Potentially dangerous algae at Grand Lake

BERNICE, Okla. - A potentially dangerous form of algae has been discovered at some of the popular areas of Grand Lake. It's even led to closure of the swimming beach at Bernice State Park.

"This is new for Grand Lake. We've not had these areas in Grand Lake before," says Justin Alberty with the The Grand River Dam Authority.

The agency warns of a silent danger that may be lurking along the calmest shores of the lake. It's called Blue Green Algae and it can be toxic. BGA can cause skin irritations and damage to the liver and central nervous system.

Alberty tells 2NEWS, "It's certainly not widespread. It's not all over the lake. There are patches in certain areas and we certainly want them to be aware of that as you go into these areas, just be mindful of what they are looking for."

According to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Blue Green Algae is thick like pea soup. It often looks like paint on the water. It's typically found in shallow, stagnant, warm water that gets a lot of sunlight.

The swimming beach at Bernice State Park was closed after test found Blue Green Algae was found there. Tests also found BGA in parts of Horse Creek and in the back of Duck Creek.

It's a tough break for Otis Dempsey. He makes his living as a fishing guide on Grand Lake.

Dempsey tells 2NEWS, "I've been turning down customers this week. Because I'm not going to clean fish. If you're a meat hunter and want to fish, until they tell me it's ok to eat the fish, I won't clean them. The safety of the people is more important."

Dempsey says the holiday weekend won't be a total loss, because the open areas of the lake are safe.

"It's just because of the stagnant waters that the algae is blooming. Its just going to be back up in the dead water. And I think if you stay in the main part of lake where it's beautiful, I think everything is ok."

The GRDA continues to test this area. The DEQ says the numbers did improve over the weekend. They believe that may be due to high winds.

Alberty says of conditions at Bernice State Park improve dramatically, there is a chance the beach could reopen.