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In 2018, Lake Carmi was designated a Lake in Crisis due to the increase in significant blue green algae blooms it was experiencing. As a result, a Crisis Response Plan was developed that outlined a series of critical pathway projects to improve the water quality at Lake Carmi. In 2019, the state invested in an aeration system (approximately $1 million) in an effort to limit the impacts of legacy phosphorous and improve internal mixing of the lake. However, after several years of operations and less than desired outcomes, the state made the decision to turn off the system and planned for its removal in the spring of 2025.
During this time, a feasibility study was conducted to determine what methodologies and technologies could be used to inactivate the phosphorous levels in the lake. As a result of this study, the state decided to pursue an “alum treatment.” An alum treatment refers to the use of aluminum phosphate (alum) to be added to the water to serve as a flocking agent that settles to the bottom of the lake and creates a barrier on the bottom to limit the release of phosphorous and reduce blue green algae blooms. The use of alum in highly stratified lakes like Lake Carmi has been proven to be both highly effective and long lasting.
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The state, working with the Town of Franklin, the LCCA, campers, residents, and community stakeholders has made a significant investment in the treatment plan (approximately $2.8 million). Barr Engineering was selected to assist with the development of the treatment plan and has been working with the state to handle all permitting requirements and engineering requirements. The desired timeframe for the alum treatment application would be in the fall of 2025. It is our intent to keep community members informed on the progress of this treatment plan and to provide opportunities for public information sharing about the background, data, and science that supports the positive outcomes of this alum treatment.