By Joy Warren
The White Lake Board of Commissioners heard an update on the Lake water clarity. A statement was released Tuesday by Mayor Goldston Womble which he shared with the Board.
He stated “the Alum Treatment is not killing fish. There has been much misinformation regarding the treatment, but the fish kill was reported as early as April 30th and the treatment began May 3rd.”
Womble informed the Board that there have been numerous fish kills over the years, this time it just happened to coincide within days of the Alum treatment. The State has suspended the Alum treatments until they conduct further testing.
Womble stated that the “State has been uncooperative, obstructive and oblivious to what we (the Town) have been going through for the past 4 years.”
Womble introduced Dr. Diane Lauritsen, an expert in water quality. Lauritsen indicated that White Lake has a very special water chemistry and is very sensitive to any changes to the system. She tested the water prior to the first Alum Teatment and it was extremely high at 9.5 to 9.6. She said “I feel strongly that the treatment will be the saving grace for the lake.”
Womble also introduced Dr. John Holz who is conducting the Alum Treatments. He stated the Alum is a very safe product that is used in treating drinking water. The Alum mixes with the water and pulls the algae to the bottom of the lake. It also binds to the nutrients in the water and sinks them to the bottom of the lake where they decompose. The intent of the application of Alum is to clarify the Lake for this summer.
More studies are being done to determine why and where the nutrients are coming from. “The Lake is out of balance, one of the worst I’ve seen across the country,” said Holz.
He further noted that “a pH of 9.5 is caused by growing algae, which causes fish kills. After 50 percent of the treatment has been completed (prior to suspension by the State), the pH is now down to 7.8 thus preventing more fish kill.”
Dr. Holz encouraged the Town to be diligent in continuing the studies as “the Lake is extremely valuable – the lifeblood of the community.” He stated he doesn’t know how long the treatment will last, once they are able to continue, but without the treatment the pH will continue to rise. High concentrations of algae have been known to produce toxins if nothing is done about it.
Womble stated that the water has been tested and no toxins have been produced.
He informed the Board and public that the Town has taken on the full cost of $522,000 for treatment without any assistance from the State. He encouraged the public to call Carol Tingley, Acting Director of Parks and Recreation at 919-707-9334 and Jim Gregson, Deputy Director of NC DWQ, at 252-671-4778 to voice their support of the continuation of the Alum Treatment.
In administrative matters, the Board approved Tax Releases ($11,067.07) and Utility Releases ($3,816.66); approved budget ordinance amendment and Lake Water restoration Capital Project ordinance.
Eddie Madden, Project Manager for the Multi-Use Path, advised that the Wooten Company is nearing the completion of the design phase for the multi-use path and anticipates the bidding process to begin in August and construction to start in October. The Board approved Phase 1 of the project to begin at Waterford and end at Turtle Cove.
The municipal complex will be closed on Monday, May 28 for the Memorial Day holiday. A public works employee will be on call to respond to any water or sewer emergencies.
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