Town explains yellow scum on local waters

Photo taken by Alex Jones Provided through Unsplash

By Cecilia Nasmith

The Town of Cobourg's Environmental Services Department would like to inform residents of pine pollen that will likely be present – and visible as mustard-yellow scum – on the surface and shores of Lake Ontario.

Such an accumulation on inland lakes and along Lake Ontario's shores and bays may be visible through the month of July. This pine pollen should not be mistaken for algae, or spilled chemicals such as paint or petroleum. It is a regular occurrence caused when pollen from surrounding forests is blown into the water by high winds.

Please note that the pollen is not harmful and is not a risk to health. It eventually decomposes or becomes trapped in shoreline sediment.

For more information, contact Environmental Services at 905-372-7332.

As well, the Severn Sound Environmental Association provides insight into this yearly phenomenon at severnsound.ca/pollen