Belmar's Silver Lake Forming Large Algae Bloom

Pumped out after Hurricane Sandy, water is slowing filling Silver Lake in Belmar, but an algae bloom has formed there.

Borough Councilman Brian Magovern said the lake is shallow, which mean a boat that usually delivers a chemical to prevent algae blooms was unable to do so.

As a result, the algae began forming this spring, and particularly on the west side of Silver Lake is thick with green algae.

Magovern said that about 10 or 15 years ago, the borough began using the chemical to prevent algae, but historically Silver Lake was one prone to algae blooms.

Until the shallow water levels change, a plan to counter the algae growth is not in place. The lake is expected to slowly fill naturally, Magovern said, with no plans to dredge or otherwise change the lake depths.

However, plans to repair the lakefront, which was dramatically damaged by the mud of pumping and flooding from Hurricane Sandy, are in place. Magovern said new pavers and improved landscaping is planned for Silver Lake.

A volunteer day for replanting the Silver Lake island earlier this season was a wide success, netting dozens more volunteers than in previous years, Magovern said.