The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has warned of an algae bloom that could develop into a danger for humans in water near Moniteau schools, according to regional environmental officials.

Chip Brunst, supervisor at the Pennsylvania State Game Commission's Northwest office, said he made contact with the DEP, which confirmed the possible risks posed by algae in the south branch of the Slippery Rock Creek.

Brunst said he talked with Ron Lybrook from the department, who said the algae bloom could be harmful to people if certain bacteria are produced.

“We're going to put signs up, but it might not be until Monday,” Brunst said.

Jonathan Kay, a Waterways Conservation Officer with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, said he worked with the DEP in the initial investigation of sites around Grubb Road, Chambers Road and Coaltown Road bridges.

Kay said investigators found about three dozen fish between the sites floating dead. He also said it does not take long for a fish to either decompose or sink to the bottom on a hot day, so the figures could only be estimates.

“We saw fish that were dying or those that were stressed or deprived of oxygen,” he said. “These fish are basically suffocating.”

It is advised that people should not drink, cook with or get into the water while the algae is present in their area, and pet owners should not allow their animals to either.

Read more about this algae bloom in Sunday's Butler Eagle.