Ashtabula camping(CSi) St. Paul, Minn. –  (Update) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is continuing to monitor the blue-green algae situation on Lake Ashtabula in Valley City, North Dakota.

Corps staff are testing each of the lake’s swimming areas daily through the holiday weekend and will close or open the beaches as needed. Testing Friday revealed little to no blue green algae at the Mel Rieman Recreation Area, East Ashtabula Crossing and Eggerts Recreation Area, so these beaches have been reopened. Sundstrom’s swimming area will remain closed until the water quality improves.

The production of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, often happens during hot weather in bodies of water used by people, pets and livestock. Blue-green algae discolor the water and can cause foam, scum or mats to appear on the surface. It can also produce cyanotoxins, which can be dangerous for both people and animals. Strong south and southeast winds last night and today have helped move the blue algae out of the beach areas, as well as dilute it.

The nearly 600 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, employees working at more than 40 sites in five upper-Midwest states serve the American public in the areas of environmental enhancement, navigation, flood damage reduction, water and wetlands regulation, recreation sites and disaster response. Through the Corps’ Fiscal Year 2015 $100 million budget, nearly 1,600 non-Corps jobs were added to the regional economy as well as $155 million to the national economy. For more information, see www.mvp.usace.army.mil.

Previously…

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Health and Agriculture Departments are cautioning people to avoid contact with Lake Ashtabula north of Valley City as tests revealed the presence of high levels of a toxin caused by blue-green algae.

Authorities on Wednesday said signs are being posted around the lake to advise people to avoid contact with areas affected by blue-green algae.

Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd says one dog has died and another one remains ill after they drank lake water.

Barnes County Park’s Director Bev Anderson points out that Clausen Springs also tested positive for blue-green algae toxin, adding that swimmers and all people should stay out of the water until further notice.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to monitor the blue-green algae at Lake Ashtabula, as  Corps staff test each of the lake’s swimming areas daily, and will close and, or. open the beaches as needed.

Hot summer weather can contribute to the production of the algae. People and animals that ingest affected water can get sick and even die. There’s no known antidote for the toxins.

Health officials say blue-green algae often bloom in bodies of water that are used by people, pets and livestock.