Quebec must act on algae: environment groups

The head of a coalition of environmental groups has accused the Quebec government of not doing enough to battle blue-green algae.

"This is not a problem that will go away," said André Bouthillier of Eau Secours.

Bouthillier says 60 provincial lakes were infected this summer with the algae, known as cyanobacteria, which can be harmful to humans and animals.

"Government has known the problem for the last 30 years and it has been paying for studies on the issue," he said. "Now it is time to pass to the action."

Blue-green algae can irritate skin and membranes after any contact, and can cause gastroenteritis, muscle tremors and breathing problems if ingested.

It can also lead to respiratory failure in humans and cause liver damageover the long term, the coalition says.

Lake Massawippi off-limits

Lake Massawippi, in the Eastern Townships, was the latest large body of water found to have high levels of the bacteria. It was declared a no-go zone on Sept. 22.

A week later, levels seemed to have dropped significantly, but were still strong.

Cyanobacteria can remain in the water at least two or three weeks, "as long as it takes for the [bacteria] cells to die and release the toxins, which will disintegrate," said Emile Grieco, regional director of the provincial Environment Control Centre in the Eastern Townships.

Eau Secours said the algae feed off phosphorous, a byproduct of agriculture and wastewater from cities, and nitrogen. Bouthillier saysthe group would like the government to cut the amount of phosphor that finds its way into the lakes.

"What we are asking to the government of Quebec is that the minister of agriculture, the minister of cities [and]the minister of the environment get together to put up a plan to help the city to fight back the phosphors, because next year it will be harder, and there will be more," he said.

The Eau Secours website says the large growth in the number of lakes affected by the algae is likely tied to global warming because the blooms "prefer warmer temperatures."