Lake Anna Receiving Treatments to Reduce Harmful Algae Blooms
By: Orange County Communications Department
The Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA) is undertaking a new effort intended to reduce the frequency of harmful algae blooms (HABs), which are the cause of Virginia Department of Health Recreational Advisories, also known as “ No - Swim Advisories. ” The Cyanobacteria Mitigation Program began last month, and involves a series of treatments to specific areas of interest (AOIs) within the lake. Information about this program is available at www.lakeannavirginia.org/KicktheHAB. According to this page, “ LACA has been
A harmful algae bloom at Lake Anna. Photograph from www.lakeannavirginia.org/KicktheHAB
conducting water quality monitoring at Lake Anna in partnership with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for many years. In addition, for the past two (2) years [they] have added a more frequent and intensive Cyanobacteria Monitoring program focused on the problematic upper lake region tributaries. These efforts have convinced [LACA] that the underlying causes [of HABs] are complex,
deep - rooted and difficult to precisely identify. The solutions will need to be multi - faceted, will be expensive, and will take a lot of effort over a long timeframe. ” Preventative measures have been under research for several years. Based on this research, the decision was made to target specific AOIs within Lake Anna with applications of a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) approved product, known as Lake Guard Oxy, which is manufactured by BlueGreen Water Techonologies.
A map of the areas of interest which are planned to receive treatment. Map from www.lakeannavirginia.org/KicktheHAB
The first application in this pilot program targeted the Pamunkey AOI, a section of Lake Anna which borders Orange County. Additional applications in this area are planned for mid - July and mid - August. Residents seeking more information about the application schedule, the water treatment, or the fundraising effort should visit the Lake Anna Civic Association website or email LACA@lakeannavirginia.org.
Page 15 | July, 2022
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