Susan Miers Smith: Blue Marsh Lake algae inhibitor system being tested

May 18—The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District has announced that its park staff will be testing a system that aims to reduce harmful algal blooms at Blue Marsh Lake.

A toxic algae bloom shut down the swim beach area of the lake in late August and continued to foul the water through October.

The lake has a surface area of more than 1,100 acres and stretches into four Berks townships: Bern, Lower Heidelberg, North Heidelberg and Penn.

"In preparation for another HABs (harmful algal blooms) season, USACE has developed a strategic plan for monitoring, sharing risk information and managing harmful algal blooms," the announcement stated.

The Corps said it has partnered with EM Fluids Inc. and Liberty Environmental to conduct an efficacy trial for algal bloom management, which includes two mitigation devices and a monitor.

"In laboratory and field studies, the (mitigation) device has demonstrated the promotion of increased oxygen transfer from air to water, reduction of excess nutrients in the water column, reduction of sludge/sediment accumulation, reduction of unwanted algae, and improvements to aesthetic characteristics such as odor, water clarity, and color," the Corps said. "Fish studies indicate the device does not negatively impact the behavior or health of fish."

"The devices should not interfere with any devices in use near them due to the low frequency range they emit signals," Brianna Treichler, a park ranger/natural resource specialist at Blue Marsh, said in an email..

Visitors who encounter the devices should not touch or disturb them, the Corps said.

Citations will be issued to anyone found tampering with the research equipment, it added.