NORWAY — An algae bloom on Hobbs Pond prompted town officials to place warning signs at the pond earlier this week, Town Manager Dennis Lajoie said at Thursday’s selectmen meeting.

While the pond is not closed to swimmers, the signs warn visitors that the “algae can irritate those with sensitive skin” and to not swallow the water. It further warns people to keep their pets out of the water so that they do not drink the water.

This is the second consecutive year that algae has affected Hobbs Pond, also known as Little Pennesseewassee Lake.

According to Lakes Association of Norway President Sal Girifalco, phosphorous is the likely source of the algae bloom, but he is not sure of its source, but said it appears the algae is coming up from the bottom of the pond.

The algae, which he described as looking like light green paint, is capable of producing toxins. He is seeking someone from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to test the water.

The warning signs prompted a couple of residents of the pond to attend Thursday’s selectmen meeting. One, a clearly frustrated and agitated Steve Siskowitz, complained for at least 45 minutes that town officials were not taking more forceful steps to protect the pond.

Siskowitz claimed he knew the source of the phosphorous — manure being spread on a nearby field by a local farmer. He also claimed manure was being used at a town cemetery.

He has complained about the use of manure since at least 2016, but an inspection by an agricultural compliance supervisor with the Maine Department of Agriculture along with the town’s code enforcement officer in 2016 found no issues and said the farmer was operating within state rules.

On Thursday, Siskowitz presented the board with photos he took last fall, which he claims proves the manure is causing the problem. He said one photo showed a drainage ditch with manure in it that leads to the pond. He also said a pipe that leads to the pond was another source for the runoff.

Town officials said the state, not the town, has jurisdiction over Maine’s lakes and ponds and that the state issued the permit to allow the manure-spreading operation.

Siskowitz still maintained the town has the responsibility to fix the problem.

Girifalco will meet with Siskowitz next week for a walk of the area to review his claims. A couple of selectmen said they may also join them on the inspection.

In other business, the board approved an off-premise liquor license for Rustic Taps…