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| Title | Results of Monitoring Copper Sulfate Application to Sylvia Lake | |||
| Month-Year Published | May 1995 | |||
| Online Availability |
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| Short Description |
During 1994, Ecology monitored copper levels in Sylvia Lake and its outlet stream before and after treatment with copper sulfate. Sylvia Lake has historically been treated with copper compounds in order to control nuisance algal growth. The outlet stream is used to hatch and rear at least two species of salmon. Objectives of the Sylvia Lake survey were to: 1) Determine persistence of copper in the water column following treatment by a licensed applicator; 2) Determine concentrations of copper downstream following treatment; and 3) Measure copper concentrations in the lake sediments. (Also see abstract below) | |||
| Publication Number | 95-322 | |||
| Author(s) | Serdar, D. | |||
| Print Availability | ||||
| Number of pages | 6 + app (16 total) | |||
| Keywords | algae, application, assessment, copper, fish, lake, monitoring, objectives, order, recommendations, results, salmon, sediment, stream, survey results, water quality | |||
| Subject Waterbodies |
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| Abstract | Long Description |
During 1994, Ecology monitored copper levels in Sylvia Lake and its outlet stream before and after treatment with copper sulfate. Sylvia Lake has historically been treated with copper compounds in order to control nuisance algal growth. The outlet stream is used to hatch and rear at least two species of salmon. Objectives of the Sylvia Lake survey were to: 1) Determine persistence of copper in the water column following treatment by a licensed applicator; 2) Determine concentrations of copper downstream following treatment; and 3) Measure copper concentrations in the lake sediments. Survey results showed that concentrations of copper in Sylvia Lake exceeded state water quality standards for at least 18 days following treatment. Dissolved copper concentrations in the outlet stream did not reach the high levels measured in the lake. However, the copper concentrations which persisted in the outlet stream for at least four days post-treatment were not sufficient to protect salmonids. As for sediments, the data suggest that copper has accumulated to levels in excess of, or approaching, the maximum allowable concentration (110 ppm). Recommendations were to discontinue treatment of Sylvia Lake with copper compounds based on the potential deleterious impact to downstream salmonids as well as the substantial accumulation of copper in lake sediments. A thorough review of potential impacts to downstream fisheries should be conducted if alternative strategies for algae or macrophyte control are to be considered. |
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