Greenwood Park may reopen by weekend after Broome County says algae bloom has dissipated

Broome County officials expect the beaches at Greenwood Park in Lisle to reopen this weekend after being shut down as a protective measure due to an algae bloom.

Algae blooms occur naturally in lakes and are influenced by weather and rainfall.

The algae bloom at Greenwood Park has already dissipated, according to Liz Woidt, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Services for Broome County.

Algae blooms can last for hours, weeks, or months, but since it's already gone, the health department will test the water Friday and the beach could be ready this weekend.

"We followed the health department procedure, which is once it is cleared and dissipated and we don't see it, that starts the 24-hour clock and then the health department will come and check the water," said Woidt.

According to New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, exposure and people's reactions to coming into contact with the blooms vary depending on their sensitivity. Cyanobacteria can release toxins and other harmful compounds that affect people through skin exposure or ingestion.

Possible gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms could include skin or throat irritation, allergic reactions or asthma-like breathing difficulties.

Some lakes regularly experience harmful algae blooms during most summers, according to the DEC.