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Notice to Navigation 2021-007 Okeechobee Waterway Algae Notice
NOTICE TO NAVIGATION INTERESTS
https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Navigation/Notices-to-Navigation/Notice-to-Navigation-2021-007-Okeechobee-Waterway-Algae-Notice/
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS NOTICE NUMBER: 007
JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT LOCAL NUMBER: 20210402
ATTN: CESAJ-OD-SN WATERWAY: OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY
PO Box 4970 EFFECTIVE: 04/02/2021 00:00 thru 12/31/2021 24:00 EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32232-0019
POC: Gary Hipkins, South Florida Operations Office, 863-983-8101
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
Lake Okeechobee Waterway Algae Notice
REFERENCE:
a. 33 CFR Navigation and Navigable Waters
1. Notice to Navigation
Based on information provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advises the public, marinas, and those operating commercial and recreational vessels through the Okeechobee Waterway that there is the potential of encountering Blue Green Algae. According to the Florida Department of Health, visitors should be aware that water from areas with blue-green algae can make animals and people sick, and they should stay away from these areas. This algae may be blue, bright green, brown or red, and can have a strong odor like rotting plants. People who are very sensitive to smells may have respiratory irritation. If you come into contact with blue-green algae, get out of the area and wash off with soap and water. See your doctor if you think blue-green algae has made you sick.
The following precautions should be taken if you see algae:
- Do not swim at this location.
- Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Do not eat shellfish from affected area.
- Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water. Throw out the guts. Cook fish well.
- Keep pets and livestock away from affected location.
For Information about algal blooms, visit:
- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Quality Status Map at https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/water-quality-status/lake-okeechobee
- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Algal Bloom Dashboard at https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom or call 850-245-2118
- The Florida Department of Health’s Harmful Algae Blooms web page at http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental- health/aquatic-toxins/harmful-algae-blooms/index.html or call 850-245-4250
- Contact Information
For up-to-date Lock information contact the shift operator 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
St. Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148
Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424
Moore Haven Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533
Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846
WP Franklin Lock & Dam 239-694-5451 or 863-662-9908
Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Point of Contact is Mr. Gary Hipkins at [email protected] or 863-983-8101.
//signed//
Gary L. Hipkins
Chief Navigation & Flood Risk Management
South Florida Operations
Contact
Erica Skolte
561-801-5734 (cell)
[email protected]
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Thanks for getting the word out!
Be safe!
Erica Skolte
Public Affairs Specialist
Corporate Communications Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Palm Beach Gardens
OFFICE PHONE 561-340-1527
Cell: 561-801-5734
[email protected]
Twitter @JaxStrong
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