Environmental Review and Conservation Efforts for Aquatic Weed Control at Tahoe Keys Lagoons
In an effort to address the aquatic weed issue at Tahoe Keys Lagoons, a full environmental review is underway with proposed herbicide discharge into the waters. The project aims to find an environmentally superior alternative for controlling weeds while ensuring minimal impact on the environment and surrounding areas. The proposed methods are being evaluated for their effectiveness and potential consequences, with a focus on preserving the ecological and recreational value of the region.
- Environmental Review
- Aquatic Weed Control
- Conservation Efforts
- Tahoe Keys Lagoons
- Environmental Certification
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Madonna Dunbar IVGID Resource Conservationist TWSA Executive Director mod@ivgid.org 775-832-1212
TAHOE KEYS LAGOONS AQUATIC WEED CONTROL METHODS TEST (CMT), ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION PROCESS LAHONTAN BOARD NEXT STEPS: GRANT - BASIN PLAN PROHIBITION EXEMPTION CERTIFY - FINAL EIR ADOPT - NPDES PERMIT NEXT PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: January 2022 Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Meetings The decision lies with the Lahontan RWQCB to grant the exemption to the Lake Tahoe Basin Plan, aquatic pesticide discharge prohibition. Other organizations, including TRPA, will have their review process. The keystone decision will be made by Lahontan.
Background Information The Lead Agency (Lahontan) is requiring full environmental review of the proposed project due to the proposed discharge of aquatic herbicides into receiving waters of the Tahoe Keys Lagoons, a Tier III Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW Tier III) for ecological and recreational value. After the designation of the Tahoe Keys Lagoons as the greatest threat to the environmental health of Lake Tahoe, the TRPA has secured federal funding through the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act ($3M) to facilitate a solution to the aquatic weed problem at the Tahoe Keys Lagoons.
As required by the (CEQA) Process, the DEIR/EIS is not recommending a project action to the lead agencies; it provides the necessary information for informed decision making, with the required designation of an Environmentally Superior Alternative. The DEIR/EIS has chosen a project alternative as the Environmentally Superior Alternative, Action Alternative 1 (Testing of Non- Herbicide Methods Only).
The DEIR/EIS has found that the proposed project and the alternative actions will have no significant impact on Environmental Health, Aquatic Biology, Utilities, and all reviewed objectives that cannot be avoided with mitigation measures, including early treatment, real-time treatment monitoring, pretreatment surveys, and containment. The non-action alternative has been found to have potentially significant unavoidable impactdue to the increase infestation of aquatic weeds from the Tahoe Keys Lagoons throughout greater Lake Tahoe. The draft EIR/EIS section UT-1: Effects on Water Supply, states that the filtration exemption and other effects on municipal water will have no significantly unavoidable impacts from the proposed project. The proposed CMT has no potential to influence microbial contamination, and mitigation measures will be in place for turbidity.
Closing Comments TWSA is highly involved in the stakeholder process. This issue has become a major component of our work. TWSA supports the implementation of non-chemical, water quality enhancing, control methods; before herbicide use is authorized. The emerging technologies of Ultraviolet Light (UVC) and Laminar Flow aeration, are showing promising results. Diver assisted removal is slow, but effective. Boating best management practices at the Tahoe Keys should also be strongly enhanced/mandated to reduce fragment spread. Current actions are voluntary.
Reference Materials Project Environmental Documents: https://tahoekeysweeds.org/environmental_analysis https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/lahontan/water_issues/programs/tahoe_keys_w eed_control/ TWSA Comment Letter: https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/uploads/pdf-public- works/TWSA_FINAL_comments__on_Lahontan_Permit_(submitted_10_28_2021).pdf TWSA CMT Staff Summary: https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/uploads/pdf-public- works/TKPOA_CMT_TWSA_Staff_Summary_Antideg_10152021.pdf
