The City of Austin is now entering the final phase of a five-year program designed to combat the growth of harmful algae in Lady Bird Lake, KXAN reported. The method involves using lanthanum-modified clay to bind phosphorus, thereby reducing algae proliferation. The initial application of this year will commence today, with possible extensions in case of necessity.
According to the Austin Journal, operations are scheduled to occur at three key locations: Red Bud Isle, the boat ramp on the north shore west of I-35, and along the north shore between I-35 and Festival Beach Boat Ramp. Residents might see a barge spraying a gray slurry into the water, a safe but visually noticeable procedure. Recreational users are advised to temporarily steer clear during the treatment.
The city has been waging this battle since a deadly bloom in 2019 that resulted in the death of six dogs, as per KXAN. Brent Bellinger, the program's supervisor, noted that "with land use change, with fertilization of our landscapes, we now have excess nitrogen and especially phosphorus coming into our lakes," which are driving the growth of algae.
The effort comes with an annual price tag of $300,000, as the Austin Journal mentions, and is funded through utility bill drainage charges. Upon the completion of the pilot program, ongoing monitoring and data analysis will be conducted to guide future responses. Additional measures such as minimizing fertilizer use and planting native vegetation, can help locals contribute to the reduction of algae-nourishing nutrient runoff.
