Dear Indian Brook Pass Holder,
You are receiving this email as you are an active pass holder for Indian Brook Reservoir. This email contains an update to an initial email was sent out last Friday, 11/9. We learned over the weekend that the email did not send to all active pass holders. We apologize for this system mishap and trust that we have all active pass holders captured in today’s email.
For reference, information sent on Friday, 11/9, stated the following:
Dear Indian Brook Members,
After concerned calls and confirmation with the Vermont Department of Health, we have posted signs of Cyanobacteria (commonly known as blue/green algae) in the water at Indian Brook. Please stay out of the water - humans and pets. If you have contact with the water, please rinse off ASAP. This is a first for Indian Brook, we appreciate your patience as we work through it all.
Thank you,
Essex Parks and Recreation
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UPDATE
As of today, November 13th, please read the update regarding the water status at Indian Brook Reservoir, along with viewing the attached pictures.
This morning, updated pictures of the shoreline were sent to the Health Department for visual review and confirmation of the presence of Cyanobacteria (blue/green algae). Our staff indicated that the algae looked to be “collected” in the areas where leaves and pine needles were holding onto it as other areas did not show any clumping or blue/green haze over the water. Although not required or necessary per the Health Department, we are sending a water sample to the lab in Montpelier to determine what type of Cyanobacteria are present and document the “bloom” more effectively.
At this time, please continue to stay OUT of the water at Indian Brook – humans and pets. Those who drink or swim in water (or pets who lick their fur after being exposed) that contains high concentrations of cyanobacteria or cyanobacterial toxins may experience gastroenteritis, skin irritation, and allergic responses.
We have approx. 15 signs posted at the park entrance & driveways, water’s edge areas and trail heads. Once the algae has dissipated, we will send an update but will continue to keep signage up for a few days after the dissipation. If you come into contact with the water (or if your dog does in any manner), please be sure to rinse off as soon as possible and keep an eye on yourself and your dog.
The park is open to active pass holders. If you bring your dog with you, please have them leashed at all times for their safety from Cyanobacteria. REMEMBER – dogs must be on leash at all times in the parking lots, driveways, picnic area and boat launch area. This is for their general safety as well as the safety of others who expect park rules be followed by all park-goers.
For more information on Cyanobacteria (blue/green algae), please visit the Vermont Health Department’s site and watch the informational video as well.
www.healthvermont.gov/cyanobacteria. The Health Department also has a tracker map of reported Cyanobacteria and they added Indian Brook Reservoir to the list last Friday. Again, another great informational site that describes the status of low, high and generally safe levels of Cyanobacteria.
https://apps.health.vermont.gov/vttracking/cyanobacteria/2018/d/We appreciate your patience and adherence to these modifications at the park. Thank you for enjoying the Reservoir and stay tuned for more information.
