Sharing this note from David Sachs, TLPOA President, about results from some testing and lake plans for next summer. More to come in regular updates:

Truesdale Lake Update – 2016-12-29

Greetings and Happy Hanukah and Merry Christmas to you all. I hope that you are having ample time to spend with friends and family and food this week and..

I wanted to provide you all with a quick update about Truesdale Lake and plans for this coming summer – even though there is currently a lot of ice on the lake.

1. First of all, the copper study that was mandated by NYS DEC has been completed by Pond and Lake Connection. They took 26 samples from the lake bottom, and then sent all of the samples to a lab for testing. There were several sites that had readings that were higher than those recommended. Now everyone (including the DEC) is trying to figure out what the implications (if any) are. They have not ever required such testing before, so it is definitely a “work in progress”. We will let you know more as we learn more.   And, one thing that we do not yet know, is if the new attention to copper might impact permissions to continue to use copper sulfate treatments.
2. Second, Pond and Lake Connection has completed the necessary permits for treating Truesdale Lake for summer of 2017. They are to be submitted to NYS DEC during the first two weeks of January, 2017 about three months prior to their intended use.
3. The first permit is for the use of Clipper, an algaecide that is used to kill weeds. It is described as follows: A contact herbicide, the active ingredient in Clipper, flumioxazin, has demonstrated in research trials fast-acting control of aquatic weeds such as cabomba, watermeal, water lettuce, duckweed and, as part of a tank mix, hydrilla. Clipper, which worked best during the early-growth stage of most weeds, also has shown promise for control of some species of algae. Because studies show Clipper dissipated quickly from the water column and did not accumulate in the sediment, Valent Professional Products research and development manager Mike Riffle said it is less of an environmental concern than other, more persistent herbicides. Studies have also shown that Clipper can be applied to control floating or submersed weeds, providing flexibility to applicators. It is anticipated that Clipper will be used during the April time frame to inhibit the growth of weeds in the lake.
4. The second permit is for SeClear, an algaecide that will be used to prohibit the growth of algae during July and August. SeClear is basically copper sulfate (58.9%) and other ingredients. It will be used approximately every two weeks, and, as in the past, on an “as needed basis” depending upon weather conditions and oxygen levels and DEC permitting restrictions.
5. The third permit is for Green Clean Pro – a chemical used to treat for algae – it is really concentrated hydrogen peroxide – works quickly and effectively – but does cost about twice as much as copper sulfate treatments. We have tried this before and it is usually permitted for use AFTER the 1^st of September – and also if you have to use a treatment quickly because there is a problem with algae. The DEC does need a 7-day window for treatments – but that is sometimes quicker than the alternatives.
6. Finally, we are anticipating hearing from Michael Martin from Princeton Hydro during the month of January. He had indicated that he would have a report for us during the mid to late January time frame.

Enjoy this holiday season. Happy New Year in advance.

We will continue to keep you updated about Truesdale Lake during the coming months on a regular basis.

David