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Harmful algae closes Hoyt Lake for recreation

WBFO's Angelica Morrison

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has notified local officials confirming the presence of a harmful algae bloom in Hoyt Lake at Delaware Park.

Thursday night, Buffalo's Department of Public Works began installing signage in and around Hoyt Lake to alert park users that recreational water activities have been suspended until further notice. That includes no swimming, no boating, no fishing and no pets in the water.

The City says it will continue to work closely with the DEC and state and county health officials on the problem.

Algae blooms are in part caused by farm runoff and sewage overflows. They can limit recreation, cause health problems and taint drinking water.

In August, WBFO reported on the Bloom Notice issued for a portion of Hyde Park Lake in Niagara Falls. In August 2015, the algae bloom on the western portion of Lake Erie -- which has the most severe problem of all the all the Great Lakes -- covered 300 square miles.
 

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