Page 8 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - August '19

Page 8, Jupiter Ocean Mile
Northern Notes

Algae In The Waterways And Algae doesn’t necessarily mean poor water quality, but
How You Can Minimize Its it can be a problem. So, what’s the key to reducing algae
on your lake? The most effective thing to do is reduce the
Growth number of algae-feeding nutrients, especially phosphorus,
that make it into the water. Here are some tips to keep your
By O’Neal Bardin Jr., lake in tip-top shape.
Executive Director, Be Careful With Fertilizer
Northern Palm Beach Sure, you want a nice green lawn and healthy plants – but
County Improvement that fertilizer you spread in your garden also encourages
District algae to bloom. It’s best to avoid fertilizer altogether if
The term “algae” is you’re close to a water source – plant native plants instead,
generally used to refer to a which are well-adapted to the environment and don’t require
wide variety of different and special maintenance. Implement landscaping strategies, like
dissimilar photosynthetic Algal blooms are natural occurrences, and may occur xeriscaping, that increase groundwater filtration before water
organisms, generally with regularity (e.g., every summer), depending on weather enters the pond or lake.
microscopic. Depending on and water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom depends on If you must fertilize, try and find a phosphorus-free
the species, algae can inhabit local conditions and characteristics of the particular body of product, and reduce nutrient rich runoff by applying it when
fresh or salt water. In modern water. Blooms generally occur where there are high levels of there’s no rain in the forecast.
taxonomic systems, algae are usually assigned to one of six nutrients present, together with the occurrence of warm, sunny, And don’t think natural fertilizer like manure or compost
divisions. The misnamed blue-green algae are often grouped calm conditions. However, human activity often can trigger is any better than a chemical version, anything that’s going to
with algae because of the chloroplasts contained within the or accelerate algal blooms. Natural sources of nutrients such make your garden plants grow is going to make algae grow
cells. However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic as phosphorus or nitrogen compounds can be supplemented as well. It’s best to avoid fertilizers generally.
bacteria assigned to the group cyanobacteria. by a variety of human activities. For example, in rural areas, Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials
Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in agricultural runoff from fields can wash fertilizers into the Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris
shape and color, and are found in a large range of habitats, water. In urban areas, nutrient sources can cause stormwater should be bagged and removed from the property to prevent
such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. They are a runoff that carries pollutants such as lawn fertilizers. them from accumulating and decaying in the waterbody.
natural and essential part of the ecosystem. In these habitats, Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature, When organic materials are allowed to decompose in
the phytoplankton are the base of the aquatic food chain. and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally, freshwater resources, they release undesirable nutrients
Small freshwater crustaceans and other small animals an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, can that are responsible for fueling nuisance plant and algae
consume the phytoplankton and in turn are consumed by accelerate an algal bloom’s growth significantly. Pollutants growth. Ask your lawn-care company to remove grass
larger animals. from construction runoff, fertilized yards and golf courses, clippings and leaves to prevent decomposition in or around
Under certain conditions, several species of true road wash, stormwater runoff, pet waste, and decomposing ponds and lakes.
algae as well as the cyanobacteria are capable of causing leaves, grass clippings, and other organic materials also Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source of
various nuisance effects in fresh water, such as excessive contribute to nutrient imbalances in the water. Higher excess nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste bags
accumulations of foams, scums, and discoloration of the temperatures and increased sunlight in summer months into lakes and canals. They will eventually break down and
water. When the numbers of algae in a lake or a river increase also can encourage algae blooms, as does standing water, release those toxins into the waterway.
explosively, an algal “bloom” is the result. Lakes, ponds, and which is warmer than circulating water and can act like an NPDES tip: Do not burn any trash in your yards, and
slow-moving canals are most susceptible to blooms. incubator – another significant influence. don’t dump any debris into lakes and canals.
Commissioner’s Update

Community Services Help Previously, I have shared with you the county’s programs or shelter program. This helps the county evaluate our
programs and report results to HUD.
to assist homebound seniors with a variety of in-home
Residents In Tough Times services and an array of services to help our veterans. You A client’s entry into the CMIS system begins with the very
may have seen recent news reports of how the County first call. Clients are assessed to determine vulnerability, and
By Commissioner Hal Commission is working to site a second homeless resource then are referred to the appropriate service provider based
Valeche center in the central area of the county that would expand the on priority.
Chances are, sometime homeless services that we currently provide at the Philip D. For a guide to homeless resources in Palm Beach
in your everyday life you Lewis Homeless Resource Center in West Palm Beach. All County, see http://www.thehomelessplan.org/pdf/Homeless_
will encounter people who of these programs function under the umbrella of Community Resource_Guide.pdf.
are having difficulty making Services. Additionally, Community Services operates the
ends meet and providing The local “Continuum of Care” for homeless persons Community Action Program to help residents suffering from
for themselves or their as required by HUD, is responsible for utilizing a Client poverty. It serves to fill in the gaps to help people remain
families. You may meet Management Information System (CMIS). This information self-sufficient and includes vocational and occupational skills
them in your neighborhood, technology system collects data on the clients accessing our training, adult basic education and employment assistance,
your congregation, or at the services, the services rendered and housing provided for and transportation assistance. Emergency services are also
grocery store. Palm Beach those who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness. available in times of crisis for those needing help with a utility
County’s Community Services Department is a valuable Many nonprofit and faith-based organizations make up the payment or rental assistance to prevent eviction. There are
resource for residents who require assistance with basic network of service providers, and the CMIS is designed to specific income eligibility requirements based on available
living needs and getting on a plan for self-sufficiency. collect data from all agencies and organizations that the client programs. To make an appointment with a counselor at one of
The mission of Community Services is to promote engages. One of the benefits of the system is to prevent the five locations around the county, a resident can register online
independence and enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach duplication of services and the efficient use of resources. It at https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/CSDServiceEligibility/
County by providing effective and essential services to also serves as a reporting tool for outcomes and promotes Account/Login.aspx from home or at one of the county public
residents in need. Their divisions provide help to seniors, effective access to support services. For example, the county libraries, or call the main number at (561) 355-4792.
veterans, low-income individuals and families, and the can report on indicators like the percentage of households As always, please contact me if I can be of assistance at
homeless. who exit to permanent housing when they leave an assistance (561) 355-2201, or by email at hvaleche@pbcgov.org.

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