Submitted by Jim Kopriva, City of Lakewood Communications Manager.
Crime, homelessness, climate change, traffic, housing affordability, water quality, flooding, garbage dumping, zoning…. the issues before us are endless. Resources are not.
Waughop Lake has endured a history of abuse. We now shake our heads at how the water was treated long ago. Indeed, the lake was used to dispose of sewage, animal carcasses, and other contaminants. This era is bygone, thank goodness.
It is not always possible, nor realistic, to turn back the clock. Mr. Russell has strong opinions on how the City should manage local waters. We respect his right to voice his opinion, but we disagree wholesale with his assertions.
Mr. Russell’s accusations include:
- Sewage from Pierce College is to blame for algal bloom
- Alum treatment is a ‘toxic brew’ and inappropriate treatment method for filamentous algae
- Dredging the lake is the only acceptable treatment method
It is the unanimous opinion of experts from the City of Lakewood, Washington State Department of Ecology, Pierce College, Pierce County Surface Water Management, and other various consultants and academics that these claims are without merit.
Sewage overflow from Pierce College reached Waughop Lake twice in 20 years and in small amounts. The college’s sewer system was upgraded years ago. Rare, insignificant overflows were of minor effect, if any.
The City conducted an exhaustive study on Waughop Lake and evaluated treatment methods. Alum treatment was selected after a careful process. Two applications were applied in the summer of 2020. There has been no evidence of systemic harm to avian, aquatic, or amphibious life.
Alum treatment does *briefly* increase bloom potential of a different natural algae. Filamentous algae is blooming in response to clearer water, reduced competition, and nitrogen stored in its seed bank. This type of algae is non-toxic and non-threatening. Continued treatment will reduce phosphorus and restore a proper balance.
At the suggestion of Mr. Russell and others, the City evaluated dredging the lake. Dredging would extinguish all present life, cost tens of millions of dollars, repulse the neighborhood, and restrict access to the area for years. Soil would be dried in containment cells in Fort Steilacoom Park and a stench would waft for miles. Once dry, the soil must be excavated and hauled away. The ensuing park cleanup and lake restoration would cost many millions more. Algae would likely return – phosphorus is a naturally occurring material in soils and groundwater.
After destruction, death, waste, expense, stench, mess, disposal, cleanup, and reconstruction – there will still be algae.
The City has researched alternatives like sonic treatments and zerovalent iron applications. In the absence of definitive efficacy, we have refrained from experimental methods.
The City dots every ‘i’ in its maintenance of local waters. We secure all necessary permits and coordinate with all required agencies. We participated in the Ecology defense of their issuance of our application permit to the Pollution Control Hearings Board, and an additional lawsuit claiming the City violated the Endangered Species Act. The permit was upheld, the lawsuit thrown out.
The City has been responsive, cooperative, and realistic. Our strategy is scientifically sound and unanimously endorsed. We have heard all claims and we keep an open mind to innovation. For now, the path is obvious.
Yet another attempt by the City of Lakewood manager and staff to protect its own from having to interact constructively with the citizens of Lakewood.
Just PAVE IT AND MAKE A SKATE BOARD AREA , THEY CAN RACE THE REMOTE CARS, ETC.
MOVE ON, the city is done.
Quit banging your head on the wall.
This is constructive interaction – a direct acknowledgment of your complaint and a detailed summary of the logic behind the current method. You took the time and care to craft a message, and we took the time and care to respond.
POST EARTH DAY and PARK APPRECIATION DAY: The “obvious path” the City of Lakewood has chosen for “treating” this impaired waterbody has resulted in a bile green lifeless toxic brew. If indeed the City is “responsive, cooperative, and open minded” and believes the treatment was scientifically based, please post the “pre” and “post treatment” water quality data (to date) that’s been collected by a third party on the City of Lakewood’s website. The public/tax payers have a right to know the water quality status in order to reach an informed conclusion on the Cities Stewardship, or lack thereof.
Again, we are not alone in this assessment. We have consulted Ecology, Fish & Wildlife, Pierce County Surface Water Management, and other state and local bodies. This is hardly a capricious exercise. This matter has been studied ad nauseum.
Publishing the data could be a good idea, and a nice window into the work being done. I’ll ask about this. Nice suggestion, thank you for it.
Um no. People go to that park to get away. Enjoy the few areas the City of Lakewood has left undeveloped. We don’t need another skate park or a race track. The city of Lakewood is failing in its environmental stewardship. This failure is starting to bubble up and people are starting to take notice. Maybe the city should focus more on restoring it’s community rather than just “PAVE” over their mistakes.
To be clear, the City is not considering paving over the lake. I’m not sure where you got that idea from. We are performing some alum treatment to address algae. That’s all.
We care deeply about Waughop Lake and we continue to research new methods to improve its water quality.
Here’s my opinion and I believe this would greatly help this lake….. After working in and managing Ft. Steilacoom Park from 1982 – 2005, I think that lake needs two or three aerification fountains placed in the lake. We have another home in New Mexico in a community surrounded by a moat that also has no water current or water flow.
We have electric aerifiying fountains that keep the water moving and somewhat refreshed. It certainly seems to work, the water stays clear. I think the dredging would certainly assist this process but I also understand the prohibitive cost involved.
Just my thoughts, have listened to folks and their solutions for years and thanks !
Thanks John. Noted. Will pass along.
Great idea!
Leave the lake alone. Why is the water quality of that scenic, albeit toxic lake, a problem? The water foul seem to like it well enough. The catfish seem to be doin’ what catfish do and they’re not complaining. The lake anchors that wonderful Park, leave it alone.
Seems to me that dredging would just make things worse. I spose the intentions are good, but –
What was that old saying? The road to hell is paved with good intentions? Yes.
Leave the lake alone.
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~Bite Me.