Bass Lake, A Wisconsin Environmental Accountability Project

Description

Bass Lake, a 37 acre hard-water drainage lake, located in Marinette County in northeastern Wisconsin, was placed on the 303 (d), Impaired Waters List in 1998, for high phosphorus, low dissolved oxygen levels and winter fish kills.

History

In the mid 1960’s, the lake supported a diverse fish population. Twenty years later, severe degradation had occurred, much of it due to runoff from two livestock operations.

Beginning in approximately 1996, the following steps were taken to improve the water quality:

• Abandonment of livestock operation and placement of land in conservation easement;
• Installation of water and sediment control basins and wetland restoration project;
• Relocation of livestock to free stall facility which eliminated direct contact between animal waste and runoff;
• Nutrient management planning for crop needs;
• Application of alum to reduce internal loading phosphorus.

Current Status

Two samples taken in September and November 2006 indicate that the phosphorus concentrations are well below pre-restoration efforts. However, a full-year of monitoring is needed to obtain more data. In addition a fish survey is scheduled to be completed in 2008, which will provide a more complete picture on the fish population. Although there has been improved clarity, from 2 feet to 17 feet, there is still a strong anoxic zone in the summer months, with strong H2S production.

Future Action

Before removing the lake from the 303(d) list, DNR staff wants to ensure that the fish population is healthy and that the phosphorus levels have stabilized. It is hoped that funding to accomplish this will be available through 2007 and 2008 and that the data obtained will allow the lake to be removed in the fall of 2008

Target Date for Removal from 303(d) List: Fall 2008

Organizations and Funding Sources Involved in the Restoration Project

• Marinette County Land and Water Conservation Department - $694,000 (1986-2000)
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program - 1984
• Lake Protection Grant – 1995
• Targeted Runoff Management Grant – 1999
• Wisconsin State Stewardship Fund - $195,000
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Town of Beaver and landowners

...More About Bass Lake Restoration

Bass Lake Alum Treatment – prepared by Marinette County LWCD, December 2006

US EPA Section 319 Nonpoint Source Success Stories, Wisconsin: Bass Lake