Corps Of Engineers: Two Oklahoma Lakes Clear Of Blue-Green Algae

Russell Hulstine, NewsOn6.com

SKIATOOK, Oklahoma -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says two of its lakes in northeastern Oklahoma have now been declared free of Blue-Green Algae.

This summer, the sickening slime made many places at a number of northeast Oklahoma lakes off-limits for swimming.

Friday morning, Corps officials said Skiatook and Fort Gibson lakes are now free of Blue-Green Algae.

In a news release from the Corps, Eufaula Lake is open to boating and fishing. Boaters are advised to avoid any areas with visible algae scum.

Fish should be cleaned well and entrails should be discarded, but fish are fine to consume.

Elsewhere, water sampling has been conducted at Keystone and Tenkiller Lakes and is currently being analyzed.

The Corps says Blue-green algae is naturally present in Oklahoma lakes, but during dry, hot conditions, blooms can produce a toxin that can make you sick.

For more information, visit the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineer Tulsa web site.

8/30/2011 Related Story: Blue Green Algae May Hamper Yet Another Summer Holiday