FALL 2018

AquaticsinBrief Volume 12, Issue 3 Inside: Page 2 New Technology Highlight: Bioengineered Living Shorelines & Hillsides

Page 3 Case Study: Managing Which Sediment Removal Option Aquatic Weeds and Algae in a Complex Community Canal System is Right for My Property?

Page 4 By Lance Dohman, Regional Leader What Exactly Is Stormwater Runoff? irtually all explanations of dredg- Nuisance Plant Highlight: ing include the physical scooping Torpedograss up of underwater sand and clay Page 5 sediments to enhance a merchant ship’s access to a port or waterway. If these New SOLs V waterways become inaccessible, the eco- Page 6 nomic consequences are far reaching. Today, however, massive algal blooms, animal fatali- Upland, Wetland and ties from toxic byproducts of algae and the Aquatic Plants Every Turf Manager Should spread of invasive plants and animals are Know About sharing the front-page news with national economic interests. For those of us living Hydraulic Dredge Page 7 on a waterbody, it’s clear that our personal Before and After economic interests are rewarded via higher Showcase property values if the nearby water is both Fortunately, there are many proactive Volunteer Spotlight navigable and healthy. As a waterbody ages aquatic management solutions that can be implemented to help slow or prevent the Check Us Out… and becomes “silted-in,” organic nutrients fuel invasive plant and algae growth, and aging of waterbodies, such as proper land property owners suffer the consequences use management, maintenance of beneficial of bright green water, fish kills and danger- vegetative buffers and sediment traps, instal- ous swimming conditions. Unfortunately, lation of aeration systems and utilization of the solution to these rampant biological nutrient absorbing products. However, when problems involves more than just scooping sediment buildup is too much to dock a up the muck. Hence, we need to look at boat or when aquatic plants and algae are dredging options and aquatic management perpetually out of control, you’ll need to call A Full Service Lake, Pond, in a unified perspective. Continued on page 2 Wetland and Fisheries Management Company Top image: Aquamog Dredge

TOLL FREE: 855-825-8679 | www.solitudelakemanagement.com | 2844 Crusader Circle, Ste 450, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 AquaticsinBrief FALL 2018 | Volume 12, Issue 3

Sediment Removal Continued from front cover in a professional waterbody manager ac- or barges to be transport- companied with a portfolio of dredging ed to disposal sites. Truck techniques. transportable mechanical There are several methods of sediment dredges such as Aquamogs removal: hydraulic dredging, clam shell/ can remove small volumes backhoe dredging, dry dredging and hydro- of sediments such as shoals raking. The chosen method will depend that prevent boater access on a number of factors including sediment to a lake, while large ocean- composition, environmental sensitivity, going dredgers are capable volumes of materials removed, budget and of digging to great depths disposal considerations. to facilitate the new era of Hydraulic dredges are the workhorse of ultra large container ships. Hydro Rake the dredging industry and are effective in In the case of the draw- moving large volumes of organic and inor- down and excavation method (dry dredg- er shallow areas that provide nursery sites ganic sediment. They work by sucking slur- ing), the whole waterbody is drained and for aquatic plants and algae. If a pond is ry (a mixture of sediment and water) from sufficient shoreline access is needed for periodically maintained through hydro- the bottom and then pumping it to an off- the trucking and hauling involved. How- raking, the need to perform a large-scale shore location through a pipeline. Hydraulic ever, most lakes cannot be emptied due dredge project may be eliminated, saving dredges have almost continuous operating to environmental concerns or high water financial resources and minimizing ecolog- cycles, allowing removal of large volumes of tables. ical disruptions. material in a short time, while minimizing Hydro-raking is frequently chosen as a While dredging is generally thought of the resuspension of material into the water method to remove nuisance aquatic veg- as an expensive activity, both your water- column due to their closed cycle system of etation, root structures, debris and soft body and your real estate portfolio ben- operation. Typically, this method is better organic sediment on a smaller scale wa- efit significantly from just a few days of suited for sediments with little debris mixed terbody. The hydro-rake can best be de- budget-friendly spot dredging at pump in, as large objects and rocks can damage scribed as a floating barge upon which is intakes, swimming areas or around boat the cutter and clog the pipeline. A large dis- mounted a backhoe with a digging bucket docks. To navigate through a wide variety posal area is also required. or rake capable of removing accumulated of sediment, aquatic plant or algae remov- Mechanical dredges (clam shell or back- muck in water as shallow as 18 inches. al options for your waterbody, we encour- hoe dredgers) use buckets to scoop out Hydro-raking can effectively target organic age you to speak with your lake or pond bottom sediment and transfer it to trucks sediment accumulations in coves and oth- management professional. n

New Technology Highlight: Bioengineered Living Shorelines & Hillsides

OLitude is proud to provide provides superior water-retention prop- SOX Erosion Solutions™ in erties as well as outstanding durability. our suite of erosion control The SOX system is typically filled with Sproducts. The SOX system provides an either organic compost or pond sedi- innovative, eco-friendly solution that ment. SOLitude’s hydro-rakes comple- halts hillside and shoreline erosion while ment this technology well, as it allows immediately stabilizing shorelines and us to utilize material within the water- creating a natural foundation for veg- body to fill the SOX system. Once filled etation. This solution is excellent for and secured, a native buffer of beneficial re-stabilizing and restoring the shores of lakes, ponds and canals in vegetation can be planted or sodded through the mesh and fabric communities and golf courses. The patented SOX system is made layers. Immediately after installation, the SOX mesh begins filtering from a combination of ecofriendly, biodegradable burlap fabric and buffering run-off water, removing harmful contaminants and and heavy-duty, photodegradable knitted mesh. This combination benefiting waterways all while providing ongoing erosion control. n

® 2 SOLitude Lake Management • Aquatics in Brief Case Study: Managing Aquatic Weeds and Algae in a Complex Community Canal System By Nic Butler, Aquatic Specialist

Hydro Rake

Liquid lime application

quatic management plans vary of bladderwort and proliferating spikerush aeration systems throughout the canal as no two waterbodies or prop- within the canals. system. The aeration systems helped limit erties are alike, and there is no In addition to the annual maintenance water cloudiness and foul odors. More “one-size-fits-all”A approach to lake and program, we performed a bathymetric importantly, they helped reduce the overall pond management. Several years ago, we study in preparation for installation of a accumulation of organic sediment on the came across a particularly interesting op- bottom and available nutrients in the water portunity that exemplifies how our team is column, thereby reducing the likelihood of able to successfully utilize a variety of man- problematic algae blooms and other water agement strategies to develop an effective quality problems. and customized plan for the restoration of Additional services were added in order an aquatic ecosystem. to meet the needs of the client including In 2014, the Homeowners’ Association introduction of Triploid Grass Carp to the of a large community in North Carolina waterbodies. These carp feed on aquatic approached SOLitude for help with restor- vegetation, consuming up to three times ing balance to their system of waterbodies. their weight in food each day. Both The 500-acre development consists of a pulverized lime and liquid lime formulations 56-acre canal system, an 11-acre lake and See this project in action! were also added to raise the pH and further 11 other small ponds interspersed through- youtu.be/BwwhvRAk6uA improve water quality. The applications out the community. Significant populations youtu.be/pCtzzfdQJaA were made on two separate occasions of nuisance bladderwort (Utricularia) and and involved loading a pontoon boat with proliferating spikerush (Eleocharis baldwi- large submersed aeration system. Over a the pulverized lime and applying the lime nii) were observed through the waterbod- few days, several thousand data points throughout the entire canal system. ies, along with several algal blooms of both were recorded by traversing acres of the The combination of techniques utilized the planktonic and filamentous varieties. canal system and other lakes. With these to create a customized management plan Our first step was to collect and an- data points, we were able to produce a tailored to this unique property allowed alyze water samples from various sites highly detailed map of the waterbodies the team at SOLitude to exceed all of our throughout the system. These tests re- and what lied beneath the surface. The client’s expectations. At the end of the day, vealed several water quality issues includ- information gleaned from bathymetry it’s more than just dropping in a fountain or ing low levels of dissolved oxygen, low proves invaluable when making decisions pond aerator — we look at each situation pH readings, low alkalinity and higher about how best to manage a waterbody. with a new set of eyes and use all of the than ideal nutrient loads. Our next step Our team then worked with engineers professional management tools available was to address the aquatic plant and al- to design an aeration system to help to us to create a healthy and balanced gae growth. Armed with the water quality improve oxygen levels throughout. aquatic ecosystem and, in this case, we data, the appropriate products were se- Starting in 2016, and adding more in can truly say we have accomplished that lected and used to control the populations 2017, our team installed 31 submersed mission. n

® SOLitude Lake Management • Aquatics in Brief 3 AquaticsinBrief FALL 2018 | Volume 12, Issue 3 What Exactly Is Stormwater Runoff? By Jason Luce, Lake Management Scientist

ave you ever wondered what come non-compliant with local, state happens to a single drop of wa- or federal regulations. Having an an- ter when it rains? Depending nual management plan in place with a uponH where you live, that drop of water lake or pond management professional may land on the ground and seep into the is the best way to make certain your fa- soil or it may land on a leaf and evapo- cilities are functioning properly. Routine rate back into the atmosphere. But, if you monthly inspections focused on managing live in a developed area such as a city or vegetative growth, sediment and debris housing community, the fate of that drop- Overgrown and damaged outflow build-up and erosion are strongly encour- let of water may be a rooftop, sidewalk or aged. Monthly inspections should also fo- road — and eventually end up in a stormwa- cus on the structural aspects such as inflow ter lake or pond. As development increases, pipes, outflow structures and dams. This so does stormwater runoff. Stormwater can help reveal small problems, such as new runoff is the portion of rainfall or snowmelt erosion or minor structural damage, before that “runs off” the landscape instead of they become a large and costly endeavor seeping into the ground. When managed for land owners or HOAs. Additionally, incorrectly, stormwater runoff can become Stormwater management proactive management strategies such as a major problem. facility inspection installation of an aeration system or main- Why is stormwater runoff a concern? tenance of a beneficial vegetative buffer are As stormwater runs across impervious sur- and sediment to be captured before enter- recommended to help promote good water faces, like sidewalks and parking lots, it ing into a freshwater ecosystem. Problems quality and keep your stormwater lake or accumulates and transports nutrients, pol- arise when facilities are left unmanaged or pond looking beautiful. lutants, debris and even harmful chemicals. allowed to “grow in” with unwanted veg- Whether you notice it or not, stormwa- If the runoff is not properly captured in a etation or filled in with too much sediment. ter management is an important part of our stormwater basin, this polluted water can Problems due to unmanaged stormwater everyday lives. As we continue to develop make its way directly into a nearby stream, runoff include costly erosion, property dam- our landscape, we must also educate and lake or wetland. Stormwater management age and flooding. emphasize the importance of keeping our facilities are designed to stop stormwater What can we do to help manage storm- natural ecosystems intact. Through prop- from directly entering natural waterways water runoff effectively? There are likely er stormwater management and routine and also to decrease the speed in which stormwater management facilities and in- maintenance, we can meet the needs of water enters a natural landscape from a frastructure already present in your com- our developing world, while keeping our developed one. Stormwater management munity. Left untouched, these facilities natural freshwater ecosystems healthy for facilities also allow nutrients, pollutants can develop deficiencies and even be- generations to come. n

Nuisance Plant Highlight: Torpedograss By Robert Truax, Natural Resources Scientist

any southern states experienced Torpedograss infestations this year. Torpedograss (Panicum littorale), also known as quack grass and bullet grass, was first introduced to the United States in 1876 near Mobile, Alabama and has spread to nuisance levels throughout the South. Torpedograss is a perennial Mgrass, and the first step to proper control is correctly identifying it. It can grow up to three feet tall and, unlike some grasses, is commonly identified by its creeping rhizomatous root structure and rigid sharp pointed (torpedo-like) tips. Upper leaf sheaths can also have hairs on their upper edges. A unique characteristic used to identify torpedo- grass are the long hairs near the base of the leaf (ligule). Physical control techniques such as cutting and digging up the rhizomes may be employed, but complete eradication through physical control alone is often difficult due to the plant’s ability to reestablish from seeds. Successful control of torpedograss can be achieved through precise herbicide applications by a licensed professional, performed alone or in conjunction with physical control. n

® 4 SOLitude Lake Management • Aquatics in Brief In each issue, team members from SOLitude are highlighted. It is our pleasure to introduce you to the incredibly talented members of our team and give you New SOLs insight into the vast array of knowledge and experience they offer. Jim Sheeran Rease Patrick Aquatic Specialist Aquatic Specialist Fort Myers, FL Tyler, TX Jim is an aquatic specialist with more Rease specializes in the sustainable man- than a decade of experience in the agement of aquatic weeds and algae, aquatic weed management industry. He and has a special interest in fisheries works with golf courses, homeowners management. Rease has a Bachelor of associations and private landowners in Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Southwest Florida to cultivate lakes, ponds and wetlands that with a concentration in wildlife management, forestry and his- meet their aesthetic, ecological and budgetary goals. tory from Mississippi State University.

Ricardo Montalvan-Alamo Lauren Sullivan Wetland Crew Technician Project Coordinator West Palm, FL Shrewsbury, MA Ricardo is knowledgeable about sustain- Lauren assists SOLitude’s Mechanical Di- able lake, pond and wetland manage- vision with invasive weed management ment strategies and how to utilize those projects, GIS mapping and freshwater strategies to cultivate a healthy native conservation efforts. Lauren graduated ecosystem. As a member of the Wet- in 2010 from Westfield State University land Crew, he focuses on the restoration and preservation with a degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Geo- of precious marsh areas and delicate aquatic ecosystems in graphic Information Systems (GIS). southwest Florida.

Pam Murray Mary Jane Moyer Service and Contracts Administrator Regional Administrator Virginia Beach, VA Georgetown, DE

Pam is a service and contracts administra- Mary Jane is a client relations profes- tor focused on processing service agree- sional who works closely with the sales ments and supporting SOLitude’s opera- and operations teams to create and pro- tions and administrative teams in Virginia cess proposals, welcome new clients and Beach, VA. Pam has more than a decade implement special projects throughout of project management, business and leadership experience. the region. She previously worked as a community manager, Prior to joining SOLitude, Pam was a leader with Bank of Amer- where she gained valuable knowledge in the fields of lake and ica for 17 years. pond management.

Devin McGuire Marti Veatch Business Development Consultant Business Development Consultant Richmond, VA Orlando, FL Devin is focused on educating and sup- Marti helps support the team’s territory porting clients throughout the Richmond, growth across Central and North Flori- VA region. Devin has extensive sales and da, educating property owners about account management experience in a va- sustainable lake, pond and wetland riety of markets, including healthcare, IT, management solutions. Marti graduated pesticide supplies and the industrial equipment industry. with a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia.

® SOLitude Lake Management • Aquatics in Brief 5 AquaticsinBrief FALL 2018 | Volume 12, Issue 3 Upland, Wetland and Aquatic Plants Every Turf Manager Should Know About

Creeping Water Primrose By David Riedl, Environmental Scientist

ot only are turf managers responsible for the land, but quite often are tasked with overseeing the maintenance of the waterbodies on the property as well. Pond maintenance, in combinationN with turf management, opens the door to a plethora of issues most turf managers might not know how to address. However, simply knowing how to identify a few types of vegetation within a wa- terbody can help turf managers maintain a healthy property. The first type of vegetation turf managers should be aware of is shoreline vegetation. A few notable examples that can cause stress to turf managers are Cattails (Typha sp.), Creeping Water Primrose (Ludwigia peploides, CWP), and Phragmites (Phragmites australis). Cattails grow in shallow areas and can block inflow and outflow points, ultimately increasing potential for flooding. CWP can be very aggressive Watermeal and, if left unchecked, can quickly cover an entire pond in one season. Phragmites is one of the most aggressive and invasive plants. They can quickly grow over fifteen feet tall, shading out any native vegetation. When it comes to aquatic vegetation, turf managers should be aware of both floating and submersed lake weeds. Floating weeds, such as duckweed (Lemna sp.) and watermeal (Wolffia sp.), often get confused with algae, but are actually small plants floating on the surface of the water. Duckweed and watermeal often grow in slow- Cattails moving and nutrient-rich waterbodies, such as old farm ponds or golf course ponds that are next to frequently fertilized turf areas. While often mistaken for algae, management strategies for these types of floating weeds are very different. A prime example of a problematic submersed weed is Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). A couple of easy ways to identify Hydrilla are by its bushy appearance and, if studied closely, the edges of the leaves, which are serrated. Hydrilla can resemble other beneficial types of submersed vegetation, as well, so it’s important to consult a professional who can Phragmites Duckweed correctly identify the plant and recommend the appropriate treatment strategy. Turf managers have a broad spectrum of duties and being tasked with water management can be overwhelming. Knowing how to identify a few basic types of vegetation can go a long way in keeping water-related issues at bay and relieving extra stress on the job. The control techniques used for these weeds is not, however, “cookie- cutter” and each management plan should be unique based on a variety of considerations and variables. That is why it is always recommended to work with a professional lake and pond manager when combatting nuisance or invasive upland, wetland or aquatic vegetation. And, Hydrilla ultimately, the best solution for long-term control is a proactive and ongoing management plan. n

® 6 SOLitude Lake Management • Aquatics in Brief Before and After Showcase Check Us Out Excellence in Water Quality Treatments

Location: Fort Myers, FL OLitude will be participating Surface Area: 4.71 acre S in the following events over community waterbody the coming months. Come visit us!

Primary Target: Southern naiad CAI San Antonio CA Day and lyngbya September 28 Restored By: Jim Dougherty, San Antonio, TX Regional Leader Before After Orlando Condo and Location: St. Louis, MO HOA Expo Surface Area: 4 acre private pond October 3 Orlando, FL Primary Target: Alum treatment to improve water quality and reduce turbidity CAI Houston Trade Show October 5 Restored By: Adam Burger, Aquatic Biologist Houston, TX Before After CAI Tennessee Trade Show Location: Dallas, TX October 16 Surface Area: 3 acre medical Nashville, TN center terraced drainage canal Primary Target: Filamentous algae CAI New Jersey and American pondweed Conference & Expo October 18 Restored By: Cory Smith, Regional Leader Freehold, NJ Before After CAI Hudson Valley Expo October 24 White Plains, NY

St. Louis Apartment Association (SLAA) Fall Expo Volunteer of the Quarter Supports & Seminar October 25 Grade School Science Project St. Charles, MO

We’re pleased to name Aquatic Biolo- North American Lake gist Brea Arvidson of Massachusetts as Management Society Volunteer of the Quarter for the second (NALMS) 38th International quarter of 2018! Brea started the second Symposium quarter participating in the annual New October 30 – November 2 England office Earth Day cleanup with the Cincinnati, OH Blackstone River Watershed Association. On Carolinas GCSA Conference her own time, Brea organized an independent and Show Earth Day cleanup with her mother in her November 12-14 neighborhood in Harrisville, MA. Next, Brea Myrtle Beach, SC and her parents attended and volunteered for Stonewall Farm’s annual educational Colorado Water Congress own, bringing her total hours for the year open house, which strives to connect local (CWC) Annual Convention residents through education and sustainable to 20. In 2017, the SOLitude team volun- January 30 - February 1 (2019) farming practices. Brea also participated in teered more than 3,000 collective hours as Denver, CO a community food drive benefiting Stamp part of The SOLution program. Congratula- Out Hunger and spent an afternoon judging tions, Brea! Mosquito and Vector Control water-related projects created by 3rd and To learn how you can join Brea and oth- Association of California 4th graders at a local school. ers at SOLitude in making a difference in (MVCAC) Annual Conference In the second quarter, Brea logged 14 your local community, visit solitudelakeman- February 3-5 (2019) family hours and 14 volunteer hours of her agement.com/solution. n Burlingame, CA

® SOLitude Lake Management • Aquatics in Brief 7 Want helpful lake, pond, wetland and fisheries management tips at any time? PRESRT STD U.S.Postage PAID Norfolk, VA Permit No. 287 TOLL FREE: 855.825.8679 www.solitudelakemanagement.com 2844 Crusader Circle, Ste 450, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 Email: [email protected] • Fax: 888.358.0088 Services and Consultation Offered Nationwide • Annual Lake & Pond Management • Water Quality Restoration • Fountain & Aeration Systems • Algae & Aquatic Weed Control • Fisheries Management • Water Quality Testing • Bathymetric Studies • Biological Augmentation • Mechanical Harvesting • Ultrasonic Algae Control • Dredging & Hydro-raking

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