State environmental officials are reporting an algae outbreak in the James River in the Hopewell area.

State Department of Environmental Quality spokesman Bill Hayden said the outbreak is at the state Route 10 bridge.

Algae outbreaks are a sign of pollution from nutrients such as fertilizer and animal waste. They often bloom on hot summer days.

State officials have seen no sign of environmental damage such as dead fish, but Hayden recommended that people not swim in the algae-tainted water.