Reservoir manager talks about algae, park improvements
During the Marion Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon Friday, members were introduced to Mark Chester, the lake manager for Marion Reservoir, Council Grove, and John Redmond at Burlington. He works for the Tulsa district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Following a summary of background and future projects, Chester talked about the blue-green algae situation at Marion Reservoir.
"The problem is not going to go away overnight," said Chester. "It has taken 30 years for this to build up."
Chester said the algae has always been there but not to the degree it is now. He also said this problem will occur in more reservoirs as they mature and develop organic buildup.
Better drainage and farming practices during the past 10 years will benefit the reservoir, said Chester.
"Improvements made now will benefit the reservoir five, six, seven years down the road," Chester said. "As quickly as it (the algae) appeared it will disappear."
Chester said within a 10-year period the algae should disappear.
The manager noted there are two sides to the issue of treating the water in the reservoir.
"Visitation has not been affected by the algae," said Chester. "Camp sites are booked."
"As long as fishing stays good, people will come," Chester added.
Chester asked for questions from chamber members with one asking if the drinking water was affected this year.
Chester answered the cities of Marion and Hillsboro are treating the water to compensate for the algae.
"It's an additional cost for the cities," Chester said, with the possibility of the cost being passed on to the consumer.
Currently there is no program through the Army Corps of Engineers for reimbursement due to water toxins.
"I've attended three meetings this week with the cities," Chester said. "One good thing that's coming out of all of this is the cities are doing a lot of planning."
Indications at these meetings are the cities will continue to use reservoir water, Chester said.
Another chamber member asked if the fish were affected by the algae. Chester answered the algae does not affect the fish.
Chester did explain there might be a "fish kill" when the algae dies — not due to the release of toxins, but because of lack of oxygen for the fish, resulting in the fish dying.
Terry Holt, park ranger, added he has not seen any abnormal "fish kills" related to algae.
A third chamber member asked if direct contact with the water was advisable with the current outbreak.
Chester said the Tulsa district's biologist said it was not a concern to him.
"I wouldn't advise getting in the highly concentrated areas," Chester said. "A person can't digest enough of it to kill them."
Swimmers who come in direct contact with a concentrated area of algae may experience a rash or some skin irritation, Chester said.
Holt added he was concerned about the algae concentration over Memorial Day weekend.
Holt said he was in communication with Kansas Department of Health and Environment and received permission from KDHE for park personnel to use their best judgment in recreational activities in those areas.
A beach at Hillsboro Cove was closed for a short period of time over the holiday weekend, said Holt, due to the algae. But the wind changed the amount of algae in that area and the beach was reopened.
"We have personnel going out on a regular basis to observe the outbreak," Holt said. If necessary, other areas may be closed to the public for safety sake.
Recent rains have not affected the algae, Holt said.
"On cloudy days, the water doesn't look as green as it does on sunny days," explained Holt.
Chester said clarity of the lake assists the algae outbreak.
"Several good flushings will help to deplete the algae," said Chester, in addition to controlling the new organic load.
Marion Reservoir has 200 square miles for drainage which is manageable, said Holt.
Chester noted the state has not dealt with the algae situation. Guidelines from the World Health Organization are being followed.
"This type of algae has been in Australia for the past 50 to 100 years," said Chester. "We're all in a big learning curve right now," with the "we" being KDHE, state water office, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
"No one wants to set a precedence," Chester concluded. "Assigning roles of who's to do what is the next step."
Prior to the discussion of the algae situation, Chester reported Marion Reservoir is the number one reservoir in the Tulsa district with Cottonwood Point being the number one park in the district.
Chester said the Tulsa district had its work force depleted by 126 employees, mostly middle management, due to restructuring.
"The organization has changed administratively," Chester explained. "Terry (Holt) and his staff are still intact."
Holt's and the other staff members' roles won't change, Chester said. The district is starting to see the benefits of employee reductions, he added.
"The main purpose of the reservoir is infrastructure," Chester said. Improvements are needed and with the reduction of employment, these improvements are possible.
"Last year there was $12 million spent on infrastructure in the Tulsa district," Chester said. "This year, there will be $16 million spent."
Chester said Marion Reservoir is an excellent facility with great camping.
"The lake is prolific for fishing," Chester said.
Under the new administration, only those programs that benefit the public are funded to facilities that do well.
Improvements at the Marion facility have totaled more than $300,000 this summer with improvements at Cottonwood Point. Upgrading of electricity, water to all camp sites, and replacement of wood vault toilets with water-borne toilets are the improvements.
Hillsboro Cove is in the top 32 in the district, Chester said.
"The top 12 will get funding," Chester explained, "but the district looks at the top 60 parks."
The group was reminded the park and district employees cannot lobby for additional funds for improvements but the public can and should.
Holt asked chamber members to thank congressional members for their support of the funding.
In other business at the luncheon, Laura Legg of Ampride said super saver discount cards are available for $10. The cards can be used for various discounts at local businesses. The cards available at various locations, including Ampride. Funds go toward the expense of a Marion County drug enforcement dog.
Margo Yates, chamber executive secretary, said the retail sales committee is looking for businesses to sponsor small floral arrangements at St. Luke Hospital and local nursing homes. Those interested should contact Yates.
The monthly chamber luncheons are held at noon on the third Friday of the month at various locations. Contact Yates for more information.
