Algal Monitoring
Algal Monitoring 2014-2019
Assembly Point Water Quality Coalition Snorkel Swims
Land development in the Lake George Watershed has increased nutrient and pollutant loading to the Lake which has contributed to algal and cyanobacteria blooms. Wastewater and stormwater are significant sources of these nutrients and pollutants. During the years 2014 through 2018, the Coalition focused its attention on changes in Lake George water quality and in particular algal bloom formation along the shoreline of Assembly Point. Lake George is a Class AA special waterbody meaning it is a source of water supply for drinking, culinary or food processing, primary and secondary contact for recreation and fishing and shall not be used for the discharge or disposal of solids and wastes. Class AA waterbodies shall not contain phosphorus or nitrogen in amounts that will result in the growth of algae, weeds and surface scums.
Coalition members started investigating what was below the Lake’s pristine waters by organizing annual snorkel swims. Swims in 2014,2015,2016 and 2017 revealed bright green rocks and docks, large algal blooms and water pipes coated with scuzzy algae. The Coalition received a grant in 2018 from the Lake Champlain Basin Program to undertake extensive testing of over 30 sites around the Point. During July and August a team led by Kathy Bozony spent 38 hours collecting and photographing algal samples. An analysis of the samples revealed the presence of multiple types of cyanobacteria as well as elevated levels of organic pollution. The occurrence of cyanobacteria can produce hepatotoxins and neurotoxins that can kill fish, harm humans, wildlife and pets.
The Palmer Pollution Index was used to determine the potential for organic pollution. In 2018, four sites had high Palmer Pollution Index scores indicating probable organic pollution. Earlier tests of eight sites had revealed organic pollution. Two sites showed consistent organic pollution over multiple years. Further, 21 sites contained one or more forms of cyanobacteria. Thirteen sites contained one or more forms of filamentous Chlororphyta which indicated excessive nutrients around Assembly Point.
At the same time the Coalition analyzed Town of Queensbury property and septic records. First, the Town lacked data on 70% of the septic systems on Assembly Point. Second, available data showed that most systems were installed prior to 1985 and were not being maintained. Subsequently, the Town of Queensbury passed the Septic inspection Upon Property Transfer Law in October 2018.
The final result of this project was for the Coalition to recognize that the entire Lake needed to be protected, not just the Lake in the Town of Queensbury and to start a campaign urging the Lake George Park Commission to start a lake-wide septic inspection program.
What is one concrete way for Lake side residents to take personal action
in relation to degenerating water quality in Lake George?
Get in the water with a mask and swim around your shoreline. Take a look at your ladders, boat bottoms and the ends of your dock, and then note patches of algae on the once sandy lake bottom or on the rocks. If residents around Lake George begin to check their own shorelines for changing and questionable conditions, we can create a grassroots lakewide team of concerned and active residents able to inform their communities and officials about changing underwater conditions. Algae is one indicator of excessive nutrient load coming from land use, from fertilizer, storm water run off or faulty septic. There are ways to test both the algae and the water itself for organic pollution.
in relation to degenerating water quality in Lake George?
Get in the water with a mask and swim around your shoreline. Take a look at your ladders, boat bottoms and the ends of your dock, and then note patches of algae on the once sandy lake bottom or on the rocks. If residents around Lake George begin to check their own shorelines for changing and questionable conditions, we can create a grassroots lakewide team of concerned and active residents able to inform their communities and officials about changing underwater conditions. Algae is one indicator of excessive nutrient load coming from land use, from fertilizer, storm water run off or faulty septic. There are ways to test both the algae and the water itself for organic pollution.
2014-2018 hover over image for text
|
|
|
|
Map
| deliverable_1_2018_spreadsheet_of_algal_test_results.xlsx |
