The Kansas Department of Health and Environment initiated, on July 23, a project to treat the Milford Gathering Pond, located near the outlet of Milford Reservoir in Geary County, with a hydrogen peroxide-based algaecide. This project is part of the KDHE’s efforts to investigate and demonstrate in-lake treatment options to reduce the frequency and duration of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) events on public lakes. The Milford Gathering Pond has been on a Public Health Advisory Warning due to HABs since June 27.
The Milford Gathering Pond has a surface area of about 100 acres. The current application is directed at a 75-acre portion of this pond, with a treatment depth of 3 feet, totaling 225 acre-feet of treated lake water. The work is being conducted by a State of Kansas contractor, utilizing an EPA-registered aquatic algaecide and precision application equipment, to complete a targeted treatment for control of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Peroxide-based algaecides can provide rapid, targeted in-lake management of HABs. Effects on desirable plants, fish and other aquatic life are negligible, and there are no water use restrictions after its application. Samples are being collected both before and after the application, to evaluate the performance of the treatment. The effectiveness of the treatment will be carefully evaluated as the state continues to pilot affordable and feasible tools to reduce HABs in Kansas.
(Read more: Hays Post)