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Waterways board orders water-testing kit, discusses vegetation targets and cyanobacteria controls
Summary
The Ocean Shores board approved purchase of an Aquithal 400 test kit to measure pH, conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen, discussed herbicide treatments and a proposed windmill system for cyanobacteria control, and reviewed a recommendation to retain about 25–30% native aquatic vegetation.
The Waterways Advisory Board approved ordering an Aquithal 400 testing kit and discussed a multi-pronged approach to monitor and manage aquatic vegetation and cyanobacteria in city canals.
Becky Leech, the city liaison, told the board the ad hoc group and an AquaTechnics representative (Terry) met recently and the board ordered an Aquithal 400 with a 30-foot polycable; Terry will perform the first three rounds of testing and the board will perform subsequent monitoring. "I ordered one today," Becky said, listing the parameters the kit will measure: pH, conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen. She added the testing is required by the Department of Ecology as part of the city’s permit obligations.
Board members discussed recent herbicide work. Becky said AquaTechnics completed a second round of sonar herbicide treatment and treated pennywort in canals where it was a problem; members described temporary clearing followed by greening as vegetation breaks down after treatment. One member asked about a visible blue spray and whether it explained observed color changes; Becky said two different products were used — a regular invasive-plant herbicide and a separate treatment for pennywort.
The cyanobacteria ad hoc reported Terry is preparing an estimate for a windmill system to help control cyanobacteria in Bass Canal and a training session for board members on how to run the testing kit. An ad hoc member summarized guidance from Aqua Technics (2023) that the system has roughly 482 acres of surface area and 3,697.40 acre-feet of volume and recommended retaining about 25% (some sources recommend up to 30%) of native aquatic plants to support wildlife. Members discussed leaving vegetation in selected habitat areas such as around the island and potential habitat-credit opportunities.
Ricky V., identified in the meeting as the "healthy works director," said staff and the mayor’s office are implementing a volunteer service agreement and background-check process that will allow board members to operate city boats and conduct testing with city authorization.
Board members also reported field observations: Susan said water at Texar Park and the Marine View boat launch looked clear on recent visits; another member reported a submerged hazard that damaged a boat propeller and asked staff to inspect and remove it.
Next steps: Terry to complete initial tests, staff to schedule training for board members on the new kit, and the ad hoc to return estimates for a windmill system and recommendations for mapping where to retain native vegetation.
