(FAIRMONT) — Water quality and management options for the Fairmont Chain of Lakes were the focus of a three-hour workshop Thursday involving city officials, DNR representatives, the Martin Soil and Water Conservation District and other stakeholders. Several technologies and management strategies were discussed, including nanobubble oxygenation, curly-leaf pondweed control, carp removal and biological treatments. During the presentation it was stated that 50% of bodies of water globally are impaired so this is just not a Fairmont Chain of Lakes issue. MSU-Mankato researcher Ryan Wersal also reported an estimated 279 acres of curly-leaf pondweed across the chain of lakes. In Sisseton they found 56 acres, 39 acres in Budd Lake, 108 acres in Hall and 34 acres in Amber. It was also shared that there are not a lot of native vegetation species growing in the lakes and that curly leaf pondweed harvesting alone isn’t removing significant amounts of phosphorus. Other presenters discussed carp removal and biological treatments for lake sediment and runoff. Discussions were also had on a proposed comprehensive biological approach to the Fairmont Chain of Lakes which includes working with farmers and farm ground by providing them with an alternative to the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applications and to also work with cities on alternative ways to curb city runoff. For more information on the management of Fairmont Chain of Lakes you can go to fairmont.org/lakes-management-committee/ The Lakes Management committee meets the third Tuesday of every month at 1:30 in the Fairmont City Hall Conference Room.
