Lake Wylie commission warns of sedimentation, invasive algae and funding shortfall; seeks regional coordination

Representatives of the Lake Wylie Marine Commission presented a detailed annual report to the Gaston County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 8, warning that recent storms have left new sandbars, missing navigation buoys and debris that pose public-safety risks, and that sedimentation and an emerging cyanobacterial organism are threatening lake water quality.

Philip Brennan, speaking for the commission, said search-and-recovery and cleanup operations have been hampered by debris and submerged hazards. He reported that River Sweep volunteer operations were reduced this year because crews could not safely use boats and that buoys used to mark hazards are missing in places. Brennan urged caution and said the commission issued a public-service safety announcement advising people to avoid the lake unless necessary.

Brennan described sedimentation as "a cancer on the…