Download efforts to reduce algae at carolina beach lake

Dan Wilcox
LeAnn Pierce
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Steve Shuttleworth
Tom Bridges
Council Member
Council Member
Gary Doetsch
Michael Cramer
Council Member
Town Manager
Town of Carolina Beach
1121 N. Lake Park Boulevard
Carolina Beach, North Carolina 28428
TEL: (910) 458-2999
FAX: (910) 458-2997
News Release
Issued: March 17, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian Stanberry
Asst. Operations Director
TN: (910) 458-8291
EFFORTS TO REDUCE ALGAE AT CAROLINA BEACH LAKE
Carolina Beach, NC - Due to the deluge of tropical rain in October and continued precipitation since then, the Town
has experienced an increase in algae growth in Carolina Beach Lake. This algae growth is spurred by the nutrient
runoff that is created during such rain events. Other contributing factors to this algae growth in the Lake are
abnormally high ground water levels, continued rainfall, warm temperatures and low lake levels. The town is only
able to control the level of the lake. To date, because of the large amount of rainfall and high ground water levels,
we have had to maintain the lake levels low to guard against flooding during rain events.
The Town has a history of maintaining and controlling the algae growth within the Lake. These efforts were
increased in October, as a reaction to the change in conditions. Since that point, the algae has been treated with
environmentally-friendly aquatic herbicide to kill the growth. Aquatic dye is regularly added to the Lake water to
help prevent sun light from reaching the lake bottom and to deter growth of the algae. Microbes are added to help
decompose the dead algae that fall to the Lake bottom and would furthermore decrease the depth of the Lake.
To help combat the algae problem, going into Spring, we will be expanding the coverage of the algae treatment
through application from a small boat and increasing the frequency. In addition, efforts will be increased to remove
the algae, as it migrates to the shore line. From a long range solution perspective, the Town has incorporated the
dredging of Carolina Beach Lake into the upcoming Water/Sewer/Stormwater Revenue Bond. This project will
greatly improve flood reduction efforts and decrease the concern over algae and other evasive aquatic plants.
Carolina Beach citizens can aid in our efforts to reduce the algae by helping eliminate the nutrients that are
transported to the Lake through stormwater runoff. Some simple methods of doing that are always picking up after
pets. Pet waste is a major detriment to water quality and contributes to the growth of aquatic algae. Citizens can
also lend a hand by being mindful of fertilizer application to their yards and not applying before a rain event. Ensure
that the fertilizer is not applied to impervious surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, streets and curbs. These
nutrients are carried away in the rain and are transported to the Lake in condensed form, only exacerbating the
nutrient levels.
Thank you for your help in managing our natural resources.