the lake.
Michael Sol Warren may be reached at mwarren@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MSolDub. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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