Kiera Jefferson
Vancouver Lake, located in Vancouver, Washington, has a history of pollution issues. The lake, which is known for its recreational uses such as windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing, has periodically been closed due to high levels of E. coli and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms. In recent years, there has been an increasing presence of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) in the lake, leading to community efforts to treat the infestation with an approved herbicide. Suburbanization of the watershed area and agricultural interests have also contributed to water pollution in Vancouver Lake, with a creek on the eastern shoreline previously being a major source of pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollution sources | Suburbanization of watershed area, seasonal variation in river and lake levels, agricultural interests, and a neglected creek |
| Pollutants | Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), E. coli, Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) |
| Pollution control efforts | Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership, WSU scientist-led cleanup plans, treatment with herbicide ProcellaCOR |
| Depth | Maximum: 12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 m); Mean: <3 feet (0.9 m) |
| Size | 2,300 acres; 2 miles wide; 7 miles of shoreline |
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What You'll Learn
Vancouver Lake's water quality issues
Vancouver Lake, located just west of Vancouver, Washington, has faced several water quality issues over the years. The lake, which serves as a recreational site for water sports and wildlife, has a history of water pollution that has led to periodic closures and efforts to improve water quality.
One of the primary water quality issues in Vancouver Lake is the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. In recent years, the lake has been closed multiple times due to dangerous levels of cyanobacteria blooms, which pose a risk to swimmers, waders, and wind surfers. These blooms can have adverse health effects, and authorities have implemented monitoring and public health response protocols to address them.
Another issue faced by Vancouver Lake is water pollution from surrounding sources. Suburbanization of the watershed area has contributed to increased pollution levels in the lake. Additionally, until the 1980s, Burnt Bridge Creek, which flows into the lake, was neglected and served as a major source of pollution. To address these issues, the Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership was formed in 2004 to bring together agencies and citizens to understand and address the complex ecosystem and pollution concerns affecting the lake.
In the 1960s, WSU scientists developed a plan to clean up the lake, which included dredging and flushing the water body. This project was successfully completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1980s, resulting in the formation of Turtle Island in the northern half of the lake. More recently, in 2019, local volunteers and community members secured a permit to treat the lake with ProcellaCOR, a newly-approved herbicide targeted at treating the increasing levels of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) in the lake.
While efforts have been made to improve water quality, Vancouver Lake continues to face challenges. With its shallow depths and varying water levels, the lake remains susceptible to pollution and ecological disruptions. Ongoing monitoring and collaborative initiatives are necessary to ensure the lake's health and sustainability for both recreational and environmental purposes.
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The lake's history of pollution
Vancouver Lake, located just west of Vancouver, Washington, has a long history of pollution. The lake's connection to the Columbia River was severed when flood control structures were constructed for the river. This disconnection led to a degradation of water quality in Vancouver Lake. In the 1960s, WSU scientists mounted a significant effort to address the lake's pollution issues. However, it was nearly two decades before their study and recommendations were fully implemented.
In the early 1980s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a dredging project around the perimeter of the lake, forming an island in the northern half called Turtle Island. This project aimed to improve water quality by massing up the sediment in the middle of the lake. Additionally, a 4,000-meter-long canal was dug near the lake's closest point to the Columbia River, and tidal gates were installed at one end. These measures were intended to improve water circulation and reduce pollution levels.
Despite these efforts, Vancouver Lake continued to face water pollution challenges. Suburbanization of the watershed area contributed to increased pollution levels. Additionally, until the 1980s, Burnt Bridge Creek, one of the lake's water sources flowing through residential areas, was neglected and became a major source of pollution. In recent years, the lake has faced new environmental concerns, including the presence of dangerous levels of E. coli, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM).
In response to the EWM infestation, local volunteers formed a non-profit organization called Friends of Vancouver Lake in 2019. Working with community members and agencies, they secured a permit to treat the lake with ProcellaCOR, a newly approved herbicide that targets EWM while being non-toxic to humans, fish, and wildlife. The treatment was carried out in July 2020, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to enhance the environmental qualities of Vancouver Lake and ensure its sustainability for recreational activities.
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Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) infestation
Vancouver Lake, located just west of Vancouver, Washington, has been subject to various water pollution issues over the years. One significant challenge has been the infestation of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM). The presence of EWM in Vancouver Lake was first noticed by lake users in 2017, and it gradually increased over time.
EWM is an invasive aquatic plant species that can rapidly spread and cause significant environmental and recreational issues. It forms dense mats of vegetation that can choke out native plant life, disrupt the natural ecosystem, and hinder recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The infestation can have detrimental effects on the lake's ecology and the surrounding community that values the lake for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
In response to the growing EWM problem, concerned citizens of Vancouver Lake joined forces with local and state agencies in late 2018 to assess the situation and develop a management plan. This collaborative effort led to the formation of a non-profit organization called Friends of Vancouver Lake in early 2019. The group worked diligently to address the issue and secured a Washington State permit to treat the lake with a newly approved herbicide, ProcellaCOR, which is targeted to EWM but non-toxic to humans, fish, and wildlife.
However, environmental conditions prevented the treatment from being administered in 2019. Finally, on July 7, 2020, Vancouver Lake and its flushing channel were successfully treated with ProcellaCOR, marking a significant step towards managing the EWM infestation. This treatment was a result of the persistent efforts of the Friends of Vancouver Lake, who continue to work towards preserving and enhancing the environmental and recreational qualities of the lake.
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The lake's closure due to health hazards
Vancouver Lake, located just west of Vancouver, Washington, in the United States, has faced challenges due to water pollution and health hazards. In late summer, the Clark County Health Department made the decision to close the lake temporarily due to dangerous health risks. The picturesque lake, known for its serene and shallow waters, had to prohibit swimmers, waders, and wind surfers for a period of 30 days due to the presence of harmful levels of E. coli and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
The lake, which covers approximately 2,300 acres and boasts views of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams, has a maximum depth of 12 to 15 feet and a mean depth of less than 3 feet. Its tranquil waters are a haven for various water sports and recreational activities, including rowing, kayaking, and sailing. However, the lake has not always been in pristine condition, and the closure due to health hazards is not an isolated incident.
Vancouver Lake has a history of water pollution issues. As early as the 1960s, WSU scientists embarked on a monumental plan to address water pollution in the lake. Despite their efforts, the lake continued to face challenges. Suburbanization of the watershed area contributed to increasing pollution levels, and by the late 2010s, lake users noticed a significant presence of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM). This invasive species posed a threat not only to the lake's ecosystem but also to the recreational activities it supported.
In response to the EWM infestation, concerned citizens, local agencies, and community members united to address the issue. Their collaborative efforts led to the formation of Friends of Vancouver Lake, a non-profit organization. Together, they secured a Washington State permit to treat the lake with ProcellaCOR, a newly approved herbicide that specifically targets EWM while remaining non-toxic to humans, fish, and wildlife. The treatment, which took place in July 2020, was a step towards restoring the lake's health and ensuring the safety of those who enjoy various activities on its waters.
While the temporary closure of Vancouver Lake due to health hazards was necessary to protect public safety, it also served as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to maintain and improve the lake's ecosystem. Through the dedication of scientists, government agencies, and community organizations, Vancouver Lake has the potential to remain a beautiful and safe recreational site for years to come. However, continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential to address future challenges and ensure the well-being of both the environment and the people who cherish this natural haven.
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Efforts to improve the lake's water quality
Vancouver Lake, located just west of Vancouver, Washington, has faced challenges with water pollution over the years. The lake is a popular spot for recreational activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing, but it has also been periodically closed due to concerns over water quality, specifically regarding cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms and E. coli contamination. Various efforts have been made to improve the lake's water quality and address these issues.
One notable initiative is the formation of the Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership in 2004. This partnership brings together agencies and citizens to explore the complex ecosystem of the lake and understand the factors contributing to algae blooms. By facilitating discussions and supporting studies, the partnership aims to find sustainable solutions to improve water quality and preserve the lake's environmental integrity.
In the late 1960s, WSU scientists also played a significant role in assessing water pollution and proposing solutions. Their research laid the groundwork for future improvements, although some of their recommendations, such as dredging and flushing the lake, were initially met with hesitation due to the potential risks and costs involved.
One successful project aimed at enhancing water quality was undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1980s. They conducted a dredging project that created Turtle Island in the northern half of the lake. Additionally, they dug a 4,000-meter-long canal near the lake's closest point to the Columbia River and installed tidal gates to control water flow. These interventions helped manage water levels and reduce pollution.
More recently, in 2018, concerned citizens, local volunteers, and community members joined forces to address the increasing levels of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) in the lake. Together, they secured a Washington State permit to treat the lake with ProcellaCOR, a newly approved herbicide that specifically targets EWM while remaining non-toxic to humans, fish, and wildlife. The treatment was carried out in July 2020, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to improve Vancouver Lake's water quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Vancouver Lake has been subject to pollution from a variety of sources. In the 1960s, WSU scientists worked on a plan to clean up the lake. Since then, the lake has periodically been closed due to dangerous levels of E. coli and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). There has also been an increasing presence of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) in the lake, which was treated with an herbicide in 2020.
Suburbanization of the lake's watershed area has been a major contributor to the increase in water pollution. In addition, until the 1980s, Burnt Bridge Creek, which flows into the lake, was neglected and was a major source of pollution.
The Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership was formed in 2004 to bring together agencies and citizens to explore issues affecting the lake, including water pollution. Local volunteers have also formed a non-profit organization, Friends of Vancouver Lake, which secured a permit to treat the lake with an herbicide to target EWM.
