Risk advisory lifted for off-leash dog area of Shubie Park Beach

It was issued in mid-July after a possible blue-green algae bloom was located in Lake Micmac

CITYNEWS HALIFAX \ Meghan Groff

A risk advisory has been lifted for the off-leash dog area of Shubie Park Beach.

It was issued in mid-July after a possible blue-green algae bloom was located in Lake Micmac.

“When an algae bloom is observed, a risk advisory is issued and initial testing is done to determine whether the algae bloom is toxin producing,” explained HRM in a news release. “If the algae bloom is not toxin producing, the risk advisory will be lifted and no further testing is required.”

Staff at HRM’s 18 supervised beaches are constantly on the lookout for blue-green algae, which can be harmful for humans and deadly for dogs.

Earlier Wednesday, a risk advisory was issued for Penhorn Beach.

Nova Scotians are being encouraged to learn how to identify blue-green algae themselves and be on the lookout for them as they explore the province this summer.

Potential blooms — which form on and below the water’s surface — and mats — which grow on the bottom of rivers and lakes or attached to structures and plants in the water — can be reported by calling 1-877-936-8476.

The province maintains a list of potential blue-green algae blooms online.

Despite the name, according to Nova Scotia’s Department of Environment and Climate Change, the algae can be a variety of colours, including turquoise, green, brown, red, white or mixes of those colours.

“Blue-green algae blooms can look like fine grass clippings in the water, spilled paint or pea soup,” the department said on its website. “Sometimes they look like a thick scum on the surface.”

Along the shore, they can dry up and appear brown or grey.

Algae mats at the bottom of clear shallow areas look like clumps of vegetation and can appear black, brown or dark green in the water.

“They often smell musty or grassy when healthy and like ammonia when decomposing,” the department stated, adding animals can be attracted to that odour.

More information on blue-green algae can be found on both the province’s website and HRM’s website.

Haligonians can find the status of their favourite municipal beach by clicking here.