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Board approves road-setback variance for nanobubbler units to improve Lake Camelot water quality
Summary
The Adams County Board approved an 8-foot reduction to the 30-foot road-side setback so the Tri Lakes Management District can place two DNR-permitted nanobubbler units at a Lake Camelot boat launch; the board cited DNR permits, technical testing and minimal road-safety risk.
The Adams County Board of Appeals approved a variance reducing the lot-line setback from 30 feet to 22 feet adjacent to 8th Avenue so two nanobubbler water-treatment units can be installed at a Lake Camelot boat launch.
Staff described the request as coming from the Tri Lakes Management District and the Lake Camelot Property Owners Association. Attorney Jared Smith (S8) represented the district and said the units had been DNR-permitted for testing, that the district —owns— the equipment, and that the chosen upstream location is necessary to maximize water-quality benefits. He said survey maps accompany the application and that the district has academic and engineering partners (University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and EOR) to monitor performance.
Smith explained the district sought the reduced setback to keep the dual units compact, preserve safe boat-launch access and avoid involving many outlot owners who would have to approve easements. "The location here has been chosen for this because of the need for the nanobubblers to be located at this upstream location for the Tri Lakes," Smith said.
Board members asked about road-safety risks and how far the units would sit from the road. Applicant representatives said the units are steel containers about 8 feet high; staff clarified the placement would be 22 feet from the property line and approximately 55 feet from the center of the road. The board discussed protective fencing and noted the units would be on association-owned property behind a fence.
Laurie Jamati (S12) read comments from fractional outlot owners who worried about permitting procedures and about perceived pressure on nonresident fractional owners to accept changes. She urged careful attention to process and long-term compliance with shoreland ordinances.
After discussion, a board member moved and a second was given to approve the 8-foot reduction in the road setback. Members cited the DNR—s involvement, demonstrated test results, minimal road impact due to existing fencing and the district—s ownership of the site. The motion carried and the board recorded reasons for approval.
Staff said the district must still comply with any remaining permits and operational agreements identified by the DNR and engineering partners.
