Algae Blooms Reported In Lake Pontchartrain

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation says they're seeing the beginnings of algae blooms in the lake.According to Dr. John Lopez, the director of the foundation, higher than normal concentrations of chlorophyll are being detecting on the western end of the lake.

WWL-TV reported on Sunday that those levels are an early indication that algae blooms are coming soon. Lopez says this year, all the factors are in place for massive blooms.

Lopez also said there's no reason to believe that, based on history, Lake Pontchartrain won't be back to normal in six to eight months, but that process of self-healing can't begin until the Bonnet Carre Spillway closes.

The spillway continues to pour Mississippi River water into Lake Pontchartrain, and there's no word on when it will close.