STUART, Fla. - Florida Congressman Brian Mast has introduced legislation aimed at making the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to notify communities affected by discharges of water contaminated by toxins. 

The Toxic Health Threat Warning Act would require tests to determine if discharged water contains blue-green algae. If that water is contaminated, the Corp would need to notify the public, local governments before releasing the water. 

"Our goal is no discharges, period," Mast said. "But right now the Army Corp won't even acknowledge the health risks created by their discharges."

Last summer's releases from Lake Okeechobee contained toxins that eventually led to the death of marine animals. 

"If someone's health is at risk, then they need to be notified. This bill will require the Army Corp to take accountability for their life-threatening actions and ensure that people know the dangers of coming into contact with toxic water."