LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A new subsurface aeration system has been installed at Holiday Harbor Marina in Nice to improve the aeration and circulation of the water within the harbor as a possible way to help minimize build-up of seasonal algae blooms.
After investigating several possible options, county staff identified a system from EP Aeration as having the most potential to help minimize nuisance algae mats that collect within the harbor during seasonal blooms.
Designed as a pilot project to test the effectiveness of circulation and aeration in protected water bodies, the system will circulate the water within the harbor more than seven times per day.
This subsurface aeration system comprises eight diffusers driven by six 1/3-horsepower air compressors – all of which work to aerate and improve water circulation within the harbor – and do so in an energy-efficient manner. In fact, the energy efficiency of the new system qualifies for an energy incentive from Pacific Gas & Electric.
The bottom-mounted system will have no impact on boat traffic in the harbor.
“We are anxious to determine if the results of this system will be successful,” said Alan Flora, administrative analyst in the Lake County Administrative Office. “Not only will the results of this pilot project provide us with additional information and insight about how to effectively minimize nuisance algae blooms in specific impacted areas of the lake, but the improved water quality will help maximize the development potential of the marina site.”
Until now, this specific aeration technology has not been utilized on Clear Lake.
Flora said a transitional period is anticipated as the system breaks down organic buildup and oxygenates the water column.
Over the past few summer seasons, parts of Clear Lake have experienced seasonal algae blooms, most particularly in sheltered areas such as channels, bays, and other inlets.
In an effort to protect Clear Lake’s ecosystem and enable residents and visitors to enjoy the lake to the fullest extent possible, county officials developed a multi-pronged approach designed to help minimize the impact of the algae through the use of several different methods, including pump-based aeration and circulation, chemical treatments, and mechanical harvesting.
With approval by the Lake County Board of Supervisors in April 2012, the Lake County Department of Water Resources has contracts in place now with service providers that are ready to respond and move into action at the early signs of seasonal algae blooms on Clear Lake, should the need arise this summer.
Resort owners and residents with private docks are encouraged to install pumps to spray water onto the surface of algae mats, which helps to knock down the algae and also provides aeration and improves circulation.
EP Aeration has provided chemical-free water treatment solutions for water bodies throughout the country for more than 20 years.
For information about EP Aeration systems visit www.epaeration.com .
To view a short video showing a portion of the installation at Holiday Harbor, visit www.co.lake.ca.us/holidayharbor .
Holiday Harbor Marina is owned and operated by the County of Lake and offers public boat slip rentals year-round; slips are available at $60 per month, $20 per week, or $8 per day.
For information about boat slip rental, contact Lore Schneider in the Lake County Administrative Office, 707-263-2580; for information about the aeration system installation at Holiday Harbor Marina, contact Alan Flora in the Lake County Administrative Office at the same number.
For information on installing simple pumps for aeration, contact the Lake County Department of Water Resources at 707-263-2344.