An environmental mitigation company has been contracted to clear Hinckley Pond in South Portland of toxic algae, which has been an ongoing problem. Contributed / Kristina Ertzner
An environmental mitigation company has been hired to clear up the latest outbreak of harmful algae found at Hinckley Park pond in South Portland for the fourth time in as many years.
Blue World Environmental is deploying a buoy system in the upper and lower ponds to remediate the blue-green algae called cyanobacteria, according to the Friends of Hinkley Park Facebook page. The work will be done in conjunction with long-term restoration efforts by the city’s parks and recreation department.
The algae, which was discovered at the park earlier this month, can be highly toxic to humans and fatal for dogs. Canines most commonly become exposed by swallowing water while swimming or licking contaminated water off their fur. Symptoms include vomiting, foaming at the mouth, twitching, loss of coordination and partial paralysis and can surface within minutes and prove fatal in a matter of hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Located next to Highland Avenue, Hinckley Park is a popular place for walkers and encompasses 40 acres and two ponds.
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