Put those fish back on menu

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I understand Lost Creek Lake is finally open, the water safe again. Are the fish caught there now safe for consumption? It seems the valley water passes through Lost Creek Lake and becomes part of our water supply. How is it that this water was safe, when a few miles upstream the water was dangerous? What was the economic loss to local businesses? What losses did the hatchery suffer? Finally, what are the action/plans to prevent this from taking place next year? — John F. Janowski

John, you can put fish back on the menu.

The Department of Human Services lifted the public-health advisory for Lost Creek Lake on Jan. 27. The advisory first was issued on Sept. 16 after anabaena flos-aquae, a potentially toxic form of bacteria that can be harmful to people or pets if they ingest or inhale it, was found in the lake.

Although fishing was never prohibited at the lake, the DHS had advised that the skin, fatty tissues and entrails of the fish not be consumed. Now that the health advisory is lifted you are free to eat the entire fish if you like.

Ron Howard, park manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the reservoir, said the economic effects from the recent blue-green algae bloom were minimal because of the season. Park visitors were able to ride bikes, go hiking and camping, as long as they did not come in contact with the lake water.

However, Howard said there were fewer anglers on the lake because many of them didn't want to risk the algae-infested waters.

"We were fortunate that it was after our rec season," said Howard.

Howard said that water samples indicated the algae bloom has not affected anything downstream from the lake. Anything less than 100,000 cells per milliliters of water is not considered a health threat, he said. Samples taken downstream indicate much less than that.

Unfortunately, nothing can be done to predict when the algae blooms will occur or to prevent blooms from occurring. Howard said this year the park is going to increase the water-quality sampling and bring in experts to give them feedback on the situation.

But in the end, Howard says, "It's just naturally going to occur."

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