Harmful Algal Bloom Found At Pond In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Gloucester Township pond has a moderate health-level risk stemming from an algal bloom, officials announced Friday.

State environmental officials confirmed the health risk following a recent test at Timber Creek Pond, located in Timber Creek Park. The Camden County Health Department asked residents to keep their dogs out of the waterway until the situation is treated or resolved.

Cyanobacteria — also called blue-green algae — are microscopic organisms that can be found naturally in all types of water and sometimes rapidly grow out of control, or bloom. These blooms can create toxins that can kill animals within hours or days after they swallow toxins, according to the CDC.

"With this confirmation, we have set up signs around the pond to alert visitors of the situation," said County Health Officer Paschal Nwako. "We are working to explore treatments for the lake to avoid this happening in future seasons but for now, please keep pets away from the pond."

The Camden County Parks Department, which oversees Timber Creek Park, will work alongside the Rutgers Cooperative Extension to investigate ways to resolve the pond's bloom.

County officials advised pet owners to call a veterinarian if their animal shows any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Stumbling and falling
• Foaming at the mouth
• Diarrhea
• Convulsions
• Excessive drooling
• Tremors and seizures
• Any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water

If you have questions about cyanobacterial toxin poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.