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UC Davis launches two-year pilot to oxygenate Clear Lake near Rattlesnake Island
Summary
UC Davis researchers described a grant-funded, two-year pilot that will place diffuser lines around Rattlesnake Island to oxygenate bottom waters and reduce internal phosphorus release, with bidding expected in April and monitoring planned for oxygen and temperature.
Stephen McCord and Steve Camden of UC Davis/Tahoe Environmental Research Center presented a grant-funded pilot to install diffuser pipes near Rattlesnake Island in Clear Lake intended to oxygenate anoxic bottom waters and limit phosphorus release that fuels algal blooms. Bids for the project were expected in April and the pilot is planned to run for two years before reassessment and potential county adoption if successful.
Presenters said the system will push oxygen through soaker hoses; as bubbles rise the oxygen diffuses into the anoxic layer so phosphorus is less likely to be released from sediments. They said there will be no dredging, pipes will be shut off during high winds, buoys will mark the lines to keep boats away, and monitoring will track temperature and oxygen levels. The project team plans outreach to fishing groups and tournament organizers to avoid the diffuser lines. Success criteria identified were reduced algae blooms and fewer fish kills.
