Toxic Algae Confirmed In Pine Run Creek: DEP

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has positively identified elevated levels of a toxic algae in Pine Run Creek in Doylestown, the agency confirmed Thursday.

Virginia Cain, DEP's community relations coordinator, said microcystins above EPA recommendations have been found in the local creek. Microcystins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria, a naturally occurring algae that does carry some risk but is not regulated by state or federal standards, Cain explained.

The DEP and the Bucks County Health Department are advising residents to be cautious in the area; don't swim or drink from the creek and don't let pets go in the water.

"At this time, there are no known or expected impacts to the public drinking water supply," she said.

Downstream intakes of public water supply have been notified and are using precautions, Cain said, noting the nearest intake currently in operation is approximately 25 miles downstream.

The toxin was discovered after the president of a Warminster-based environmental testing firm took a sample from the creek while visiting the area "by chance," according to a report published by The Intelligencer.

He then informed the local publication and notified the Bucks County Department of Health, who alerted the DEP.