Donna
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Posts: 9
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Post by Donna on Jul 18, 2004 12:35:25 GMT -5
I have only been here six weeks and was disappointed to see all this algea this weekend. Can anyone tell me if this is unusual and what makes it turn up so suddenly? Thanks
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Post by Don on Jul 18, 2004 19:12:47 GMT -5
We were also rather surprised to see all the algea on the lake this weekend. Would like to know if this is to clear up within a certain time frame or does it last the rest of the summer.
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Donna
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by Donna on Jul 20, 2004 6:38:35 GMT -5
David Halliwell, Program Leader of Maine Lakes PCAP-TMDL told me that Sabattus Pond is eutrophic (highly fertile) with periodically occurring nuisance algal blooms. The water quality of Sabattus Pond has been improving over the past several years, at least in terms of improved water clarity. There will be a PCAP-TMDL report submitted to the EPA for final approval which will then be posted on Maine DEP webpage. Incidently he said Highland Lake in Bridgton where I came from is mesotrophic (moderately fertile with a historical decline in water clarity. I( never saw any algal blooms there).
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Post by Annie Woods on Jul 22, 2004 17:07:44 GMT -5
As noted by David Halliwell, Program Leader of Maine Lakes PCAP-TMDL, the clarity has been steadily improving over the last 3 years. And while there are ocassional algae blooms, they are getting shorter in duration and less dense.
The SPWP works in conjunction with the Dam Commission of Sabattus Pond to mitigate the effect of the algae blooms. For example, they had an emergency meeting this past weekend concerning this latest bloom and voted to remove the splash board on the dam so to increase the flow of water through the lake and thus allowing the floating algae to go over the dam.
There is no overnight cure for these blooms, but the increasing knowledge of how to prevent them by erosion management and studies that pinpoint the areas where phospherous is entering the lake will steadily improve our pond.
Please don't get discouraged.... had you been here several years before the improvements started, you would have thought a gallon can of lime green paint was spilled!!
The SPWP goal is to continue improving our lake quality! and we will succeed!!
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Donna
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by Donna on Jul 23, 2004 6:51:32 GMT -5
www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/repbloom.htmThanks, Annie. I found the above website interesting on this algae topic. I'm encouraged since the blooms left this week. Oblivious me, I've lived in Maine 57 years and didn't know what exactly happens with an algae bloom.
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