A Study of Phosphorus Loading of Ballston Lake by Tributary Inflow Presentation to BLIA Annual Meeting June 16 2014 Scott Miller Bob Duncan Dave Pierce 1 O ver Last 10 Years Average Phosphorous Levels Increased from 25 to 40 PPB ID: 248356
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HighlightsA Study of Phosphorus Loading of Ballston Lake by Tributary Inflow
Presentation to BLIA Annual MeetingJune 16, 2014Scott Miller, Bob Duncan, Dave Pierce
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Over Last 10 Years Average Phosphorous Levels Increased from 25 to 40 P.P.B
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Three suspected sources:
Reintroduction of natural sources through lake level changes and lake ecology changesSeptic and fertilizer from shoreline residential developmentInflow from the watershed.
This Study
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Three different tributaries were sampled.
Heavily
Developed
Slated for Future Development
Relatively
Undeveloped
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7 Storms Were Sampled
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Example: Pounds of Total P Contribution from one creek in one storm
Flow Measurements to calculate volume of storm1.95 MM Cubic Feet x 82 PPB = 10 Pounds of TP
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Buell Heights P was 4 to 6 times more concentrated and contributed more Total P than other two creeks
Pounds of Total P by Storm
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EPA Criteria for creeks into lakes in our region
700
Ranges of Total P by StormSlide8
Weekly Lake Samples Show Seasonality of P Measurements
Total P increased while rainfall decreased.Total P measurements correlate with lake temperature
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Temperature Impact via Dissolved Oxygen may cause the Summer Increase of P
Anoxic conditions at low levels mobilize soluble P.Soluble P convects to surface as the summer temperatures rise.
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ConclusionsPhosphorus
enters the lake from creeks 3 times (80-140 PPB) more concentrated than it leaves the lake (40 PPB).Buell Heights Creek has a mean concentration of 140 PPB with spikes up to
250 (vs. EPA guidelines of 35 to 40 for creeks).
Buell Heights Creek contribute 4 to 6 times more phosphorus per acre of watershed than the rural tributaries.
There is a seasonal component for lake P observations, that correlate with temperature.
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RecommendationsIn 2012, NYS DEC listed B.L. as an impaired water requiring a remediation plan.
Enhance practices to reduce flow, such as wooded stream buffers, storm retention basins, and artificial wetlands.Consider sedimentation basins for Sweet & Buell Heights.Roadside ditch cleanouts should be immediately seeded.Encourage the development of a municipal sewer system in B.L. watershedFurther Study
Measure Lake P to verify seasonality.
Study D.O. profiles to verify biological transport.
In Process.
Measure contribution of P by lake residents.Measure tributary temperatures to determine temperature stratification, impacting measurements.Bacteria tests for Buell Heights.Follow up stream tests in 5 years to measure changes and impact from banned phosphorus in lawn fertilizer.11