Test results expected back Thursday after potentially toxic algae is found in Doctors Lake and Julington Creek

The St. Johns Riverkeeper says they are expecting to get test results back Thursday after potentially toxic green algae was found in Doctors Lake and Julington Creek, which both flow into the St. Johns River. The Riverkeeper says the reports of algae blooms in the lake started within the last 30 days. They say the blooms are fueled by nutrient pollution and its intensified by the recent heat.

The Riverkeeper says the algae blooms “appears to be” the toxic kind. They say the blooms can be harmful to humans and also to marine life. They say its best to avoid the algae because it may cause breathing problems.

Lisa Rinaman with the Riverkeeper says they’ve asked the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as well at the St. Johns River Water Management District for a moratorium to prevent the headwaters of the St. Johns River from becoming polluted.

“The state is allowing sewage slug to be imported for South Florida, and so we’re getting sewage from Miami into the headwaters of the St. Johns. We’ve asked for a moratorium in that area, so we’re not polluting the St. Johns River.” Rinaman says.

Monday, Florida Governor Rick Scott issued an emergency order to combat algae blooms from Lake Okeechobee.