NEW 08/24/2020 Update for Algal Toxins in Driskels Lake, Cass County
07/09/2020 Update Algal Toxins in Driskels Lake, Cass County – People and pets should continue to stay out of water with accumulations of algae or aquatic plants.
The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department, working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), is issuing an update to the July 1 st public health advisory regarding algal toxins that were found in Driskels Lake in Cass County. Since the previous advisory, additional testing at the MDHHS Laboratory shows that toxin continues to be present in areas of Driskels Lake, specifically among clumps of algae. The most recent samples were taken on July 1 st and were taken from multiple locations around the perimeter of the lake. These toxins can make people and animals sick when swallowed or breathed in.
The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department continues to advise that people and pets stay out of water in Driskels Lake that contains visible accumulations of algae or aquatic plants. People and pets could accidentally swallow water containing toxins when swimming in these areas. If people have any doubts whether algae is present in an area, they should stay out and keep pets out of the water. Do not let dogs drink lake water. Monitor children and pets closely to ensure they do not eat or play with algae or aquatic plants in the water or on the shoreline. If people and dogs enter the lake, rinse them off and monitor for illness. Boating or jet skiing through areas with algae or aquatic plants on the water’s surface can cause sprays that may contain the toxin and should be avoided.
Click to see the complete press release:
NEW -update- Driskels Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Update 07-09-2020
press release-Driskels Lake 7-1-2020
press release-Driskels Lake 6-26-2020
Coronavirus COVID-19 from the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer
An easy-to-use chart is available online that summarizes Governor Whitmer’s executive orders related to COVID-19, which includes a list of activities that are allowed, not allowed, or limited in some way. The chart can be sorted by category, activity, region of the state, and more. The executive order should always be reviewed, and in the event of a conflict between the order and online table, the order controls.
> ALL COVID-19 Executive Orders & Directives can be found by clicking HERE.
Mosquitoes & Ticks – What You Need To Know
Other Environmental Health Services
Understanding PFAs
IMPORTANT 5-9-2019 PFAS News Release from Van Buren-Cass District Health Department
Any Resident with questions about the ongoing investigation should contact Hartford Township at 269-621-4658 or EGLE’s Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.
PFAs Fact Sheets:
Coping with the stress that environmental contamination can cause
Links to Michigan.gov / PFAS Response:
PFAS – Frequently Asked Questions.
Click here to learn more about PFAS chemicals and how they can impact your health.
PFAS Response: Taking Action, Protecting Michigan
Launched in 2017, the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) is the first multi-agency action team of its kind in the nation. Agencies representing health, environment and other branches of state government have joined together to investigate sources and locations of PFAS contamination in the state, take action to protect people’s drinking water, and keep the public informed we learn more about this nationally emerging contaminant.
Click here to learn more about PFAS.
January is…
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. If you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, you increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Having your home tested is the only effective way to determine whether you and your family are at risk of high radon exposure. Your VBCDHD has Radon Testing Kits available, contact our Environmental Health staff for more information.
Learn more about Radon: