"No other region in the state had a comparable level of outbreaks. The Hochul administration is spending millions to help farmers limit nutrient runoff."
"SKANEATELES, N.Y.—New York’s interactive map of so-called harmful algal blooms (HABs) shows that the Finger Lakes suffered far more than any other region in the state.
The six largest Finger Lakes all had days with at least half a dozen confirmed blooms—even Skaneateles Lake, which is known for its water purity. Skaneateles, which provides unfiltered drinking water to Syracuse, logged 13 confirmed blooms on both Aug. 26 and Aug. 29.
Seneca Lake had one of its worst weeks ever, with more than 50 confirmed blooms between Aug. 24 and 29, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
“Although some of the increase in reported sightings can be attributed to better monitoring programs by the DEC, lake associations, and citizen scientists, the overall trend in the Finger Lakes and across the state suggests [cyanobacteria blooms] are increasing in range, frequency and intensity,” scientists Richard W. Smith and Stella C. Woodard wrote in a recent column in the Finger Lakes Times."
Peter Mantius reports for Inside Climate News September 3, 2024.
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