LLPOA Water Quality FAQ’s
Q. Is there an Algae Bloom situation on our North Lake?
A. Yes, as with other lakes in our area we start to see algae blooms occurring as early as the second week in July and can continue throughout September and beyond. This is a natural occurrence and we are currently operating a Laminar Flow Aeration (LFA) system with bioaugmentation to address the severity of these blooms as we continue to move forward with actions that improve our water quality.
Q. Are the algae blooms killing animals on our North Lake?
A. To our knowledge we have not lost any wildlife to an algae bloom. We did lose seven baby swans this year on the North Lake due to the avian flu. We would ask of our membership if they were to see any dead animals (i.e., fox, coyote, deer, geese, swans, muskrats, etc.) to please report this to the local DNR office with a follow up call to the LLPOA office as well.
Q. Did algae kill 75% of the fish population on the North Lake?
A. No, we did not lose 75% of our fish population on the North Lake due to an algae bloom. There are many sports fishermen that live on our North Lake that fish regularly and if there was a significant fish die off, they would have let us know, not to mention our maintenance staff is around our lakes daily and if there was a problem, they would have reported it.
Q. Are the chemicals we use to treat our lakes killing the fish and wildlife?
A. We hire a Professional Lake Management Company, Restorative Lake Sciences (RLS) to manage our lakes. Their approach is geared more toward the betterment of the lakes ecosystem and to only use chemicals sparingly to treat the nuisance invasive vegetation. They come out in early spring to do a vegetation survey for which they use to direct PLM, a licensed lake chemical applicator, where to apply the chemicals and what chemicals to use. Information on the type of chemicals they apply are posted along the shoreline of the treated areas and include the restrictions. RLS & PLM always have the best interest of our aquatic life in mind when they are prescribing a treatment and applying it. Again, to our knowledge we have not experienced a large fish kill or any dead animals that were reported to the office or by our maintenance staff after a vegetation treatment. We would ask our membership to report any unusual fish die off or animal kill to the LLPOA office.
Q. Can we swim in the North Lake?
A. Yes you can swim in our North Lake. We do normally have a 1-day swim restriction after a vegetation treatment in the spring which we try to complete before Memorial Day. We also warn our members to not recreate in the water if it looks like some spilled green paint is in it. These algae blooms could start to appear in mid-July and are usually active in the morning hours and are gone by the afternoon.
Q. Do we have to wait 10 years for the North Lake to be suitable for recreation and fishing?
A. No, we do not have to wait 10 years for our North Lake to be suitable for recreation and fishing.
Q. Is dredging a viable solution for our lakes?
A. No. In 2018, the water quality subcommittee looked at dredging as one of the many alternative treatments for our lakes. Dredging was not considered for many reasons. First, reducing internal loading (e.g., nutrients being released from lake sediments) would require dredging the entire lake, including its deepest parts (39 ft. for South lake), not just the little coves and channels. The cost would be prohibitive (several times the cost of the LFA) and it would not provide a long term solution. Second, securing a dredging permit from EGLE is very unlikely as our sediments include high concentrations of heavy metals that accumulated during decades of chemical treatments. Third, the association would need to find a lot to store potentially hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of sediments (dredging just one foot on both lakes would generate 750,000 cubic yards of sediments, enough to fill 50,000 dump trucks!).
Sincerely,
LLPOA LCC
09/2022
Q. Is there an Algae Bloom situation on our North Lake?
A. Yes, as with other lakes in our area we start to see algae blooms occurring as early as the second week in July and can continue throughout September and beyond. This is a natural occurrence and we are currently operating a Laminar Flow Aeration (LFA) system with bioaugmentation to address the severity of these blooms as we continue to move forward with actions that improve our water quality.
Q. Are the algae blooms killing animals on our North Lake?
A. To our knowledge we have not lost any wildlife to an algae bloom. We did lose seven baby swans this year on the North Lake due to the avian flu. We would ask of our membership if they were to see any dead animals (i.e., fox, coyote, deer, geese, swans, muskrats, etc.) to please report this to the local DNR office with a follow up call to the LLPOA office as well.
Q. Did algae kill 75% of the fish population on the North Lake?
A. No, we did not lose 75% of our fish population on the North Lake due to an algae bloom. There are many sports fishermen that live on our North Lake that fish regularly and if there was a significant fish die off, they would have let us know, not to mention our maintenance staff is around our lakes daily and if there was a problem, they would have reported it.
Q. Are the chemicals we use to treat our lakes killing the fish and wildlife?
A. We hire a Professional Lake Management Company, Restorative Lake Sciences (RLS) to manage our lakes. Their approach is geared more toward the betterment of the lakes ecosystem and to only use chemicals sparingly to treat the nuisance invasive vegetation. They come out in early spring to do a vegetation survey for which they use to direct PLM, a licensed lake chemical applicator, where to apply the chemicals and what chemicals to use. Information on the type of chemicals they apply are posted along the shoreline of the treated areas and include the restrictions. RLS & PLM always have the best interest of our aquatic life in mind when they are prescribing a treatment and applying it. Again, to our knowledge we have not experienced a large fish kill or any dead animals that were reported to the office or by our maintenance staff after a vegetation treatment. We would ask our membership to report any unusual fish die off or animal kill to the LLPOA office.
Q. Can we swim in the North Lake?
A. Yes you can swim in our North Lake. We do normally have a 1-day swim restriction after a vegetation treatment in the spring which we try to complete before Memorial Day. We also warn our members to not recreate in the water if it looks like some spilled green paint is in it. These algae blooms could start to appear in mid-July and are usually active in the morning hours and are gone by the afternoon.
Q. Do we have to wait 10 years for the North Lake to be suitable for recreation and fishing?
A. No, we do not have to wait 10 years for our North Lake to be suitable for recreation and fishing.
Q. Is dredging a viable solution for our lakes?
A. No. In 2018, the water quality subcommittee looked at dredging as one of the many alternative treatments for our lakes. Dredging was not considered for many reasons. First, reducing internal loading (e.g., nutrients being released from lake sediments) would require dredging the entire lake, including its deepest parts (39 ft. for South lake), not just the little coves and channels. The cost would be prohibitive (several times the cost of the LFA) and it would not provide a long term solution. Second, securing a dredging permit from EGLE is very unlikely as our sediments include high concentrations of heavy metals that accumulated during decades of chemical treatments. Third, the association would need to find a lot to store potentially hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of sediments (dredging just one foot on both lakes would generate 750,000 cubic yards of sediments, enough to fill 50,000 dump trucks!).
Sincerely,
LLPOA LCC
09/2022
Membership Memo: EGLE Water Sampling - Update
9/22/2022
Dear LLPOA Membership,
We received information back on the EGLE water samplings that took place on 9/13/22 from the Hillsdale County Health Department. It was confirmed that the samples taken at our North Lake boat launch and South Lake boat launch were both elevated above the ≥0.8 ug/L which the EPA warns us that is not safe for pleasure.
If an effort to keep our membership informed, we are once again asking you please, do not use the lakes for physical pleasure when it looks like someone spilled green paint in it.
EverBlue Lakes (EBL) will be back out on our North Lake next week to conduct another BioBlast application to help address the fall algae blooms.
Sincerely,
Bob Halstead
LLPOA LCC Chairman
9/22/2022
Dear LLPOA Membership,
We received information back on the EGLE water samplings that took place on 9/13/22 from the Hillsdale County Health Department. It was confirmed that the samples taken at our North Lake boat launch and South Lake boat launch were both elevated above the ≥0.8 ug/L which the EPA warns us that is not safe for pleasure.
If an effort to keep our membership informed, we are once again asking you please, do not use the lakes for physical pleasure when it looks like someone spilled green paint in it.
EverBlue Lakes (EBL) will be back out on our North Lake next week to conduct another BioBlast application to help address the fall algae blooms.
Sincerely,
Bob Halstead
LLPOA LCC Chairman
Membership Memo: EGLE Water Sampling- microcystins detected
9/14/2022
Dear LLPOA Membership,
EGLE was out on our lakes to do some random water testing. They detected ≥10 ug/L of microcystin using Abraxis test strips at both of our boat launches. There was none detected at the other 4 testing sites between the two lakes.
As we know, if the total microcystin level is ≥0.8 ug/L, the EPA warns us that any reading above the ≥ 8.0 ug/L mark means the water is not safe for pleasure.
Both of our boat launches were above the 8 ug/L mark when they were tested today. This prompts us to issue another warning to not use the water for pleasure when it looks like someone spilled paint in it.
Please avoid physical contact with the water when it looks unappealing, this would also include your pets.
Hopefully we are nearing the end of the algae bloom season as fall approaches.
Sincerely,
Bob Halstead
LLPOA LCC Chairman
9/14/2022
Dear LLPOA Membership,
EGLE was out on our lakes to do some random water testing. They detected ≥10 ug/L of microcystin using Abraxis test strips at both of our boat launches. There was none detected at the other 4 testing sites between the two lakes.
As we know, if the total microcystin level is ≥0.8 ug/L, the EPA warns us that any reading above the ≥ 8.0 ug/L mark means the water is not safe for pleasure.
Both of our boat launches were above the 8 ug/L mark when they were tested today. This prompts us to issue another warning to not use the water for pleasure when it looks like someone spilled paint in it.
Please avoid physical contact with the water when it looks unappealing, this would also include your pets.
Hopefully we are nearing the end of the algae bloom season as fall approaches.
Sincerely,
Bob Halstead
LLPOA LCC Chairman
LLPOA Rules and Regulations Committee
The Committee will meet every month on the First Tuesday, until Jun 6, 2023, unless cancelled with prior notice
The Committee will meet every month on the First Tuesday, until Jun 6, 2023, unless cancelled with prior notice
Member Precautions to Take:
We always have our members health and safety in mind when we are dealing with our water quality. Always be cautious of suspicious looking water. Use your internal instincts as a guide…If it doesn’t look appealing to swim and/or wade in…don’t go in. Same holds true for your pets.
LLPOA
- Avoid areas with visible algae and/or scums. Direct contact and ingestion are associated with the greatest health risk.
- If no scums are visible, but you cannot see your feet when standing knee deep (after sediment has settled) avoid bathing, immersion of head, and/or ingestion.
- Avoid waterskiing in visible scums or waters with a strong greenish coloration because of the risk of exposure to aerosols.
- If sailing, sail boarding or undertaking any other activity likely to involve accidental immersion, wear clothing that is loose fitting in the openings. Use of wet suits for water sports may result in greater risk of rashes, as the algal material trapped in the wet suit will be in contact with the skin for longer periods of time.
- After coming ashore, shower or wash to remove algal material.
- Keep pets out of water with algal blooms too. If they do come into contact with the water, rinse them off with fresh water right away to keep them from ingesting the water by licking their paws, bellies or coat.
We always have our members health and safety in mind when we are dealing with our water quality. Always be cautious of suspicious looking water. Use your internal instincts as a guide…If it doesn’t look appealing to swim and/or wade in…don’t go in. Same holds true for your pets.
LLPOA
To All Members:
We have been made aware of a newspaper article in the August 1, 2022 Hillsdale Daily News concerning a Harmful Algae Bloom that was reported to EGLE last week on the North Lake at a residence near Bradley.
See following link:
Harmful algal bloom identified in Hillsdale County - NewsBreak
EGLE was provided and evaluated three pictures remitted by one of our members and concluded that it appears to be a Harmful Algae Bloom, however EGLE did NOT conduct any lab testing as stated in the Newspaper article and did NOT inform the LLPOA.
While we do not have lab confirmation about this condition it is the LLPOA’s policy that if you do come across an algae film, scum layer, or a matt/blob floating on the surface of either lake AVOID MAKING ANY CONTACT with it. Do NOT use or swim in these visible algae areas, including pets. In the future for the benefit of all of our LLPOA members, please contact the office immediately (517) 688-9704 to report a suspicious water condition and send pictures if possible so that we can investigate.
(See below Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) “Algae Awareness” posting and also the attached MDHHS Link for other important information about Algae Blooms)
https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MjguNDM4MTAwNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNoaWdhbi5nb3YvbWRoaHMvMCw1ODg1LDctMzM5LS01NjQ2MTItLSwwMC5odG1sP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1kaGhzK2FsZ2FsK2Jsb29tcythZHZpc29yeSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPW1rdCtlbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.s6OVOzS6H5dD9AQ_qLUxtuvWHbfEkotirp2NEE-gIjk/s/314974431/br/110035956872-l
Membership safety is our top priority and we need your continued help in monitoring our water quality.
If the water looks enjoyable, enjoy it!!!
Thanks for your patience and support.
LLPOA
We have been made aware of a newspaper article in the August 1, 2022 Hillsdale Daily News concerning a Harmful Algae Bloom that was reported to EGLE last week on the North Lake at a residence near Bradley.
See following link:
Harmful algal bloom identified in Hillsdale County - NewsBreak
EGLE was provided and evaluated three pictures remitted by one of our members and concluded that it appears to be a Harmful Algae Bloom, however EGLE did NOT conduct any lab testing as stated in the Newspaper article and did NOT inform the LLPOA.
While we do not have lab confirmation about this condition it is the LLPOA’s policy that if you do come across an algae film, scum layer, or a matt/blob floating on the surface of either lake AVOID MAKING ANY CONTACT with it. Do NOT use or swim in these visible algae areas, including pets. In the future for the benefit of all of our LLPOA members, please contact the office immediately (517) 688-9704 to report a suspicious water condition and send pictures if possible so that we can investigate.
(See below Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) “Algae Awareness” posting and also the attached MDHHS Link for other important information about Algae Blooms)
https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MjguNDM4MTAwNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNoaWdhbi5nb3YvbWRoaHMvMCw1ODg1LDctMzM5LS01NjQ2MTItLSwwMC5odG1sP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1kaGhzK2FsZ2FsK2Jsb29tcythZHZpc29yeSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPW1rdCtlbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.s6OVOzS6H5dD9AQ_qLUxtuvWHbfEkotirp2NEE-gIjk/s/314974431/br/110035956872-l
Membership safety is our top priority and we need your continued help in monitoring our water quality.
If the water looks enjoyable, enjoy it!!!
Thanks for your patience and support.
LLPOA
NATURAL SHORELINES AND SEAWALLS
The LLPOA is providing this information to all Members who may be considering a more natural shoreline and/or eco-friendly seawalls. Follow the links below to learn more.
LEARN ABOUT EROSION AND EROSION CONTROL OPTIONS:
Short overview of problems with seawalls, and the advantages and costs of natural shorelines:
https://www.michigan.gov/.../wrd-natural-shorelines...
Another good overview of erosion, how plants help prevent it, and seawalls make it worse https://www.mishorelinepartnership.org/erosion-at-the...
Specific techniques for controlling erosion and their associated costs
https://www.mishorelinepartnership.org/shoreline-erosion...
NATIVE PLANTINGS- WHAT, WHERE AND WHY:
List of native plants, why they are preferred, and which to plant in different zones relative to the shoreline
https://www.mishorelinepartnership.org/plants-for-inland...
CONTRACTORS:
Need help? List of natural shoreline professionals
https://www.mishorelinepartnership.org/find-a-shoreline...
Posted 7/2021
The LLPOA is providing this information to all Members who may be considering a more natural shoreline and/or eco-friendly seawalls. Follow the links below to learn more.
LEARN ABOUT EROSION AND EROSION CONTROL OPTIONS:
Short overview of problems with seawalls, and the advantages and costs of natural shorelines:
https://www.michigan.gov/.../wrd-natural-shorelines...
Another good overview of erosion, how plants help prevent it, and seawalls make it worse https://www.mishorelinepartnership.org/erosion-at-the...
Specific techniques for controlling erosion and their associated costs
https://www.mishorelinepartnership.org/shoreline-erosion...
NATIVE PLANTINGS- WHAT, WHERE AND WHY:
List of native plants, why they are preferred, and which to plant in different zones relative to the shoreline
https://www.mishorelinepartnership.org/plants-for-inland...
CONTRACTORS:
Need help? List of natural shoreline professionals
https://www.mishorelinepartnership.org/find-a-shoreline...
Posted 7/2021
FAQs: What to expect this year regarding the Lake LeAnn Water Quality Project
What exactly are we doing to treat Lake LeAnn this year?
Employing a series of complementary approaches, including laminar flow aeration (to increase oxygen levels in the lakes), bioaugmentation (to break down organic waste on lake bottom), native planting (to filter incoming water and stabilize the shoreline), and encouraging a number of best management practices by our members to further decrease excess nutrient levels.
-How exactly do the aeration and bioaugmentation work?
Aeration provides oxygen deep in the lake, so that oxygen-loving microorganisms can break down the ‘compost’ (muck and sediment from undecayed dead plants and algae) on the lake bottom. This prevents the liberation of phosphorus into the water column that feeds algae during summer months. Aeration also disrupts the special pattern of blue-green algae movement in the water column that gives it a competitive advantage over other less harmful organisms. Bioaugmentation treatment, which will begin in June, adds additional oxygen-loving friendly microbes to the lake, complementing aeration by working to out-compete algae for excess nutrients. With time, decreased compost on the lake bottom will impact nuisance plants as well.
-So will water quality be significantly improved this year?
Every lake responds differently to treatments, depending on its initial condition and other unique characteristics, as well as yearly fluctuations in temperature and rainfall. The changes that we hope to see this year include a decrease in algae, some increase in water clarity, and perhaps a decrease in muck. All of these might not be seen uniformly around both lakes. It is likely that changes in the abundance of nuisance plants will take longer to observe.
-Will we be treating the lakes with chemicals this year?
Yes, chemical treatment remains an important part of our arsenal, at least for the moment. Surveys of the lakes by boat and drone indicate that both lakes have a high abundance of several types of nuisance vegetation. These plants have survived from last year due to a relatively mild winter; similar findings are being reported on many lakes. These plants have also survived prior treatments, indicating there may be the emergence of some treatment-resistance. This is precisely why our long-term strategy cannot depend solely on the continued use of chemicals, but instead on the adoption of complementary approaches. In the meantime, as the other methods gain some traction, we will undertake a one-time widespread treatment of the lakes later this month in order to try to keep the unwanted vegetation at bay. Look for upcoming announcements of the timing of the treatment, as well as any temporary restrictions on the use of lake water for watering plants. If this treatment is successful, follow-up treatments for the remainder of the year will hopefully be more limited in scope and more targeted.
-What can I do to help?
Help out with the native planting sessions scheduled for May and June, then plant some native plants on your own property. Stabilize your shoreline in an eco-friendly manner. Decrease or eliminate fertilizer use. Stop growing and clipping grass near the lake. Empty and inspect your septic system. Contact us with questions.
Posted 5/2021
What exactly are we doing to treat Lake LeAnn this year?
Employing a series of complementary approaches, including laminar flow aeration (to increase oxygen levels in the lakes), bioaugmentation (to break down organic waste on lake bottom), native planting (to filter incoming water and stabilize the shoreline), and encouraging a number of best management practices by our members to further decrease excess nutrient levels.
-How exactly do the aeration and bioaugmentation work?
Aeration provides oxygen deep in the lake, so that oxygen-loving microorganisms can break down the ‘compost’ (muck and sediment from undecayed dead plants and algae) on the lake bottom. This prevents the liberation of phosphorus into the water column that feeds algae during summer months. Aeration also disrupts the special pattern of blue-green algae movement in the water column that gives it a competitive advantage over other less harmful organisms. Bioaugmentation treatment, which will begin in June, adds additional oxygen-loving friendly microbes to the lake, complementing aeration by working to out-compete algae for excess nutrients. With time, decreased compost on the lake bottom will impact nuisance plants as well.
-So will water quality be significantly improved this year?
Every lake responds differently to treatments, depending on its initial condition and other unique characteristics, as well as yearly fluctuations in temperature and rainfall. The changes that we hope to see this year include a decrease in algae, some increase in water clarity, and perhaps a decrease in muck. All of these might not be seen uniformly around both lakes. It is likely that changes in the abundance of nuisance plants will take longer to observe.
-Will we be treating the lakes with chemicals this year?
Yes, chemical treatment remains an important part of our arsenal, at least for the moment. Surveys of the lakes by boat and drone indicate that both lakes have a high abundance of several types of nuisance vegetation. These plants have survived from last year due to a relatively mild winter; similar findings are being reported on many lakes. These plants have also survived prior treatments, indicating there may be the emergence of some treatment-resistance. This is precisely why our long-term strategy cannot depend solely on the continued use of chemicals, but instead on the adoption of complementary approaches. In the meantime, as the other methods gain some traction, we will undertake a one-time widespread treatment of the lakes later this month in order to try to keep the unwanted vegetation at bay. Look for upcoming announcements of the timing of the treatment, as well as any temporary restrictions on the use of lake water for watering plants. If this treatment is successful, follow-up treatments for the remainder of the year will hopefully be more limited in scope and more targeted.
-What can I do to help?
Help out with the native planting sessions scheduled for May and June, then plant some native plants on your own property. Stabilize your shoreline in an eco-friendly manner. Decrease or eliminate fertilizer use. Stop growing and clipping grass near the lake. Empty and inspect your septic system. Contact us with questions.
Posted 5/2021
Zoom: Shoreline Management Practices and Lake LeAnn Shoreline Projects Meeting held 4-17-21