FAQs
Do the LG Sonic Devices Impact Humans or Wildlife?
Recent studies commissioned by the Dutch Water Board and conducted by research agency Ecofide have concluded that the LG Sonic ultrasound is safe for fish, plants, zooplankton, and other aquatic organisms. These environmentally friendly devices are harmless and do not affect the health and safety of humans, wildlife or the ecosystem.
Are they Safe to Get Close to?
Boaters are advised to exercise caution when navigating the lake, paying close attention to signage and barrier floats indicating the presence of the LG Sonic MPC-Buoys. Barrier floats and signage will be installed around the LG Sonic MPC-Buoys to mark restricted zones.
How much Surface Area does One Buoy Cover?
Each buoy covers a 1,600 ft. diameter and will be anchored strategically around the areas in Windsor Lake where blooms are most susceptible.
How big are the LG Sonic Buoys?
The buoys are roughly 7x8 ft. in length, and just over 2.5 ft. in height above the water’s surface. The buoy weights over 440 lbs.
What Kind of Water Does Ultrasound Work In?
The MPC-Buoy technology can be installed in freshwater, salt water, and brackish water.
What kind of Technology is Utilized to Monitor the Buoys and Water Quality?
The buoys utilize a program called MPC-View, which provides a complete water quality and buoy overview via Bluetooth. This program provides the town with real-time water quality insights, integrated data visualization and allows operators to program changes based on the data received without having to retrieve it from the device itself.
What is Blue Green Algae?
Blue-green algae—also known as cyanobacteria—are common in lakes throughout Colorado. The algae multiply rapidly and are impacted by a combination of unusually sustained hot weather, stagnant water and stormwater runoff that includes nutrient pollution from fertilizers.
What Contributes to Blue-Green Algae Growth?
Polluted stormwater runoff can have adverse effects on plants, wildlife and people. Too much nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in the water is known as nutrient pollution and can cause algae to grow faster than ecosystems can handle.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stormwater pollution is the number one cause of water pollution in the country. Polluted stormwater may result in significant impacts on the downstream waterways that detrimentally affect both the aquatic ecosystem and quality of life in our community.
Why Does the Town Allow Blue-Green Algae Blooms to Happen Every Year Windsor Lake?
Blue-green algae blooms occur when excess nutrients are introduced to bodies of water from stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff is collected through the Town’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and released back into local bodies of water. What separates stormwater collection from other water collection systems in town is that it is not treated before getting released. Water runoff, like after a storm or when snow starts melting, will pick up any excess debris on its way to the MS4, and get released back into Windsor’s local waterways. Nutrient loading can be caused by pet waste not being picked up, improperly disposing of leaves and grass clippings, over-fertilizing the lawn or washing the car in the driveway, just to name a few. Preventing stormwater pollution is a community-wide effort, not just the town’s responsibility, and requires everyone doing their part to avoid the likelihood of algae blooms.
How is Blue-Green Algae Monitored in Windsor Lake?
Blue-green algae is monitored through weekly water quality testing and staff observation. Town staff conducts regular testing of Windsor Lake for nutrients, ensuring vigilant monitoring for any presence of harmful bacteria throughout the summer months. The addition of the buoys will enable staff to see real time data related to water quality and predict algae blooms.
Learn more about water quality testing at recreationliveshere.com/WindsorLake.
Why is the Town Implementing this Initiative Instead of Other Algae Control Tactics?
Over the past several years, the Town of Windsor has worked tirelessly to identify new solutions that improve downstream water quality in local bodies of water. While the main issue comes from nutrient loading in stormwater runoff, there can be other tactics put in place to reduce the likelihood of blooms. Efforts implemented in the past, which will continue into 2024 and beyond, includes additional supplementary sampling, GIS mapping, the use of EutroSORB filter logs – a product designed to absorb excess phosphorus from moving water – the Eastman Park Pond floating islands program. Along with the floating islands, Eastman Park Pond underwent complete renovation that included removal of invasive species and planting native vegetation, improving water flow and establishing sustainable habitats for local wildlife.
How Does this Impact Motorized Boating Regulations on Windsor Lake?
To ensure the safety of boaters and their vessels, the town is implementing additional hazard buoys which are aimed at safeguarding the LG Sonic MPC-Buoys. Boaters are advised to exercise caution when navigating the lake, paying close attention to signage and hazard buoys indicating the presence of the LG Sonic MPC-Buoys.
Do other Northern Colorado Communities Use These?
Yes! These MPC Buoys are also deployed in Berthoud, Superior and Johnstown, Colorado.
Why Control the Algae if Nutrients are the Problem?
Achieving nutrient reduction is undoubtedly essential but proves challenging, particularly in the long run. Most nutrient management techniques are expensive, necessitating frequent applications with uncertain side effects on the aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, the duration and intensity of algal bloom events are not solely reliant on nutrients; they also hinge on a mix of environmental factors like climate change, weather patterns and an imbalanced ecosystem.