LAKEPORT >> An agreement between the county and a consulting firm to determine the best potential use of lake algae as a resource was unanimously approved by the Lake County Board of Supervisors this week.
Kenneth Davlin, president and project manager at Roseville-based Oscar Larson & Associates, was in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting. He was met with some initial concern from the board, based upon past experience.
“The previous folks wanted to come into Lake County and do a project … and they wanted the county to come up with the money to build the infrastructure to do the project,” Lake County Water Resources Director Scott De Leon said. “But we didn’t know what the project was and, frankly, they weren’t sure either.”
In 2014, Oscar Larson & Associates prepared a report on potential uses for lake algae as a resource. In that report the consulting firm recommended establishing pilot programs to gather data. Davlin said that, despite the wealth of data already available, more was needed to determine the best option for using the algae.
“If you stop looking algae as a public works budget expense and start trying to look at it as a resource, it changes the dynamics,” Davlin explained.
Multiple potential uses for algae were mentioned by Davlin, such as harvesting the algae to create methane gas, compost or oil.
Davlin provided a sample of bio-crude oil made from Clear Lake algae for the board to inspect. The oil can be used to create compost that would contribute to water retention in agricultural settings.
“These are all things that can be done, but, practically, can they be accomplished? We don’t know.” Davlin said. “We have to do these pilot programs to find out.”
Additionally, if companies knew the settings and metrics needed, they would be willing to contract with the county to run a compost operation using the algae, according to Davlin.
District 3 Supervisor Jim Steele initially did not support the agreement, citing concerns about using algae as a resource and the desire for eradication rather than creating an industry.
“What we want is a new normal that doesn’t produce algae,” Steele argued.
District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington said it is “naive to focus on just one prong” of the issue.
“You have to be reactive, as well as proactive,” Farrington said. “We can’t suffocate our economy by doing nothing.”
District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith said he supports a two-pronged approach but is concerned with stifling first goal, which is eventual eradication.
“That’s going to be what saves us,” Smith said.
“I have no problem with a two-pronged approach,” Steele said. “What I’m saying is let’s not weaken the first approach.”
As for funding for any program developed, Davlin said it would either require a large financial effort on the county’s part or grants would have to be applied for, which he would assist with.
“The State Energy Department has asked me to draft a grant program if hired by the county,” Davlin explained.
Furthermore, federal energy grants can be applied for, as well as agricultural grants for compost are available.
The discussion was continued from the board’s March 24 meeting, as a representative from the company was not present to answer questions.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
