SCH Number 2022060526

Project Info

Title

Use of Copper to Control Algae and Aquatic Animal Invasive Species in Lake Casitas

Description

Casitas Municipal Water District proposes to apply copper-containing algaecides and/or molluscicides in compliance with Water Quality Order 2013-0002-DWQ (CAG990005) Statewide General NPDES Permit for Residual Aquatic Pesticide Discharges to Waters of the U.S. from Algae and Aquatic Weed Control Applications & Water Quality Order 2016-XXXX-DWQ (CAG990006) Statewide General NPDES Permit for Biological Pesticides and Residual Chemical Pesticide Discharges to Waters of the U.S. from Aquatic Animal Invasive Species Control Applications to control algae and invasive mussels that threaten to degrade Lake Casitas' existing and potential beneficial uses. Nuisance algae growth can degrade aesthetic and recreational functions of the lake and present operational challenges to reservoir and water treatment facility managers. In addition, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms can produce cyanotoxins which impart undesirable taste and odors to lake water and drinking water and can be harmful to humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife. Dreissenid mussels have been identified in nearby waterbodies and pose an immediate threat due to their ability to colonize in and block water delivery infrastructure and strip food from the water that is necessary to sustain other aquatic life.

3 documents in project