Environmental advocates say blue-green algae has infested large portions of St. Albans Bay.
St. Albans Area Watershed Association President Steve Cushing says in a news release Monday that the algae bloom happened over the weekend and appears to be the largest of the season. He says it is heaviest along the bay's western shore.
The Burlington Free Press reports the Vermont Department of Health posted alerts Monday afternoon at St. Albans Bay Park and St. Albans boat launch, indicating those areas are unsafe for recreational use.
Blue-green algae can sometimes release a toxin that can sicken swimmers.
The newspaper says the health department notice is a precaution and that the department's website says it has not done testing to determine if the toxin is present.