CLEARLAKE — An algae mitigation demonstration was held at Sunset Fishing Resort in Clearlake on Thursday. Mike McPherson of Innovative Pond Products provided information related to the products the company offers for eco-friendly lake management and demonstrated the effects of circulatory devices, which could possibly assist in the management of Clear Lake”s lyngbya epidemic.
McPherson also relayed the expression of interest the problem has gained through his international networking efforts.
McPherson has been working with Sunset Owner Dian Gibson for about the past two weeks trying to evaluate the situation and identify strategies that may work for this particular problem with the lyngbya. The lyngbya, which is a form of cyanobacterial blue-green algae, has caused severe economic adversity for area resort owners for the past two summers.
McPherson told attendees that the problem will require cooperative efforts. “This is definitely a community issue,” he said. “It”s not going to be solved by taking the algae from this bay and letting it move to another.”
McPherson said while he doesn”t have a solution to the problem he does have some ideas. He said that the lyngbya problem is not unique to the Clear Lake area. He said that similar situations are being experienced throughout the country particularly in the western hemisphere. He said at present the practical solution is aeration. “Nature can do more for itself if we try to help it,” he said.
The devices demonstrated by McPherson are designed to control debris, accelerate decomposition of organic materials, prevent stagnation, eliminate thermal stratification and inhibit mosquito growth among other uses. They are used as methods of creating flow in a stagnant waterway.
Two dock-mounted devices were installed in the bay adjacent to Sunset Resort. A third floating aerator was added on Thursday. While the devices have not eliminated the presence of the lyngbya, they are creating circulation of the water within the bay. McPherson said that the half-horse power aerator added Thursday at times was creating flow up to about 210 feet.
“To get the full effect you will have to work together,” McPherson said, explaining that for best results area waterfront residents would need to coordinate a plan of aeration in order to effectively break up and push the algae from the bay. “Your best bang for your buck is going to be a community effort.”
McPherson further explained that the devices draw in the algae and break it up so that the lyngbya mats that typically form do not float down the way and become the neighbor”s problem.
In addition to providing demonstrations of the aerator products, McPherson also shared response he”s gained through international networking. He said that his company works with numerous vendors and environmental specialists throughout the world. He said the pictures taken of the algae at Sunset Resort that he sent throughout his network have gained much interest in the United States and abroad. He said that one company that develops a water treatment product is particularly interested in using Sunset Resort as a research and development site for developing advancements in its products.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
