CLEARLAKE ? Algae identified as lyngbya by Lake County Environmental Health is impacting economic activity in Clearlake. Several local businesses reported a decrease in patron activity, which they attribute, partially, to the condition and smell of the lake.
Although the presence of lyngbya is creating a problem in the south county area, measures are being taken, both privately and publicly, to ease the stench and gain access to the lake.
Clearlake Public Works along with Lake County Fire Protection District and other volunteers have been periodically clearing the launching ramps at Thompson Harbor in Redbud Park in order to make the area passable for boats. Local waterfront businesses have also been working the best they can to keep their areas clear of algae.
Some business owners feel that a lack of information and misconceived blogs on the Internet are contributing to a decline in business. “It”s a misconception as to what”s really going on in the lake. It”s an algae bloom that happens every year,” Clearlake Bait & Tackle Owner Jimmy Ghiorso said. “The Internet is killing us. False, overblown speculations from people who don”t know anything about this situation are printing pictures on the Internet without accurate information.”
Ghiorso said the recreation business is suffering and will continue to suffer until the algae subsides. “You can”t do anything about the algae. It”s just going to need to take its course,” he said. “I commend Doug Herren, Clay Timms and Craig Van Hausen for their efforts to help keep this matter at bay as well as James Scott at Lake Bed Management, the city and the fire department.”
Local fishing guide Bob Thein said his business is suffering as well. “They hear this on the radio and see it on the Internet and they cancel,” he said. “I”ve probably had one cancellation in two years. This week I had three.”
Lakeshore Bait & Tackle Owner Bob Rider said he has experienced a decline in business, too. He said he understands that the algae presence is a nuisance for the people; however, he said it”s healthy for the fish. “It”s very healthy for the lake. It just interferes with what people want to do,” he said. “I think the low water level and the fact that they aren”t moving water through the dam at a substantial rate is resulting in stagnant water in the south lake area.”
Rider continued, “The fishing is still good if you know how to fish through the stuff. It”s inconvenient for the people but the fish are thriving. We are just going to need to wait this one out.”
Rider also commended the efforts of Clearlake Public Works Supervisor Doug Herren, his crew and all the volunteers he”s enlisted to help keep access to the lake open.
Lakehouse Inn and Bistro has found a bit of success in keeping its harbor clean; while other lakefront resorts are finding it more difficult. At Lakehouse Inn ongoing efforts to clear the harbor using a motorized boat have been successful in keeping the stench down. “It doesn”t smell nearly as bad as it has been and I”m thankful for that,” Bartender Miranda Cole, 27, said. “But, I think the city and the county need to do more about it because it”s affecting businesses here.”
Lotowana Lounge isn”t seeing as much success in clearing its harbor; however, increased air circulation inside the business has helped. “We hooked up a sprinkler system to break the algae up and a couple of locals have been taking their boats out there to push it out of the harbor but the build up is just too great,” Bartender Kila Beltran said. “We”re not getting help from any of the local agencies so were kind of on our own taking care of this problem in the lake. We have increased the air circulation inside the bar and that seems to be helping.”
According to the Bioremediation Services Web site, lyngbya is particularly difficult to control using traditional copper sulphate and chelates. The algae grow in colonies forming small spongy masses of mucilage. These blue-green, black or gray clumps will lay on the bottom or float to the surface. Because of its protective mucilage, chemical control is difficult. Lyngbya is one of the cyanobacteria that is known to release toxins into the water. These three toxins, debromaoplysiatoxin, aplysiatoxin and lyngbyatoxin have been found to be major causes of dermatitis. Lake County Environmental Health has issued advisory against swimming in, ingesting or cooking with water found in affected areas.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
