Monitoring
In 1999, UCR initiated a Lake Lanier Patrol and Monitoring Program to document water quality violations, identify sources and the extent of environmental impacts, and collect data in support of protection initiatives.
UCR shifted the monitoring focus to the collection of chlorophyll-a (chl-a) data and other water quality parameters in 2001, after the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Board adopted water quality standards for 5 mid-channel locations on Lake Lanier. The chlorophyll-a data is used as a surrogate for nutrient levels and as an indicator of pollution hotspots. As nutrient and chlorophyll-a levels rise, algae blooms may occur and oxygen levels decrease. During the summer months, when dissolved oxygen levels are critical for cool water species of fish, high levels of chlorophyll-a can be extremely harmful.
To ensure that Lanier maintains its healthy lake status, UCR advocated the establishment of additional standards and permanent monitoring stations in several embayment locations to provide a more representative picture of the Lake’s overall water quality status.
During 2002-2003, UCR conducted sampling at 10 sites throughout the April-October sampling season, however, we were unable to monitor during 2004, due to the lack of funds to support the program. The data collected by UCR to date and a cursory overview of EPD’s monitoring data support the following assertions:
- EPD should add additional stations to accurately quantify the spatial variation in chlorophyll-a.
- Official standards should be set for Lake embayments near tributary inflows
- Additional monitoring should be conducted in areas with a history of algal blooms
- A detailed action plan should be developed for areas found to be in violation of standards
- The models used to set loadings and develop standards should be updated and verified for accuracy
- We are currently seeking funding to support additional monitoring activities as we move from data collection to data analysis and action.
In March 2006, the Georgia EPD proposed to list portions of Lake Lanier as "impaired", due to chlorophylla violations. See press release.
For more information about our monitoring program, contact Darcie Holcomb
UCR’s Headwaters Office is also working in partnership with the Lake Lanier Association, Gainesville College, Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Program and the Georgia Lakes Society to coordinate and strengthen a volunteer monitoring program on Lake Lanier. The program, revolving around community involvement, is designed to educate citizens about water quality issues and promote lake stewardship by offering a range of activities.
Please also visit these Events:
BacteriALERT Program in the National Recreation Area
White County Bacteria Monitoring Program
