The beach at Comlara Park in rural Hudson is temporarily closed due contamination in the swimming pond.
The McLean County Parks and Recreation Department announced Tuesday that routine water testing submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health [IDPH] revealed unsafe levels of e-coli bacteria in the water at Glasener Beach.
McLean County Parks director Mike Steffa said the bacteria is likely caused by a saturation of Canada Geese droppings.
“We surmise that over the years the geese have become quite fond of the beach area because it is enclosed and they know they are safe there from any predators,” Steffa said.
Steffa, who has worked for the county parks department for 35 years, said he has noticed an increase in the Canada geese population in county parks.
“It is rather difficult to avoid them,” he said.
Steffa said park staff has tried over the years to keep geese away with loud bangs caused by bottle rockets — and owl, swan and coyote decoys — but none of them work for very long.
“After a while, they become used to it, and it becomes ineffective,” said Steffa, adding he plans to talk to county administration about purchasing lasers that would disrupt the geese.
“It is quite expensive, but we are going to explore that idea,” he said.
The county has inflow and outflow pumps it plans to run around the clock to bring in freshwater from Evergreen Lake and dilute the contaminated water, said Steffa, and is exploring a chemical treatment containing hydrogen peroxide that would kill the bacteria but be safe for aquatic life.
He said he anticipates getting approval from IDPH to reopen the beach early next week.
A city of Bloomington spokesperson noted the closure is for the beach and swimming pond only, not Evergreen Lake.
“The city’s water supply isn’t affected, and we have passing water quality results ahead of next week’s Tri-Shark [triathlon] event,” said Katherine Murphy, Bloomington’s communications and external affairs manager.
