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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.