Beach Haven West Botulism Threat Apparently Past In Lagoons, But Don't Swim Or Fish In Them

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ - The results of tests conducted on lagoon waters in the Beach Haven West section of the township are back.

"The results are inconclusive," said administrative assistant Bridget Haldenwang. "However, all involved in the study are confident that botulism was active in the impacted lagoons. While the incubation period is over, township officials advise that swimming and eating (anything) caught in lagoons has never been and never will be recommended."

Problems in the lagoon water first surfaced earlier this month when the township and the state Department of Environmental Protectio found "degraded" water conditions after a number of dead ducks were found floating in the lagoons.

The Ocean County Health Department recommended swimming only in protected areas where the water quality is regularly tested. Recreational crabbing and fishing is permitted, but only if crabs and fish are taken from approved harvest areas. And that means no lagoons.

"No lagoon would be considered an approved harvest area," the statement says.

Botulism may have been the culprit in the brackish lagoon waters of Beach Haven West in recent weeks.

"Botulism lives in stagnant waters," Larry Hajna, a DEP spokesman told The Sandpaper. "Botulism grows in confined spaces with low oxygen."

Runoff from recent rains and torrid temperatures and the low water velocity in lagoons may have contributed to the problem, he said.

However, the DEP's Marine Water division found no chemicals in the lagoon waters, although the water quality was degraded, Hajna said.

Photo: Beach Haven West Civic Association