Although the presence of milfoil, in and of itself, is not considered a health hazard, the heavy accumulation is of sufficient quantity and is located in an area that may directly affect the health and safety of the swimmers. Dense plant life in the bathing area can cause entanglement of a bather or could prevent the ability to see someone in distress.

“The Town of Espanola has cooperated fully with the Sudbury & District Health Unit,” said Cindy Peacock-Rocca, a manager in the Health Unit’s Environmental Health Division. The closure order will remain in effect until such time the level of risk is considered acceptable and swimming can resume.

The Sudbury & District Health Unit monitors public beaches and takes routine water samples every week during the summer from 33 local beaches.

For more information about beach water quality, please call the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 705.522.9200, ext. 398 or visit www.sdhu.com.