Findings

Kelley Cofer Lake Study

Tucker High School STEM
 Project SCOPE
• Weekly Data Collections – three years
• Weekly Observations – Algae bloom and ecosystem
• Removal of Visible Pollution
• Invasive Plant Removal From Banks
• Isolated Solution Testing
 Nitrogen Islands
BACKGROUND  Bog Plants – In Classroom Only Micro-ecosystem
 Bio-Mediators –Bacteria and Enzymes – In Classroom Only
Our Mission:
Executing projects that give back to our Tucker Community and help us learn!
 “Do Nothing” Approach
PROCESS

• The STEM classes starts every project by asking the question:

“what if we do nothing about this?”
• We analyze the data to estimate the results of the
consequences of taking no action verse potential solutions
that solve problems
• This presentation is the conclusion from the “do nothing”
study of Kelley Cofer Lake
• If we “do nothing”, Kelley Coffer Lake will fill completely with
sediment in an estimated 30-50 years.
• This conclusion was reached through our research and
data collection that showed algae was reproducing at a
fast rate, sediment levels have increased by 50% since the
lake was constructed and the biological health of the lake is
poor.
If we “do nothing” at Kelley Cofer Lake
Issue The Issue -Eutrophication
Issue What is Eutrophication?

 “The process by which a body of water becomes

enriched in dissolved nutrients (such as phosphates) that
stimulate the growth of aquatic plant life usually resulting
in the depletion of dissolved oxygen”
-Merriam-Webster
Issue

 Eutrophication boosts algae growth and detracts from

the ability of other plant life and animals to collect
nutrients and grow. Eutrophication depletes dissolved
oxygen in the water, causing fish and aquatic animals to
die off. The decaying matter from the fish and plant life
results in excess sediment being deposited on the lake
floor.
Issue The Lake’s Current Depths
 Data Collection
Research
Data Collection Overview
 Each week, The biology STEM classes to the lake to collect data on the
conditions of the lake around 11:45 - 12:50.
 What we collect and study:
 Water samples and tests for:
 Coliforms
 Dissolved oxygen
 Nitrites(NO2)
 Nitrates (NO3)
 Carbonate (KH)
 General Hardness (GH)
 pH
 Temperature
 Sediment depths
 Sediment content and mineral analysis
 Water depth
 macroinvertibrates
 Overview of Solutions That
Research
Have Been Investigated
The Class researched the following solutions:

 Adding Fish that consume algae

 Bacteria for Remediation
 Enzymatic Remediation
 Introducing Algae Eating Snails
 Algae Skimming Remote Controlled Boat
 De-Nitrofying Plant Islands
 Dredging
 Recommendations
Short Term -1 year plan
 Mechanically Remove Algae – Algae Boat
Mid Term -5 year plan
 Bacterial Remediation
SOLUTIONS  Grass Carp
 Denitrifying plant islands
Long Term – 10 year plan
 Dredging
Short-Term
Algae Collecting Boat Total Cost: $450
Solution

Basic Idea of Solution

• A remote control skimmer boat
• The boat will skim the top surface of the lake to get a portion of the free floating algae
• Purchase product meant for pool use and re-purpose and program for lake clean-up

Materials List and Cost

1. Running Gear- $60 at most

2. Battery (Traxxas NiMH 6-Cell 7.2 v

1800 mAh) - $21 total ($10.49
each)

3. Receiver and Transmitter

(Spectrum DX2E 2.4GHz) - $59.99

4. Unexpected Expenses - $49

 Total Cost:
Mid-Term
Solution Nutrient Removal Islands Initial: $1,000
Background for Solution Maintenance: $500/year
 Mid-term 3-5 year solution that will inhibit and reduce
the amount of nutrient pollution (nitrogen and
phosphate) in the lake
 Floating islands will be constructed using marine
grade foam and native plants
 The plant rots will extend into the water through the
base of the island and naturally absorb nutrients
deposits from surrounding lawns, fields and businesses
Materials List and Cost
1. Marine grade foam – 2 cubes =$200
2. Wire for base – 20 yards = $100
3. Base covering – 20 yards = $100
4. Soil and mulch – 20 cubic yards = $100
5. Plants – native plants = $500
Information links:
http://www.floatingislandinternational.com/wp-content/plugins/fii/research/20.pdf
https://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/15/floating-islands-to-the-rescue/?_r=0
 Total Cost:
Mid-Term
Solution BD-C Bacteria Initial: $3,000
Maintenance: $5,000/year
Background for Solution
 Mid-term 3-5 year solution that will inhibit and reduce
the amount of algae and slow sedimentation rate
 Naturally occurring therefore will have no long term
consequence
 Works by targeting phosphorous and nitrogen which
feeds the algae.

Materials List and Cost

1. Two 20 pond kegs for initial treatment
2. 9 pounds (4.5 every 2 weeks) maintenance
3. 20 pound keg = $1,495
Information link: http://biodigesters.net/pond-products.htm
 BD-C Bacteria – Facts Sheet
General Info

 Tis is an all-natural solution, and is not an invasive species or

algaecide, nor are the bacteria genetically engineered intern no
EPD or Corp of Engineer permits are required
 Due to the intensive algae bloom at Kelley Cofer Lake, it will take
approximately 2-3 weeks before the effects of the bacteria will be
seen
 These biodigesters are a combination of natural bacteria and
enzymes and can successfully degrade organic matter that
contributes to the sediment. These biodigesters will not harm the
fauna within the lake, nor the surrounding flora.
 Grass Carp
Mid-Term Total Cost: $750 Initial
Solution
Re-Stocking: $250/year

According to Mike Porter a Senior Wildlife and Fisheries Consultant

“Controlling aquatic vegetation with grass carp is one of the
options available to pond owners with aquatic plant problems. In
many situations, the use of grass carp is an economical, long
lasting, and effective option. However, grass carp are not
appropriate for every pond with abundant aquatic plants.
Whether grass carp should be stocked in a pond or not, depends
on the goals for the pond, the plant species causing problems,
and the probability of grass carp escaping the pond.”
 Grass Carp – Facts Sheet
• Grass Carp can get up to around 55 pounds
• They live for about 10-15 years and sometimes even longer
• They can grow up to 4.8 feet but the average is 23.5-39.5 inches
• Hybrid Grass Carp will not reproduce
• When introducing them to the lake the minimum size is 8 inches long
General Info • Maximum amount of fish per acre is 9
• Average price for a grass carp is $10
• We would require the Wild Animal Regulated Fish Permit
General Info Grass Carp –
Benefits & Possible Issues
Pros  Control the algae population
 Adds a new species to the lake’s biodiversity
 Allows for more fish to be fished from the lake
 Hybrid species will not reproduce

Cons  Can escape in up to 3 inch water streams

 Are large compared to other fish
 Must be replenished
 Dredging
Long-Term
Solution
Two Options
 Cost: $10-$40 per cubic yard
Mechanical Dredging Total: $300,000-$500,000
Background for Solution
 Dredging is the overall long-term solution to
getting rid of algae and sediment in the lake.
 Dredging the lake will result in consequential short
term issues but is the only long term alternative
that prevents the lake from filling in through the
natural and manmade sedimentation process.
 Short term negative impact might killing fish and
aquatic plants, loss of water and reduction of
esthetics .

Materials List and Cost

1. Estimates from dredging companies
2. In-depth commercial sediment study
3. Initial environmental impact study
4. Estimated cost based on class sediment study:
17,000 cubic yards of sediment
$25 per cubic yard = $425,000
General Info Mechanical Dredging – Facts Sheet

 Mechanical dredging is defined as a type of dredging that "involves the use of heavy equipment at the
shoreline or working off a barge and may or may not involve draining a lake."
 How it works: work by mechanically digging organic sediment from bottom surface of water. Typically
by the use of a bucket(most common) . Bucket Dredging is stationary, fixed by anchoring and moves
while it dredges by winches. Features multi buckets that fill as it scrapes the bottom. Material that is
dredged is loaded in a barge and hauled away.
 Permit: we need a dredging permit which we need to fill out an application and this is from the state.
Need permission from board and city of Tucker in order to do it. Need application, certified survey
showing amount of silt to be removed, stamped by certi profrssionsl engineer, executidied boundary line
agreement between permittee and GA. Power, erosion control plan for stabilizing spoil removed,
executed dredging permit, sight visit by GA. Power representative In county local issuing authority for
EPD, letter from local issuing authority, revegetation plan for any disturbed areas.
 Prices: $4-8 per cubic yard plus combined for mobilizing and demobilizing: $20,000-50,000 meaning
in total: around $300,demobilizing
 Company: dregdingspecialist.com
General Info Effects on the Environment

 Hydraulic dredging is an invasive process and has the potential to do

harm to the ecosystem unless properly handled.
 Fish would have to be removed and protected in an outside
environment.
 An alternative would be to simply purchase replacement fish afterward,
but we determined it would be best to preserve as much of the
environment as possible.
 The most effective way to remove the fish would be to shock the fish,
stunning them, so we can collect them and store them safely.
 Unfortunately, catfish, by nature, are immune to the shocking, and would likely
need to be replenished.
 We would purchase the same species after the dredging and reintroduce them
to the lake along with our algae eating fish.
General Info Additional Prices and Permitting
 Estimated Cost Breakdown to Dredge - $200,000 to
$400,000
$4 - $8 per cubic yard
Approx. 43,900 yd3
$20,000 - $50,000 service/mobilization fee
 Electrofishing – $2,000 to $5,500, depending on
necessary power/size
 Purchase catfish – Approx. $590 for moderately sized fish
 We would need permits from the EPD, Army Corps of
Engineers, and DNR
 Cost: TBD
Long-Term
Solution Envirodredging

What is Envirodredging ?
 Removes sediment from bodies of water
 Is environmentally friendly
 Is a mix between hydraulic and mechanical dredging
 Is a type of amphibious dredge

Materials List and Cost

Envirodredging will most likely be more expensive than
other forms of dredging because it is a newer technology -
Requires a surveyor to visit and give an estimate
We are obtaining an estimate from the provided within 30
days
Information Link: http://www.envirodredge.com/
General Info Envirodredging – Facts Sheet
Pros  Doesn't cause any ground disturbance
 Doesn't require the removal of aquatic life
 No draining of water
 Doesn't disturb roadways
 Improves water quality
 Will not affect bodies of water downstream
 Removed sediment is dried and can be used as fertile topsoil

Cons  May require various permits

 Most likely more expensive than other forms of dredging
Conclusion
 Conclusion
 Eutrophication leads to sedimentation of the lake, eventually filling
it in and killing the wildlife residing in it.
 If the lake fills in, the runoff will go downstream and
potentially flood the houses and land downstream.
 Every week when going to the lake, we found the average dissolved
oxygen (D.O.) to be between 6-7 during the day time, the next steps
of the study is to implement DO and pH reading throughout the day
to study fluctuations associated with the lake’s seasonal algae
bloom.
 If the lake is not managed and eventually dredged, it will as all
manmade lakes do, fill in.
Resources

 http://www.crisafullipumps.com/dredging-world-
news/bid/53222/Hydraulic-Dredging-A-cost-effective-solution-for-
most-dredging-tasks
 http://www.learnengineering.org/2014/01/centrifugal-hydraulic-
pumps.html
 http://www.smith-root.com/support/kb/how-do-i-select-the-right-
electrofisher/
 http://www.electro-fisher.com/testimonials.html
 http://www.dredgingspecialists.com/Dredging101.htm
 https://www.jonesfish.com/content/channel-catfish
 http://www.aquaculture-com.net/Electrofishers.htm