AquaBlog

Phoslock treatment for phosphorus reduction

2013-05-10T14:02:42Z

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

2013-04-22T12:52:26Z

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"

2013-04-17T14:48:45Z

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

2013-03-27T14:39:06Z

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

2013-03-13T19:36:18Z

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

Turbidity: Seeing it clearly

2013-03-11T20:17:00Z

One of these water samples is more turbid than the other!Scientifically speaking, turbidity is the measure of the degree to which water loses transparency due to the presence of suspended particulates. The higher the turbidity level, the more opaque (or murky) the water appears to be. Materials that cause high turbidity include clay, silt, algae and phytoplankton. Turbidity in urban lakes and ponds tends to increase following periods of heavy rainfall, often due to runoff from within the watershed. High turbidity can also be caused by algae growth and die-off.

Turbidity & water quality

A high turbidity level in a lake is sometimes merely an aesthetic issue. Water clarity naturally varies throughout the year as cycles of vegetation growth and decomposition occur. Some moderate turbidity can actually be desirable, as phytoplankton serves as a food source for microscopic animals and some fish, and improves water quality by producing dissolved oxygen. However, persistently high turbidity levels can cause problems and the causes should be investigated.

Controlling turbidity

The best method for reducing turbidity levels, when indicated, depends on the cause of the elevated turbidity. Green or brownish-green water with poor clarity is usually caused by exacerbated algae and phytoplankton growth, a result of excessive nutrient build-up. An algal "bloom" can cause a soupy look and bright green color. Muddy brown or reddish-brown water can indicate sediment influx from erosion and runoff; dredging may be warranted, along with an identification of the source to reduce future build-up.

A sudden, drastic change in water color or clarity (unless the change in clarity is directly attributable to a storm event) and/or a foul odor warrants a call to a professional.

Winter Break: How aquatic animals make it through the coldest months

2013-03-11T19:54:00Z

According to the calendar, spring is right around the corner! As we look forward to sunnier skies and warmer temperatures, we can also soon expect to see more signs of life around lakes and ponds. Our Georgia winters are temperate enough that the hibernation period for most mammals is short or non-existent, so you’ve probably seen rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks all season long. Cold-blooded animals are more likely to have disappeared for a few months. So where exactly have all of the aquatic creatures been during the winter months?

Most of them have entered some period of hibernation; the hibernation process for reptiles is sometimes called brumation. Both terms refer to a period of dramatically slowed metabolism, during which the animal expends much less energy than when active.

Amphibians

While some terrestrial frogs can freeze solid in the winter then revive with the thaw, aquatic frogs go underwater when temperatures go down, absorbing oxygen through their skin. Although they are largely dormant, aquatic frogs can sometimes be seen swimming – slowly – in the winter months.

Reptiles

Many turtles survive winter buried beneath the mud at the bottom of ponds and streams; some species (such as painted turtles) are able to stay submerged for up to three months with zero blood oxygen levels. Water snakes also enter a form of brumation in the winter, remaining awake but generally inactive, and finding dens (often with many other snakes) in concealed locations like hollow tree trunks, abandoned burrows, or even under deep piles of leaves. Snakes will emerge to seek water during the winter, so snake encounters in cold months are still possible.

Insects

Some aquatic insect species (including many types of mosquitoes) survive winter as larvae just beneath the surface of the water; others, including mayflies and dragonflies, migrate deeper into the water, where the temperatures are higher than at the surface.

Regardless of where they wintered, you can expect to see lots of aquatic animals emerge in the coming weeks!

Congratulations to our Pros!

2012-11-19T16:20:35Z

Two members of the Aquascape Environmental team have recently added to their professional credentials. Paul Slovisky, Vice President for Operations, is now a Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality; Amy Davidson, who leads Business Development, is now a LEED Green Associate. Congratulations to both of them for these achievements!

Paddling Through History on the Etowah River

2012-10-04T18:23:54Z

Aquascape Environmental's own Jeremy Brown is on the 2012 hosting committee for "Paddling Through History," an event to benefit the Coosa River Basin Initiative and the Etowah River Water Trail Project on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.

This special event takes in one of the most significant antebellum historic sites in the Etowah River Valley: Valley View plantation, a home that predates the Civil War and was occupied by Union troops during the war. A tour of the home will be followed with a six mile paddle down the Etowah where participants will view centuries-old Native American fish dams. A catered dinner at Valley View will wrap up the evening along with a kayak raffle and live auction.

For more information and to reserve tickets, go to http://www.coosa.org/events/paddling-through-history

Featured Creatures: Turtles

2012-10-01T21:15:30Z

Snapping turtle. Photo courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.The Southeast is home to more than two dozen turtle species, and while all have in common some form of the characteristic bony shell known as the carapace, they otherwise represent a wide natural diversity. Our native turtles come in a range of shapes and sizes: the largest (Leatherback Sea Turtle, up to six feet in length) and smallest (Bog Turtle, less than five inches long) species known in North America are found here. Turtles are long-lived creatures, with some species enjoying life expectancies of up to 200 years, so it's not surprising that they're in no hurry to get from Point A to Point B.

Turtles are found in just about every type of environment, from forests to coastlands and, yes, in freshwater lakes and streams. Freshwater turtles typically move slowly over land but are much faster in the water, aided by their webbed "toes;" the lighter, streamlined soft-shell turtle species are especially quick swimmers. One of the largest freshwater turtle species in the world is the Alligator Snapping Turtle, which dwells exclusively in the Southeastern U.S. and has been recorded at weights of over 200 lbs. Generally speaking, turtles are non-aggressive animals that pose absolutely no threat to humans, but the Alligator Snapping Turtle and its smaller (10-35 lbs.) Common Snapping Turtle cousins do have powerful jaws and sharp beaks and should be approached with caution. Although both Snapping Turtle species are aquatic, Common Snapping Turtles more often travel from one aquatic habitat to another, while Alligator Snapping Turtles almost never leave the water except for nesting, so are less likely to be seen unless a pond is drained.

Turtles are part of the natural aquatic ecosystem and do not jeopardize fish populations or the overall health of a lake; in fact, their consumption of dead fish may be beneficial. Aquatic turtles are sometimes bait-eating nuisances to fishermen. Non-protected turtle species, including the Common Snapping Turtle, may be legally trapped and removed in Georgia; however, some turtle species are threatened or endangered and as such are protected by state and/or federal law, so seek professional guidance before attempting to remove turtles for any reason.