Lower Burrell seeks ways to mitigate extensive algae bloom at Burrell Lake Park

Concerns over algae at Burrell Lake Park have officials researching ways to mitigate the bloom.

Michelle Hatbob, Lower Burrell’s director of parks and public works, is attending an online class Wednesday to learn techniques to reduce the algae that has taken over much of the lake’s surface.

Hatbob said she is looking for any help she can get moving forward to prevent the bloom from happening.

While the algae emits an odor and is not pleasant to look at, it is not harmful, Lower Burrell Manager Greg Primm said.

Burrell Lake is primarily used for fishing. Swimming is prohibited.

“There’s no harm with that algae,” Primm said. “That’s the normal algae bloom at this time of year.”

Primm said the city has been receiving complaints over the past few months about the algae, which prompted Hatbob to sign up for the “Algae and Weed Control: Expert Tips and Best Practices” webinar, coordinated by Solitude Lake Management, a nationwide environmental firm.

A possible solution to the bloom might be sitting in the city’s own reserves.

Primm said that years ago, a public works employee had purchased material to treat the lake. Through turnover in city administration, the material was never used. Officials recently discovered it in light of the recent complaints.

“(Hatbob) will ask about that at the training,” Primm said.

Primm said the city also has reached out to the Penn State Agricultural Extension and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for guidance on the algae.

“We’re trying to be proactive about it,” he said.