Algae growth closes beaches at Smithville Lake

Public swimming beaches at Smithville Lake are closed because of high algae growth.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Clay County Parks Department posted signs Friday at the Little Platte and Camp Branch beaches warning people not to swim and to keep pets out of the water. Fishing is still allowed.

Lora Vacca, operations project manager for the Corps, said high runoff from recent rains have led to the blue-green algae growth. The lake is more than 6 feet above the normal water level. The corps is releasing water but officials cannot say how long the beaches will remain closed.

This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 5:53 PM with the headline "Algae growth closes beaches at Smithville Lake."