Conservation-Lake Commission approves $29,195 aluminum treatment to curb rising phosphorus

The East Hampton Conservation-Lake Commission voted unanimously to proceed with an aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) treatment intended to bind loose phosphorus in the lake. Robert Hart, a commission member, moved "to proceed with the aluminum chlorohydrate treatment in the lake," and the motion was seconded and approved 6-0.

Commission members discussed recent water-sample data presented by Mr. Solomon showing total phosphorus rose to 32ppm between May and June and that dissolved phosphorus increased from about 7 to about 9 over the same period. The minutes record the ACH treatment would bind loose phosphorus and has been used in prior seasons to reduce phosphorus counts and improve water clarity. The treatment cost is $29,195; the commission voted 6-0 to fund and schedule the application. The commission also discussed continuing hydrilla removal efforts and monitoring root regrowth in sediment.