Tumwater lake district delays trial mukbiotic treatment after higher-than-expected estimate; drone survey and targeted plant treatments to proceed

Members of the Barnes Lake Local Management District (LMD) discussed and ultimately tabled a proposed test application of a mukbiotic (beneficial-bacteria) pellet intended to reduce bottom muck after several members said a contractor estimate exceeded earlier expectations.

The meeting leader read a contractor estimate that described monthly applications (five to six visits) near the Dana boat launch, with sediment-depth monitoring intended to measure progress. "We are aiming to reduce the muck depth by 2 to 4 in per year," the chair read from the estimate; the document listed per-visit costs of $970 for the application, $180 for monitoring and about $300 for mobilization, producing an approximate test cost in the low thousands per application and roughly $9,000 for the proposed test series.

Members questioned the proposed treatment area and effectiveness. One member asked whether the estimate covered a 10-by-10-foot test or a half-acre; the contractor language later clarified it was roughly a half-acre near the launch but members said area size remained unclear and that the expected 2–4 inches per year reduction is modest compared with the lakewide problem.

District staff cautioned about permitting and environmental oversight. The board discussed whether volunteers could do spreading under the existing permit; staff advised seeking a licensed applicator and monitoring because the bacterial product can consume dissolved oxygen and requires oversight.

Rather than proceed immediately, members agreed to table the mukbiotic test while the district renews or reissues its aquatics services contract. "Being that we're going to be renewing a new contract here soon, it might be a better time to think about doing something like this so we can wrap it into the actual scope of work," a board member said. The LMD plans to include any pilot tests or additional treatment scope in the upcoming request-for-qualifications so multiple vendors can respond.

Separately, the board received an aquatics update from contractor correspondence: the firm plans a drone and survey this month, a submersible treatment targeting bladder wart in June (when water temperatures allow plant emergence) and a later surface application in late summer for white water lily, also delivered by drone. The contractor named Braden as the staff member who will oversee applications.

Chair reported the LMD carries over $15,000 for an IVAMP update and that overall finances show an expected year-end balance near $30,000 assuming currently projected invoices. Members noted that Aquate Tech/Aquatenics and other vendors have in some years come in under budget but urged caution when estimating costs for new pilot work.

The district did not take formal action to approve the mukbiotic test; the matter was tabled for consideration when the aquatics contract and budget are reviewed.