The provincial Department of Environment and Climate Change is responding to continued questions and concerns raised about a recent algae bloom at Forest Pond in Salmon Cove.

The bloom killed off fish and forced the temporary closure of waterways downstream from Forest Pond.

Frustrated residents protested outside MHA Steve Crocker’s office this week, seeking answers and an update.

The Department says test results at the time determined that discharge from the lagoon in Victoria was not the critical factor and nutrient levels in the discharge are similar to levels observed in previous years.

Officials say water quality in the area has returned to levels prior to the appearance of the blue green algae in June.

The department says it recently received wastewater sample results collected from the sewage treatment plant in Victoria which are currently under review.