In a recent government meeting, officials discussed various strategies for improving water quality in Lake County, particularly focusing on phosphorus removal from local lakes. The discussions highlighted several project alternatives, their costs, and potential impacts on the watershed.

One of the primary options presented was the implementation of water dispersion basins, which are estimated to cost around $1,800 per pound of total phosphorus removed. While this method appears expensive, officials emphasized the potential mass reduction benefits at a watershed scale, suggesting that larger projects could yield significant improvements.

Another alternative discussed involved enhancing existing wetlands within Lake County. This non-structural approach aims to improve the nutrient absorption capabilities of wetlands without requiring land acquisition, making it a cost-effective option. However, specific costs for phosphorus removal were not available until candidate projects are identified.

The meeting also addressed sediment nutrient inactivation, a cost-effective method priced at approximately $3.39 per pound of phosphorus. However, challenges arise due to regulatory restrictions from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding projects on lakes with sovereign submerged lands, such as Lake Mineola.

Additional structural projects included the installation of curb inlet baskets, which can capture debris and pollutants before they enter the water system. Each unit costs about $2,500, translating to approximately $11.50 per pound of phosphorus removed. Officials noted that these baskets could be implemented incrementally, allowing for evaluation of their effectiveness.

Living shoreline projects were also proposed, aimed at enhancing riparian areas to improve nutrient absorption. While these projects can be beneficial, they are relatively costly, estimated at $75100 per pound of phosphorus removed.

The meeting concluded with a call for a comprehensive watershed management plan to address water quality, quantity, and flood attenuation issues. Officials expressed interest in collaborating with local partners to secure funding and implement effective solutions for the Clermont chain watershed.

Overall, the discussions underscored the complexity of managing water quality in Lake County, balancing cost, regulatory challenges, and the need for effective nutrient reduction strategies.