Unusual algal bloom shows up in Penobscot River, Bay Thursday, August 19, 2004 (AUGUSTA)—The unusual appearance of blue green algae in waters from Millinocket to Belfast likely is the result of higher than normal phosphorus levels in the Penobscot River. Monitoring by the Penobscot Indian Nation first identified an atypically large algae "bloom" in Dolby Pond in late July. This week, the green plants appeared along the coast of Penobscot Bay. The algae is the same freshwater species found in the pond; propelled by recent wind patterns, it traveled the length of the river to marine waters. Field observations yesterday indicate that the bloom may be subsiding. Rapid and dense alga growth is fueled by phosphorus in the water. In Millinocket, there are two facilities whose wastewater discharges are known to contain phosphorus—Katahdin Papers and the city's wastewater treatment facility. The mill's discharge is significantly greater than the city's, and it is probably the source of most of the phosphorus. Katahdin restarted operations earlier this year. Katahdin Papers and the City of Millinocket are on notice from DEP that they are contributing to violations of the state's water quality laws. The mill has already taken steps to reduce the concentration of the phosphorus in its discharge, and that reduction has been confirmed by DEP. Katahdin is currently pursuing further reductions and has been requested to work directly with DEP over the next few weeks to continue addressing the problem. DEP and the Penobscot Indian Nation continue to sample the river and monitor the algae bloom. Oxygen levels in the water have remained adequate to support aquatic life. DEP has also been collaborating with the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to address the concerns of coastal residents. For more information on marine issues, contact Amy Fitzpatrick, DMR director of Water Quality Monitoring, (207) 633-9554.