By Harry Looney – July 2024

The Virginia General Assembly approved an additional $500,000 in the fiscal year 2025 budget for continued efforts on the Lake Anna Cyanobacteria Mitigation and Remediation Program. The program, managed by the Lake Anna Advisory Committee, focuses on the remediation of phosphorus levels in the lake and sediment and nutrients entering the lake from the 218,500 acre watershed. The Lake Anna Advisory Committee will develop a plan for the execution of the fiscal year 2025 funding based on data collected from the efforts being executed this year using the previously appropriated $1 million dollars of state funding.

The Lake Anna Cyanobacteria Mitigation and Remediation Program is currently focused on reducing phosphorus levels in the upper North Anna River and Terry’s Run. EutroPHIX is the company leading the effort on the upper North Anna River and Clean Streams, Rivers, and Lakes is working in Terry’s Run. The reduction of excess phosphorus has been shown through multiple research studies over the past several decades to mitigate cyanobacteria levels. The mitigation effect is achieved through the removal of soluble phosphorus in the water which the cyanobacteria use as a source of food/energy.

Both contractors implemented their approved technical approaches in mid-June to reduce excess phosphorus in both tributaries. Those of you living on or near the upper North Anna River from the Harris bridge (route 522) to the headwaters of the lake, including Goldmine and Duckinhole Creeks and all of Terry’s Run saw treatment activities the last 2 weeks of June. All treatments were completed by the fourth of July holiday. The products being used by both contractors were approved by Dominion Energy and reviewed by both the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). The treatments are safe for humans, dogs, aquatic life, and the environment.

The Lake Anna community is thankful for the funding bills introduced by Delegates Fowler and Laufer and Senator McGuire during the last session of the General Assembly for continued state funding for the program. Please contact the LACA Program Manager if you want to get involved in LACA’s volunteer efforts or if you want to get more information on cyanobacteria / HAB issues at Lake Anna.

harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org