by Marty Proctor (contributor Michelle Delaney)
Lake Minneola experienced sustained blue-green algae bloom during the first quarter of 2020 which directly affected recreational use of the waterbody.
After reports of an algae bloom, the Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) Board authorized
LCWA staff to contract Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., to perform an exploratory assessment of water quality on Lake Minneola and its surrounding watershed.
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s (SJRWMD) also introduced the Lake Minneola Innovative Technology Project. Data is being collected for a year and a rapid response team has been designated.
In addition, the LCWA Board authorized Wood to perform an additional 12-month water quality project that will further evaluate stormwater runoff and seepage into Lake Minneola.
Satellite imagery of Lake Minneola depicting increased chlorophyll-a concentrations.
On July 29, the SJRWMD and representatives from Blue Green Water Technologies, Inc.(BGWT) held a virtual public meeting to inform stakeholders of the monitoring project’s scope of work, duration, and anticipated benefits. The BGWT representatives stated they would be monitoring Lake Minneola for the presence of cyanobacteria via satellite imagery, visual inspection and grab samples. (see Lake Minneola Study)
There will be a new form of treatment applied to Lake Minneola beginning in September. This treatment has been tested around the world and works almost immediately. It kills the algae and strengthens the existing ecosystem to prevent it from recurring. The link below is to the website page: https://www.sjrwmd.com/projects/#lake-minneola
Stop using fertilizer near the lakefront and keep pollutants out of the lakes. everything from the roads and hills drains into the lakes!
In the event that the algae populations reach unacceptable thresholds, an initial treatment would occur, followed up by additional treatments as necessary. Modica & Associates, a local environmental consulting firm, would be responsible for applying LakeGuard® when needed. LakeGuard® is a new surface applied, slow-release, hydrogen peroxide-based product that when applied to the water body contacts the blue-green algae cell; thus killing it.
The pilot-scale project will last 6 months from September 2020 to February 2021. Data collected will be posted on the SJRWMD website (sjrwmd.com) to keep the public informed of the project’s progress. If residents notice harmful algae bloom occurring on Lake Minneola, they can email BGWT at minneola@bgtechs.com. A rapid response team will be available to quickly reply to the inquiry and assess the situation.
For detailed information, visit Department of Environmental Protection
