Pilot Program Aims to Fight Harmful Algal Blooms on Skaneateles Lake
Harmful Algal Blooms on Skaneateles Lake (Skaneateles Watershed Municipal Partnership)
ITHACA, NY -- Skaneateles Lake will be the site of a pilot program to combat Harmful Algal Blooms.
The program will utilize dock and boat based sensors, as well as satellites to detect HABs on Skaneateles Lake. To remediate the toxic blooms, dock mounted devices will release air bubbles which are supposed to rapidly kill the cyanobacteria that cause the blooms.
The program is starting with just three swimming areas in Skaneateles Lake which, besides being a recreation destination, also serves as the primary drinking water source for the city of Syracuse. The HABs detection and rapid remediation pilot system is being funded with $100,000 from New York state.
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This interview has been edited for clarity. Harmful algal blooms, HABS, occur in the summer months in waterbodies across the country. But winter is when researchers and activists review the data and assess the impact of the season’s blooms. The toxins are dangerous to human and animal life. More of them are showing up in…
Pilot Program Aims to Fight Harmful Algal Blooms on Skaneateles Lake
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