Phoslock treatment for phosphorus reduction

Our team recently assisted one of our clients in solving a pressing problem with their lake. The lake was exhibiting hypereurotrophic characteristics (frequent and severe nuisance algal blooms and low transparency). In particular, this lake has experienced repeated blooms of various forms cyanobacteria (aka Blue Green Algae) including Mycrosystis. This type of algae can produce toxins which can produce adverse effects in fish, waterfowl, pets, livestock and in certain cases humans. Water quality testing revealed that the lake had extremely high phosphorus levels, a typical cause of hypereurotrophic conditions. The accumulation of free reactive phosphorus in the water column and bottom sediments it not uncommon in older impoundments in urban watersheds.

To address the problem, we consulted SePro to determine an appropriate application of Phoslock, a phosphorus reducing product. In order to “reset the ecological clock” in the lake (in other words, to return the water body to a much lower phosphorus level), Phoslock was used to permanently bind free reactive phosphorus in the lake. This is a relatively new technology that has proven to be both safe and effective. Read more about how it works here. Follow-up water quality testing will be done within 30 days of the application. 

Here's a video of the application process:

And photos:

On Earth Day, Look to Your Own Backyard to Make a Difference

Earth Day is the perfect time to give some thought to how you should maintain your property to protect your watershed. For example:

• If you live on a lake or pond, plant a buffer strip of dense, native vegetation  to stabilize the shore edge and filter pollutants. The Georgia Native Plave Society frequently posts information about local native plant sales. Permitting may be required for buffer zone planting, so check with local authorities before proceeding.
• Seed and mulch any bare soil on your property to minimize erosion. 
• If you undertake any significant construction projects (i.e., a room addition), disturb no more ground than is necessary.
• If you are already experiencing erosion issues and/or loss of shoreline stability, consider having your property professionally evaluated.

You can also go a step further by getting engaged on the community level  . . .

• Support “best management practices” for development and help local authorities to ensure that construction site soil and erosion control ordinances are enforced by reporting any concerns you have.
• Contact local, state, and national public officials to voice your interest in keeping your lake clean, healthy, and usable. Emphasize the economic, recreational, and ecological value of the lake.
• Support wetland preservation. Wetlands protect lake water quality by acting as natural filters of pollutants and furnishing critical fish and wildlife habitat.
• Participate in groups, projects, and events that promote conservation, lake and watershed protection, and shoreline clean-ups.

Track the progress of the season with the "Frog Symphony"

The Spring 2013 issue of Northern Woodlands magazine has a terrific article about frog and toad songs. "The Annual Frog Symphony" posits that careful listeners can enjoy a symphony in "three major movements" of frog and toad calls through the spring season, and features a gallery of sound clips (with lovely illustrations by Lauren DiBiccari of the amphibian "musicians") for your listening pleasure. Check it out! 

Siphon Emergency

An interesting project came our way recently: A local lake had a leaking Category 1 dam, which required an emergency siphon system. Category 1 dams are “those for which improper operation or dam failure would result in probable loss of human life,” as classified by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division. Categorized dams in Georgia are inspected annually by law. Because of the significant danger of life and property loss associated with a dam failure, this particular situation had drawn the attention of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the City of Sandy Springs Fire Department, and a representative from Georgia Safe Dams. In addition to the leaks, the lake’s existing outlet system was not functioning, and the emergency spillway was functioning as the primary spillway. We were called out and set up a temporary siphon system to manually draw down the lake a minimum of 15 feet. The system will stay in place until the community is able to repair the dam issues.

Temporary siphon system at the lake

Path to the downstream discharge point

Water entering the stream from the siphon systemWater level significantly lowered

Close Encounters and the End of Winter

As I type, the wind is blowing outside at 444 mph and the temperature is -93 degrees Fahrenheit. And yes, I am sitting in a cramped airplane seat trying to make the time fly as fast as the airplane is – without out much luck, I will add.

I am diverting course from my normal water world and headed to sample a different form of H2O – a form that is quite rare, at least in my part of Georgia. And of course that would be Utah Snow, which I believe the Utah folks call the “Greatest Snow on Earth.” I am not in a position to argue or defend this claim, but only know that so far this year Alta in Utah has received 339 inches of snow – and that is a heck of a lot of snow. [Trivia note: 1” of rain equals ~12” snow.]

And now back to my story. I will once again attach my feet to two carefully crafted fiberglass rockets and let gravity and the snow do the rest.  My skill in skiing is based on Dirty Harry’s famous motto: “A Man’s Got To Know His Limitations” – and I know mine. So you will probably not find me cascading down the mountain like you see on TV. Staying upright is my favorite routine when it comes to skiing.

Prickly Boots, coming soon to a ski shop near you?The highlight of last year’s ski trip was not the beautiful scenery but a close encounter with a local mountain inhabitant of the four legged kind. While cruising along I came across a porcupine out for a jog. Sensing a great photo op, I pulled out my trusty smartphone and starting saving the memory. While in this process, the creature started to take a liking to my black ski boots. Maybe it was love at first sight, but I wondered whether I should really find out for sure. Common sense prevailed and I decided it was time to leave the creature to his own world. And for a brief moment, I would venture to say that I was the only person in the world skiing with a porcupine. We parted company on a friendly note and both got back to our business. I am just hoping that the lonely porcupine can deal with rejection better than I can!

I plan my annual ski trip around the first of March for a reason: I use my ski week to get ready for Spring. After a week in the snow and cold, I am really ready for the warmer days of Spring and the many warm water days to come.

I will say that my porcupine encounter has got me thinking on developing a new line in ski boot wear: Prickly Boots. Well, maybe not!

Until next time.

Jim