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State officials told the advisory board that White Lake meets state health standards, DEQ meeting summary says
Summary
A board member reported that state environmental officials told the group White Lake is "a healthy lake" by state standards and would not initiate action absent specific problems; board members discussed pH history, rashes, sludge and whether Parks and Recreation or the health department should be engaged.
A member of the White Lake Advisory Board summarized a recent meeting with state environmental officials, saying the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) characterized White Lake as meeting state health standards.
"By state standards, White Lake is a healthy lake," the committee member said after a meeting with Mark Brantley and assistant director Chad Turlington of DEQ. The board member said DEQ offered to answer questions and direct the board to other resources but would not undertake direct remedial action unless specific problems were presented.
The report to the board noted several community concerns: historical low pH readings, recent reports of rashes and the presence of sludge. DEQ, according to the board member, indicated it would collect samples and test if the agency saw a problem or received a specific complaint, but it does not routinely act on or require the advisory group's reports.
Board members discussed whether Parks and Recreation — which the meeting said owns oversight of the recreational lake — or the county health department should be asked to follow up on reports of illnesses. One committee member urged documenting any medical visits related to suspected lake exposures to create a record that could prompt agency action.
The board did not receive a direct promise of state intervention; members agreed to pursue follow‑up with Parks and Recreation and the health department and to ask the new parks superintendent and DEQ contacts to meet with the board for clarification.
