Lake Savers Natural Restoration

© Lake Savers 1

LAKE SAVERS™

Natural Lake Restoration™

Fall 2010

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Contents

About Lake Savers

Exploding common myths about Lake Management

The Lake Savers Approach… Natural Lake Restoration™ Methods

Results

Working with Lake Savers

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About Lake Savers…

To deliver ACTIONABLE strategies to restore lakes to a balanced, pristine condition for the benefit of current stakeholders and future generations.

Mission:

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Exploding Common Lake Management Myths

Lake SaversManagement Strategies for Healthier Lakes

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The Need for Lake Management Efforts

Excessive Weed GrowthAlgae BloomsAccumulation of Muck/ Loss of DepthOdor

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Four Lake Management Myths

1. Extensive and expensive Lake Studies are a REQUIREMENT for embarking on a Lake Management Program.

2. Herbicide treatment for weeds and algae is an effective long-term improvement strategy for a Lake.

3. If we can just stop nutrients from entering the lake, our lake will improve.

4. Dredging is the ONLY way to REALLY clean-up an impaired lake.

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Myth #1: Study, Study, Study…

Kalamazoo Michigan 8 acre lake – $45,000 study to conclude that their lake was impaired/overfed and make a recommendation for a $1 Million dredging project.

Portage Michigan 1000 acre lake – More than $200,000 spent on studies to tell the Lake Association that their lake was impaired/overfed and make a recommendation for a $25 Million dredging project.

There are hundreds more examples to choose from…

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Water Quality Measurement Basics

The REAL Total Phosphorus Standard for a healthy lake is less than 20 parts per billion.

mg/l is a measure of parts per million – if you see phosphorus numbers in mg/l you need to multiply that by 1000 to compare to the ideal standard.

g/l or ug/l is a measure of parts per billion – anything 20 or over is too much.

Dissolved Oxygen is THE MOST IMPORTANT INDICATOR of lake health and is often underemphasized, misinterpreted or poorly gathered in many lake reports.

Readings need to be taken all the way to the bottom in the middle of the summer.

Readings in shallow areas should be taken BEFORE Sun-up to get a true picture of the oxygen profile of those areas.

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Sources of Excess Phosphorus

1 Pound of Phosphorus can produce 10,000 pounds of wet weeds and algae!

Source: State of Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection

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So What?

20 fertilized acres puts 80 pounds of excess Phosphorus into a watershed.

Food for 800,000 pounds of weeds and algae!

=Dumping 300 Pick-Up Trucks into your water body!

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Lake Health Self-Diagnostic

If your lake has experiences algae blooms and poor water clarity – you have a nutrient loading problem.

If your lake has streams, creeks or rivers entering from developed areas – you have a nutrient loading problem.

If your lake has excessive weed growth – particularly native species (lily pads, most pondweeds except curly leaf) you have a nutrient loading problem.

If your lake is accumulating organic “muck” you have a dissolved oxygen and nutrient loading problem.

If areas of your lake emit foul odors during the summer months or the sediment “stinks” you have a dissolved oxygen problem.

If you can’t catch fish in the deepest part of the lake in the Summer you have a dissolved oxygen problem.

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The Reality of Lake Management Studies

In many cases, elaborate, expensive Lake Studies are simply a revenue generator for the Engineering firm who will return with extremely high price tag recommendations that are often not actionable.

In most cases, a good Lake Assessment and Lake Management Plan report can be done for $5,000 - $15,000.

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Myth #2: Herbicide Treatment

Herbicides are good for a lake or at least do no harm.

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Most Lakes are Overfed and out of Balance14

Nutrient Loading Cycle in a Lake

2. Dead algae and weeds fall to the bottom

3. Decomposition depletes lake of oxygen

Decaying weeds and algae

Anaerobic sludgeLake Bottom

4. Nutrients released back into the water

5. New algae bloom and weed growth

1. Nutrients Flow into Lake/Pond Leading to Excessive Weed/Algae Growth

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Lake Bottom

Chemical Treatment Cycle for Aquatic Algae & Weed Control

Myth 2: Herbicides are Good for A Lake

Chemicals added to kill algae and weeds

Dead algae and weeds fall to the lake bottom

Decomposition depletes lake of oxygen

Decaying weeds and algaeAnaerobic sludge

Nutrients released back into the water

New algae bloom and weed growth

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Anaerobic sludge

Internal Nutrient Loading Cycle

Accelerated Nutrient Loading Cycle

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Impact of Herbicide Treatment on Lake Health…

1. Accelerates Internal Nutrient Loading Cycle

2. Accumulation of Chemical Compounds in lake sediments (primarily Copper Based Products)

3. Weeds and Algae Develop Resistance

4. Lake Health Deteriorates Faster!!!

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The Harsh Reality

Anyone who tells you that prolonged herbicide treatment is good for your lake or will not hurt your lake….

IS EITHER LYING OR HAS NO CONCEPT

OF HOW LAKES WORK!

Herbicides may be necessary as a one-time “shock treatment” or for emergency spot treatment of invasives.

The goal of any well-conceived Lake Management Plan should be ZERO Herbicides as quickly as possible.

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Myth #3: Watershed Management

If we can just stop nutrients from entering the lake, our lake will improve.

The Reality Watershed Management is critically important, BUT it most

often requires government intervention/support (phosphorous bans, storm water treatment, sewer/septic upgrades), big investments and long time-frames.

New approaches are needed to accelerate our ability to reduce or absorb nutrients entering lakes.

Internal Nutrient Loading is often a BIGGER contributor of nutrients to the lake on an annual basis than External Loading.

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Anaerobic sludge


Remember this Picture?

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Myth #4: Dredging – The Ultimate Solution?

The Reality Dredging IS effective at removing inorganic sediment i.e.

sand, silt which is crushed rock.

Dredging is MUCH LESS effective at removing organic muck (nutrients) from the lake bed.

Dredging is almost ALWAYS prohibitively expensive for the typical Lake Community.

Dredging DOES NOT solve either the External or Internal Nutrient Loading problem.

…A quick story about dredging

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The Dredging Death Spiral for Lake Associations

Some/many residents see dredging as the “ultimate” answer to their problems.

Study is commissioned and cost is too high to gain full support of residents.

Herbicides are used as the primary control method.

Muck problem gets worse.

Dredging proponents re-ignite the dredging issue.

More money is spent on dredging studies.

Cost is still prohibitively expensive.

Residents get discouraged, Lake Association loses credibility.

Lake gets worse… residents lose hope and interest.

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People Management not Lake Management 23

Summary on What’s Wrong with Traditional Approaches the Lake Management

Excessive Weed Growth

Algae Blooms

Accumulation of Muck/Loss of Depth

Odor

Internal Nutrient Loading

Oxygen Depletion

2. Few, if any resources are directed at solving root causes.

External Nutrient Loading

LAKE PROBLEMS

ROOT CAUSES

1. Most dollars are spent on Chemicals, Harvesting and/ or Dredging which only treat symptoms.

3. Lake continues to deteriorate over time, treatment costs rise.

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Natural Methods for Lake Restoration

Lake SaversNatural Lake Restoration™

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The Four Key Points Guiding Natural Lake Restoration™

1. Most water bodies are overfed and out of balance.

2. Conventional strategies are primarily people management strategies not lake management strategies.

3. Nutrient reduction (Internal & External) is the only sustainable approach to Lake Restoration.

4. Lakes Need to Breath to Be Healthy!

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Nutrient Reduction – The Key to Lake Restoration26

The Reality

Fact:

Most lakes are receiving more nutrients (primarily, Phosphorus and/or Nitrogen) than they can handle to stay in balance.

As a result, most lakes/ponds are in a state of accelerated “Eutrophication” – a fancy word for an over-fed, rapidly deteriorating lake.

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Excess Nutrients…What’s the Big Deal?

Phosphorus is typically the limiting nutrient that controls plant and algae growth inland waters. Nitrogen can be the limiting nutrient in some environments.

Excess phosphorus/nitrogen means excess algae and weeds.

Excess weeds and algae overwhelm a water bodies natural self-cleaning/renewal process.

Water quality diminishes and the water body begins to literally die from overfeeding.

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Remember this Picture?


Anaerobic sludge

Lake Bottom


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Lakes Need To Breathe To Be Healthy!!!29

The Importance of Dissolved Oxygen

Oxygen Depleted Lake Oxygen Rich Lake

1. When oxygen runs out at the lake bottom phosphorus can release from the sediments and feed weed growth and algae blooms.

2. Anaerobic bacteria take over producing ammonia, methane and hydrogen sulfide.

3. Organic muck accumulation accelerates.

4. Fish Can’t feed at the bottom (where most of the food is) – stunting, fish kills possible, rough fish begin to outcompete desirable species.

1. In the presence of oxygen Phosphorus stays locked in the sediments unavailable to weeds and algae.

2. Aerobic bacteria thrive forming a healthy bottom environment and base for the aquatic food chain.

3. Aerobic bacteria literally eat muck/organics converting it to carbon dioxide and water.

4. Fish can feed all the way to the bottom creating a healthy fishery both in size and population of desirable species.

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Lake Savers: A Diet & Exercise Program for Lakes!30

Our Approach – Attack the Root Causes!

Excessive Weed Growth

Algae Blooms

Accumulation of Muck/Loss of Depth

Odor

ENGINEERED AERATION & BENEFICIAL BACTERIA/ ENZYME TREATMENT

External nutrient loading

Internal nutrient loading

Oxygen Depletion

FLOATING ISLANDS

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Floating Islands for Reducing External Nutrient Loading

What are Floating Islands?Porous mats made of a matrix of 100% recycled polyester and bonded together with a high grade marine foam for buoyancy.

Highly flexible system with a multitude of design options for aesthetic and functional impact.

How do Floating Islands Work? They create a self-contained environment for vegetation that can

absorb significant amounts of nutrients from the water. They mimic natural wetlands at a much lower cost than reclaiming

upland areas and converting them to wetlands. They are most effective for Lake Restoration when used around

storm drains and inlets to trap nutrients flowing into the lake.

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Floating Island Options

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Engineered Aeration & Beneficial Bacteria/Enzyme Treatments

How Engineered Aeration & Beneficial Bacteria/Enzyme Treatments WorkA system of underwater air diffusers connected to shore-based compressor units by self-sinking airline.

Each system is custom engineered based on the specific needs and requirements of each lake.

Water picks-up oxygen at the surface and is circulated back to the bottom maintaining a continuous supply of oxygen throughout the entire water column.

High oxygen levels and “off-gassing” reduce nutrient levels, reducing weed and algae growth.

Beneficial bacteria and enzyme products are added to restore balance to the aquatic eco-system.

Beneficial bacteria that require oxygen, literally eat the organic muck on the bottom.

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O2

Aerobic benthic bacteria break down organics

Nutrients removed through the food chain

Phosphorus stays locked in sediment

NOxygenated surface water moves to the bottom.

CO2Toxic Gases removed

H2S

How Engineered Aeration Restores Lake Health & Balance

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Accelerating a Lake’s Natural Cleaning Mechanism

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2 feet of organic muck prior to treatment

Aerobic bacteria can breakdown organic muck 30 times faster than anaerobic bacteria.

The Power of Engineered Aeration & Beneficial Bacteria/Enzyme Treatment

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CLEAN-FLO… Engineered Aeration Equipment

Ceramic diffuser with float

Small System Very Large System

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CLEAN-FLO… Engineered Aeration in Action

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CLEAN-FLO… Engineered Aeration in Action

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Inside of a compressor cabinet after one year in operation under Lake Savers Management Program

The CLEAN-FLO/Lake Savers Difference

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The CLEAN-FLO/Lake Savers Difference

Competitor’s system after 6 months operation

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CLEAN-FLO Engineered Aeration…What Results Are Possible?


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Greenwood Lake Greenwood Lake, New York

About the Lake 80 Treatment area in 9 mile lake. Treatment area focuses on parts of the lake that are the focal point of

the community. Milfoil and algae growth out of control. Water in the treatment area fetid with frequent odor problems in the

summer.

Management Program Clean-Flo Engineered Aeration

installed in June of 2010. Clean-Flo bacteria and enzyme

treatment applied in July of 2010. 5 days of Harvesting.

Results Estimated 50% reduction in Milfoil

growth in 60 days! No re-growth of milfoil following

harvesting. Milfoil reductions not just the result

of harvesting. Major improvements in water clarity

and quality

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Greenwood Lake Treatment Area

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Greenwood Lake Results: Before – Upper Eastern Arm Area

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Greenwood Lake Results: After – 45 Days after installation

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Greenwood Lake Results: Before – Upper Eastern Arm Area

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Greenwood Lake Results: After – 45 Days after installation

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Turnberry Lakes Lakewood, Illinois

About the Lakes 100 Treatment area in 4 community lakes mile lake. Hyper-Eutrophic System. Aggressive herbicide program eliminated aquatic plants and led to

algae dominated lakes. Algae mats have been so thick that saplings have been seen growing

on top of the algae mats.


installed in May of 2009. Extremely aggressive beneficial

bacteria treatment program implemented in 2009 and 2010.

Innovative Harvesting program implemented in conjunction with the system.

Commitment to ZERO herbicide/algaecide use.

Results Muck reductions ranging from

6” to 11” in 2009. Lakes largely clear of algae mats in

August of 2010 for the first time in over five years.

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Turnberry Lakes Treatment Area

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Turnberry Lakes Results

Turnberry Lake 3 (Biggest problem lake) July 2010

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Turnberry Lake 3 August/September 2010

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Turnberry Lakes 2010 “Secret Weapons”

Lake Clear Bacteria Weedoo Harvester Boat

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Collins Lake Scotia, New York

About the Lake 60 acre lake with public beach. Beach closed for two years due to fecal bacteria issue. Milfoil and pondweed growth out of control. Watershed management strategies and herbicide treatment were

not producing adequate results.

Management Program One-time herbicide treatment for

milfoil and pondweed (2006). Clean-Flo Engineered Aeration

installed in June of 2006. Clean-Flo bacteria and enzyme

treatment applied in July of 2006.

Results Beach opened in August of 2006,

remained open all of 2007. No significant re-growth of milfoil or

pondweed. Dissolved oxygen maintained

throughout water column all winter despite shutting down the system for 3 months.

Noticeable reduction in dead plant material and muck in 2007.

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Collins Lake “Before” Pictures 2006

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Collins Lake “After” Pictures 2008 (Similar View of the Lake)

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Collins Lake “Before” Pictures 2006

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Collins Lake “After” Pictures 2008 (Similar View of the Lake)

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Collins Lake “After” Pictures 2008

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Collins Lake “After” Pictures 2008

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Lakes Bridgeport & Benbrook Fort Worth, Texas Area

About the Lakes Two large water supply and recreational reservoirs. High levels of manganese and hydrogen sulfide resulting in taste

and odor issues as well as increased treatment costs. Represent two of the largest lake aeration projects in the country.

Management Program Clean-Flo System installed in 2010

Results Data shows the ability to oxygenate

to a depth of 16 meters in 2 months continuous operation.

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Lakes Bridgeport & Benbrook Systems

Lake Bridgeport

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Lakes Bridgeport & Benbrook Systems In Action

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Willow Lake Kalamazoo, Michigan

About the Lake 7 Acre lake/pond. Completely over-run with milfoil, filamentous algae, lily pads, and

coontail

Management Program Clean-Flo System installed in

June of 2007. One-time herbicide treatment for

milfoil. Harvesting program for lily

pads. Bacteria and Enzyme treatment

applied in July of 2007.

Results Filamentous algae problem

eliminated. No significant re-growth of milfoil. Coontail significantly reduced. Lily pads did grow back after

harvesting, however, we are starting to see tubers “pop” to the surface.

Clear signs of breakdown of organics in the lake.

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Willow Lake “Before” Pictures June 18, 2007

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Willow Lake “After” Pictures June 23, 2007 (5 days after installation of the CLEAN-FLO System)

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Willow Lake May 15, 2007 (Last Year. Notice How bad the Lake looked)

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Willow Lake May 12, 2008 (Just under One Year Later)

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Lake Brown – Kissimmee Florida

About the Lake 60 Acre Lake on at a Florida Resort. 5 – 6 feet average muck accumulation. Beach closed for several weeks per year. Virtually a “dead” lake due to overuse of herbicides over a 10

year period.

Management Program Clean-Flo System Installed

July 1, 2008

Results Aquatic weed growth under control

without the use of chemical herbicides.

Average muck reduction of 2’4” in 13 months.

Swimming beach remained open for full season for the first time in 6 years.

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Lake Brown Muck Reduction Results

Water Depth Measurement Points

Muck Measurement Reference Points for future assessment

5.5’

8’

15’

5.5’

5.5’

7’

5.5’

7’

7/01/2008 Measurement

6/08/2009 Measurement

5.5’

8’

5.5’

8’5.5’

9’

5.5’

8’

5.5’

9’

5.5’

9’5.5’

8’

2’6” muck remaining

2’6” muck remaining

More than 9’ muck remaining

5.5’

8’

4.5’

6’

1

2

3

54

67

8

9

10

11A

B

C

5.5’

8’

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Lake Brown – Florida

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Lake Powai, India

About the Lake

500+ acre lake in India. Hydrilla and Water Hyacinth had taken over the lake. Lake heavily polluted from watershed


installed with bacteria and enzyme treatment.

Harvesting program initiated to reduce Water Hyacinth.

Results Nutrient levels in the lake reduced

by 90% in the first year. Hydrilla and Water Hyacinth

reduced to non-nuisance levels. Significant improvement in all

water quality indicators.

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Lake Powai, India – Results

Clean-Flo system Installed

Dissolved Oxygen at Bottom

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CLEAN-FLO system Installed

Lake Powai, India – Results

Phosphorus at Bottom

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Working with Lake Savers


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How we work with our Customers…

Information Required

Identification of goals and areas of focus.

Depth profile.

Flow rates on outflows.

Weed and algae assessment.

Water quality data (if available).

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How we work with Customers

1. Gather necessary data on your lake

2. Engineer a Clean-Flo System Design and Quote for your lake

3. Present Design and Quote

4. Install & Manage System (Unique Lake Savers Leasing Program)

CostNothing! In most cases

Nothing! In most cases

Nothing!

As quoted

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Lake Savers – Partial Track Record2007

Willow Lake Kalamazoo, MI – 8 acresWillowridge Lake , Kokomo, IN – 8 acresSherman Lake Channel, Kalamazoo, MI – 5 acres

2008

Lake Brown Kissimmee, FL – 60 acresSeveral additional ponds – 4 – 6 acres

2009

Turnberry Lakes – 100 acresChippewa Lake (Channel) – 6 acres

2010 Scheduled Installs

Lake Bridgeport Reservoir Fort Worth, Texas – 700+ acre treatment areaLake Benbrook Reservoir Fort Worth Texas – 800+ acre treatment areaIndian Lake Dowagiac, MI – 86 acre treatment areaGreenwood Lake Greenwood Lake, NY – 40 acre treatment areaUpper Tarrytown Reservoir, Tarrytown, NY – 30 acresSherman Lake Richland, MI – 165 acres

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Why Lake Savers!!

Time (years)

Cost

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Deteriorating Water Body

Traditional Approaches Alone

Healthy Water BodyHealthy Water Body

Engineered Aeration/ Beneficial Bacteria & Enzyme Treatments and Floating Islands

Healthy Water Body

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Summary

1. Most water bodies are overfed and out of balance.

2. Conventional strategies are primarily people management strategies not lake management strategies.

3. Nutrient reduction (Internal & External) is the only sustainable approach to Lake Restoration.

4. Lakes Need to Breath to Be Healthy!

5. Lake Savers can put your lake on a diet and exercise program to restore health, balance and recreational quality.

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Questions & Comments…

Contacts:

John [email protected](269) 383.3400

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Lake Savers Natural Restoration