Blue-Green Algae Information - 2007
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****10-2-07 FINAL Little Rock Lake air monitoring results
From: "Matthew Lindon" <Matthew.Lindon@state.mn.us>10/2/2007
I apologize for the delay in these results.
This is the final piece of H2S data for Little Rock Lake. The results from this time period were low, remaining near the detection limit of the instrument for the entire period (Sept 11 – Sept 13). With the change in seasons, we do not expect extreme bloom conditions to return this year. It is possible that algae blooms will return next summer, depending on weather and runoff conditions. If bloom extreme blooms or odor return please alert the lake monitoring staff at the PCA and refer to the algae bloom information on our web site at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/clmp-toxicalgae.html.
Little Rock Lake is proposed to be included on the 2008 draft 303(d) (impaired waters) list with a target start date of 2008 for the TMDL study. More information on the impaired waters program can be found at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/tmdl/index.html.
I would like to thank those involved with the response to the Little Rock Lake algae bloom this summer. Local governments, residents and state staff worked hard on collecting data and sharing information.
Matt Lindon
Lake and Stream Monitoring Unit
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
ph 651.297.8218
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Summerkill Investigation 2007
Little Rock Lake, Benton County (DOW 5-13) (posted 9-21-07)
Background: Little Rock Lake in Benton County experienced a significant blue-green algae bloom during the summer of 2007. Conditions contributing to the bloom included: large number of days above 90 degrees F, severe drought, low water levels, windy spring weather re-suspending sediments, and high nutrient loads. At the peak of the algae bloom dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide gas were emitted into the air and thousands of fish succumbed due to poor water quality. Though no efforts were made to quantify the number of dead fish, trapnet sampling was scheduled for early fall to evaluate the impacts on the fish community. The results of the early fall trapnet sampling are summarized in this document.
Methods: A total of six (6) standard lake survey trapnets were set into separate locations on the lake on September 10, 2007. These nets were lifted on September 11, 2007 and pertinent fish data was collected.
CLICK HERE to view the results of the early fall trapnet sampling.
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CLICK HERE for a Summary of what TMDL means and what it’s about…
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****9-13-07 Update on Little Rock Lake air monitoring
From: "Matthew Lindon" <Matthew.Lindon@state.mn.us>Update on Little Rock Lake air monitoring 9/13/2007
Attached is the latest update to the Little Rock Lake air monitoring records. The records now extend to 9:00 am Sept 11th. During the most recent monitoring period H2S levels were detectable on September 7th, 9th and 10th, but did not exceed 3 ppb.
The monitoring station will likely be taken down next week.
<<LittleRockLake9.11.xls>> (EXCEL file)
Matt Lindon
Lake and Stream Monitoring Unit
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
ph 651.297.8218
matthew.lindon@state.mn.us
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Experts warn that solution to algae problem could be several years away
By Kirsti Marohn kmarohn@stcloudtimes.com
Published: August 08. 2007
FOLEY — Little Rock Lake almost certainly will make next year’s list of the state’s impaired waters when it is released later this fall, officials from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said Tuesday.
That designation could pave the way for a cleanup plan for the lake. It has attracted statewide attention this summer because of a toxic blue-green algae bloom.
But the state and county pollution experts gathered at Tuesday’s Benton County board meeting cautioned that any solution to the lake’s decades-old water quality problems won’t happen overnight, and progress could take years. (CLICK ON HEADLINE ABOVE to read the rest of the column.)
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****9-6-07 Update on Little Rock Lake air monitoring
From: "Matthew Lindon" <Matthew.Lindon@state.mn.us>
Update on Little Rock Lake air monitoring 9/6/2007
Attached is the latest update to the Little Rock Lake air monitoring records. The records now extend to 7am, September 6th.
During the most recent monitoring period H2S levels increased on the following dates: August 2 9th, 30th , 31st , September 2nd , 4th , and 5th . Typically higher levels were detected at mid-day. The highest level observed in the most recent monitoring period ( Aug. 27th – Sept 6th) was 3 ppb H2S.
Matt Lindon
Lake and Stream Monitoring Unit
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
ph 651.297.8218
matthew.lindon@state.mn.us
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****8-27-07 Update on Little Rock Lake air monitoring
From: "Matthew Lindon" <Matthew.Lindon@state.mn.us>
Attached is the latest update to the Little Rock Lake air monitoring records. The records now extend to 7am, August 27th.
During the most recent monitoring period H2S levels rose on August 24th and 25th to about 2.5 ppb.
<<LittleRockLake8.27.xls>> This is an Excel file.
Matt Lindon
Lake and Stream Monitoring Unit
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
ph 651.297.8218
matthew.lindon@state.mn.us
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****8-24-07 Update on Little Rock Lake air monitoring
From: "Matthew Lindon" <Matthew.Lindon@state.mn.us>
Hi
Attached is the latest data update from the Little Rock Lake air monitoring station which now includes data through August 20 th . During August 13 th through the August 20 th hydrogen sulfide levels remained very low/below detection with the exception of August 16 th and 17 th . At mid day on the 16 th and 17 th H2S levels rose slightly (between 2-1 ppb).
I will be providing these weekly updates in the future.
Matt Lindon
Lake and Stream Monitoring Unit
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
ph 651.297.8218
matthew.lindon@state.mn.us
CLICK HERE TO SEE GRAPH OF AIR QUALITY MONITORING DATA
(Will open in new browser window. Close new window to return to this page)
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8-6-07 Update from MPCA
From: "Shannon Lotthammer" <Shannon.Lotthammer@state.mn.us>
Hi all --
The MPCA has downloaded and summarized the data from the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) continuous air monitoring unit located on the southwest shore of Little Rock Lake (see attached file (Excel file .xls), which includes a graph of the monitoring data and the half-hour average readings). The data covers the period from 11:00 a.m. on July 31 through 7:30 a.m. on August 6. During that time period, the highest H2S reading was 13 parts per billion (ppb) as a half-hour average, which was measured on the afternoon July 31. For much of the time period the half-hour average reading was below detection.
The MPCA ambient air standard for H2S is based on odor concerns, and is a half -hour average of 50 ppb not be to exceeded more than two times per year, and a half-hour average of 30 ppb not to be exceeded more than two times in any five consecutive days. At this point the continuous monitoring has not documented conditions that exceed the ambient air standard. It is important to note that the algae bloom may shift locations based on wind direction, and therefore the monitoring station may not always be monitoring the air near where the bloom is at its worst. Therefore the MPCA and MDH continue to recommend that if people are feeling discomfort due to H2S, particularly if they have respiratory problems or have young children, they (and their children) should leave the vicinity.
The MPCA plans to provide updates on the air monitoring results on at least a weekly basis while the air monitoring unit is deployed out at Little Rock Lake.
Thank you !
Shannon
Shannon Lotthammer
Manager, Water Monitoring Section
Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(651) 297-8355
shannon.lotthammer@pca.state.mn.us
www.pca.state.mn.us
***NOTE FROM WEBMASTER - The attached file that came with the above email came in as an Excel file. I don't have Excel but was able to view the original file in Microsoft Works. I scanned a printed version of the information and have created a .PDF file of the information as well. GRAPH of LRL H2S levels.
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Hi all --
Attached (LINKED ABOVE) is an update on the recent air and water monitoring efforts at Little Rock lake, along with answers to questions about microcystin toxin that came up at the meeting on Monday. As noted in the summary, we expect to be able to share the first results from the continuous air monitoring unit early next week. I will continue to provide updates via e-mail; I'd appreciate it if the lake association could also post this information on its web site to help keep lakeshore residents informed.
Thanks much!
Shannon
Shannon Lotthammer
Manager, Water Monitoring Section
Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(651) 297-8355
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NOTE FROM THE WEBMASTER (8-2-07):
Since it was mentioned at the meeting on Monday that people could play a role in improving things on the lake starting now by using "Best Management Practices", I've obtained some links to further information on this from Shannon Lotthammer, MPCA.
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Click HERE for complete version of the 7-28-07 EMAIL UPDATE from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
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NEWS RELEASE
Friday, July 27, 2007
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Fri, 27 Jul 2007
LRLA Update
Little Rock Lake Residents -
I just had a phone conversation with Reed Larson at MPCA. (Ph# 218-828-2492), in an effort to get updated. He stated that he has had a lot of calls from LRL residents. I informed him that I have had tons of phone calls and emails regarding the lake, also. And that is why I am calling. He stated that there will be an email sent out with the results of the air quality test that they just completed. The exact details will be in the email, but the results do show high levels of hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg gas smell or similar to standing in the middle of a pig manure pile - my analogy). If people are bothered by this gas odor - you should take measures to leave the area periodically. Reed stated that LRL is not alone in this algea problem. There are some lakes in southern MN that are similar in damage. It sounds like there will be a joint visit, this coming Monday afternoon 07/30, to LRL by MPCA, DNR & BSWD. Also, due to the fact that water, air, and fish are now affected, Reed stated that the MPCA, DNR, and now the MN State Health Dept will be involved, because this is now, not only a water and air problem, but a health issue. A joint committee will have to be formed comprised of these 3 key depts. So, as one can see, it is a complex effort. The MPCA just got underway with an 18 month water quality study of LRL and it will take a while to accumulate needed info. I am afraid there is no quick solution. But we can be assured that the proper government agencies are now involved. The media attention and calls from lake association members and residents have made an impact! Thank you all for that! Reed added that we have to find out the causes and sources of the algae so that we dont go through more summers like this one. And I'm afraid we are just entering into August. Folks....we have a lot of summer yet!!
Your Messenger,
Bruce
LRLA Pres.
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When in Doubt, Best Keep Out!
Information from the MN Pollution Control Agency
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Spending time in, on, or near one of Minnesota's thousands of lakes is a great way to beat the heat. And going to "the lake" for the weekend is a ritual for many Minnesotans. But lake lovers, especially those with pets or livestock, need to be aware of a potential hazard stemming from algae growth in lakes during summer. Under certain environmental conditions some algae species, called blue-green algae, can become toxic. Pets and livestock drinking lake water containing the toxic form of these algae may become sick and even die.
About Blue-green Algae
What You Should Know About Blue-green Algae, fact sheet (pdf file ... need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view)
Algae occurs in virtually all lakes in Minnesota, but its concentration can vary considerably from lake to lake. It is most abundant during warm weather in water that is hard, alkaline, and rich in nutrients (primarily phosphorus and nitrogen, which fertilize aquatic plants as they do crops and lawns). Special characteristics of blue-green algae allow them to reach greater abundance than other types of algae. Some types of blue-green algae are able to use nitrogen from the air as well as other forms of nitrogen dissolved in the water, which gives them an advantage over other kinds of algae that depend only on nitrogen in the water. CONTINUED HERE
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EMAIL RECEIVED 7-23-07:
The U of M Extension has a good article on Managing Aquatic Plants in Minnesota Lakes - including algae and algae control. I've also included a link to Lake Restorations website - they do sell an algaecide product
that will take care of blue-green. (Note from webmaster: the link for the lake restorations site wasn't provided so am guessing that this link may be the correct one ... http://www.lakerestoration.com/)
Any residents/citizens concerned with blue-green algae or other algae should call Brainerd Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and urge them to put Little Rock Lake on the impaired water bodies list.
Brainerd MPCA: 218-828-2492
Annie Felix
Water Plan Technician
Benton Soil and Water Conservation District
14 West 2nd Avenue
Foley, MN 56329
Phone: (320) 968-5300 Ext. 3
Fax: (320) 968-5304
Shortcut to:
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Bubbles and bacteria turning green lake back to blue - KARE 11 report -
"A Wright County lake, once overtaken by algae and invasive plants, is beginning to look like its old self again thanks to bubbles and bacteria."
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