The Darien Fire Department has been receiving calls from residents concerned about a possible natural gas odor in the Tilley Pond area.
After numerous investigations encompassing the entire park perimeter, the gas company has concluded that there is NO gas leak. What we have found is a fair amount of algae in and on the pond that is very likely the source of the odors. While the odor is not hazardous to health, the algae can be very toxic to animals, especially dogs. Please refer to the following safety alert from the CDC that includes more information on the algae, keeping your pets safe and what steps to take should your pet come into contact with the algae bloom:
https://www.cdc.gov/habs/pdf/algal_bloom_tall_card.pdf
With the advent of cooler weather and rains, the algae, and odors, will dissipate. It is also important to note that this algae is not limited to our parks, but is common in freshwater lakes and ponds.
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