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Experts urge data-driven testing before chemical treatment for American Lake algae
Summary
University scientists and contractors told the LMD more targeted water and sediment sampling is needed (iron:phosphorus ratio, dissolved oxygen, phosphorus sources) before choosing interventions such as zero-valent iron or copper-based treatments.
Jeff Tepper, a retired environmental geochemistry professor, said the first step should be a year of data collection to inform treatment choice. "The first question is, how much water enters the lake from vents on the bottom springs? Where are those springs, and how much phosphorus do they deliver?" Tepper said, recommending monthly water chemistry sampling sent to a commercial lab to ensure quality control.
Contractor and local residents agreed that treatments such as zero-valent iron (ZVI) are promising but require local data. Kyle Steelhammer said ZVI implementation and application rates should be set by professionals and shared that his company consults retired professors and local scientists when planning applications. Speakers also cited a USGS study of a large copper treatment in Idaho that found substantial non-target invertebrate losses, underscoring the need to carefully assess trade-offs before large-scale chemical remediation.
