NJ Legislation Challenging Harmful Algal Blooms Heads To Governor

NEW JERSEY — The bill that earmarks $10 million in funding to lake conservation groups like the Lake Hopatcong Commission, Greenwood Lake, the Lake Topanemus Park Commission and Deal Lake Commission, to fight harmful algal blooms, heads next to Governor Phil Murphy’s desk after amendments to it unanimously passed in New Jersey’s Senate on Thursday.

Senate Bill S3618 passed 38-0. with its companion bill A5778 having unanimously made its way through the Assembly 75-0-0.

Harmful algal blooms or "HABs" paralyzed Lake Hopatcong in 2019, with New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection imposing a swimming ban on the lake for the majority of the summer lake season that year. The HABs then returned briefly in 2020 to the Crescent Cove section.

Cyanotoxins within the cyanobacteria in HABs can cause unsafe conditions in lakes that create health hazards to humans, pets and wildlife. In people, HABs can trigger headaches, skin rashes, sore throats and abdominal pain.

New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Monitoring and Standards has an informational webpage devoted entirely to HABs, including a reporting system that New Jersey residents can notify the DEP about HABs or suspected HABs they spot. The DEP hosts an interactive mapping system in both desktop and mobile formats, with current HAB events statewide.

This post contains reporting by Russ Crespolini and Katie Kausch.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at jennifer.miller@patch.com.