CLEARLAKE OAKS ? Aquatic Environments, Inc., conducted a second demonstration of its “Aquamog” Mechanical Restoration System Thursday in the Clearlake Oaks Keys. The first demonstration took place Wednesday in the cove area at Sunset Fishing Resort in Clearlake while Thursday”s demonstration illustrated techniques for channel clearing.
The Aquamog is a rather hefty, barge-like piece of equipment with a boom affixed to one end and spray/release system on the other. The Aquamog can be used with several different attachments dependent upon the situation. It is often used in conjunction with a mechanical harvester that collects the aquatic debris after the Aquamog breaks it up. The bio mass can then be transported for disposal.
Another option for use with the Aquamog is the long distance spraying mechanism that can shoot aquatic bio material onto adjacent land. This technique was attempted in the Keys; however, Carolyn Ruttan, Lake County Water Resources program coordinator said that a different attachment was needed because the bio material wasn”t quite making it over the bank onto the adjacent property. She said the technique was discontinued as to avoid damage to the channel bank.
Ruttan was optimistic about the effectiveness the Aquamog system could have in narrow areas such as the Keys. “I”m happy about this that given the right attachment we can shoot the bio mass up over the bank in areas like the Keys that have bare land next to them,” she said. “Alternatively we could use an attachment that collects the debris so that it can be transported offsite to a disposal site or an orchard or somebody who wants the biological material.”
For areas such as the Keys, Ruttan said projection techniques would be ideal because it would cut costs associated with transportation of the bio debris. “For this little application, it”s perfect but we haven”t found the answer for areas that have more residences,” she said. “It is a work in progress and we are making progress.”
Keys Property Owners Association members witnessed Thursday”s demonstration. Property owner Dennis Krentz said there are concerns with the association regarding cost of Aquatic Environment”s services as well as for preventing the return of the biological material after it is removed. “The problem is this stuff is coming from the lake. It”s beginning out on the lake and blowing into the channels. We don”t know how to stop it from coming in here,” he said. “The issue is complex because it is a navigable waterway and we can”t block off the channel.” Krentz said the association is working with District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing to find a solution.
Holiday Cove Maintenance Group has contracted Aquatic Environments for services. Jerri Williamson said that Forni and his crew are expected to begin Friday morning. Prior to any mechanical or manual harvesting can take place on the lake, a permit must be secured through Lakebed Management.
For more information regarding Aquatic Environments, Inc. services visit the Web site at www.aquamog.com.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
