LEESVILLE − The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is warning the public that possible hydrogen sulfide gas at Leesville Lake in southwest Carroll County could cause some people to experience difficulties breathing and other symptoms.
The Corps’ Huntington District issued a statement June 8 that said it had detected higher-than-normal concentrations of sulfates behind dams in the watershed through which water is flowing into the lake. Microbial activity during the summer at the bottom of the lake could convert the sulfates into potentially hazardous hydrogen sulfide gas released into the air around the lake.
The gas is colorless but often smells like rotten eggs. Low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system, the Corps said. People with asthma exposed to the gas may have difficulty breathing. Exposed to higher concentrations of the gas, people can suffer from fatigue, dizziness, nausea and headaches. Young children can be especially affected.
The area most likely where the gas could be released is around the area of the outlet works where water through the dams is released into the lake. Hydrogen sulfide gas has not been known to cause issues to people using the lake for recreational purposes. There’s no indication fish from the lake poses a health risk due to the gas if eaten, the Corps said.
The Corps said it has closed the area where water discharges into the lake due to the gas situation until the situation corrects itself. Staff will monitor hydrogen sulfide gas around the outlet works and surrounding area and may close to the public additional areas around the lake.
Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Corps of Engineers warns of hydrogen sulfide gas at Leesville Lake
Reporting by Robert Wang, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Wang, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
