Algae-Fighting Chemicals Will Be Used in Newton Lake

Camden County's wait-and-see approach to natural algae control methods in Newton Lake will end this week when the liquid copper algaecide Captain will be applied to attack overgrown algae mats.

Camden County Freeholder Jeffrey Nash says the algaecide will be used in the next few days. 

Following the physical removal of algae mats from the lake in June, as well as observations of the algae’s growth following the procedure, the county has decided to implement the chemical as a last-ditch effort to curb the infestation.

“Our hope was that the mechanical removal of the algae would suffice, but those who have been to Newton Lake see that it has not,” Nash said.

The news comes nearly a month after county officials said that the use of the copper-sulfate-based chemical would be put on hold until after an “assessment of the harvest” could be conducted fully.

After only such a short time, the decision to move forward with the use of Captain suggests that the physical removal of the algae mats made little to virtually no impact on algae growth.

“It worked in the short term but the algae grew back very quickly,” said Nash. 

“It affects the life of the lake, it affects the aesthetics of the lake and the residents spoke very loud and clear that they want this resolved and that this is our responsibility to resolve it.”

According to officials, signs will be posted Tuesday at all entrances to the park to notify the community as the Captain is injected into the lake.

The mere suggestion of chemical use resulted in some public concern and a petition requesting that the county not use the chemical was posted online earlier this June.

Concerns included the potential environmental impact the chemical poses, but Nash assures that the chemical will not be harmful to the community or the environment.

“It’s a safe chemical and should not, will not, harm people, pets or fish,” he said.

Nash explained that this is only a short-term solution to the lake's algae problem and that a long-term plan to deal with its growth is currently in the works.

“We’re working on a long-range plan to resolve this problem for years to come,” he said. 

“That will include the CCMUA (Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority), water quality testing, potential dredging and things of that nature. We need to address this in the long-term. The spray is only a short-term solution.”