Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/773040
30 a p c s hor e l i n e s.c om | 2016 Vol :3 to control and kill lyngbya on multiple sites on Jordan, Lay and Mitchell lakes," says Anderson, who has worked for Alabama Power for 18 years. "We treat the algae on a routine basis, starting in April and continuing once a month for five consecutive months." Providing the exact boundaries for vegetation control, Alabama Power pinpoints lyngbya sites using GIS data. The company contracts with vendors to treat the areas. "Two years ago, we were treating 1,000 acres a year, and we've been able to decrease the number to almost half," Anderson says. "We're finally winning the battle." Alabama Power is pleased with the results on its lakes, said Environmental Affairs Supervisor Jason Carlee. "We're happy that we've found a product that really works," Carlee says. "I'm very proud of the progress that our aquatic plant management team has made. Control efforts are definitely more effective." A happy ending for lake homeowners With lyngbya under control at Lake Jordan, Lovelace is enjoying his property more than ever. He and his wife are thrilled with Alabama Power's treatment plan. Within the first two to three years of treatment, Lovelace could tell that the lyngbya was dissipating. After five years, the lyngbya had mostly disappeared, he says. "We've really seen the benefits," Lovelace says. "Most of us who live on the lake want to use the water, to ski on it or to fish on it. When you can't use the water, it becomes useless. I believe that Alabama Power saved Lake Jordan with these treatments. "This brought our lake back to being one of the most beautiful places on Earth," he says. — DONNA COPE Above: Photo by Ted Tucker — Fred Lovelace is careful to avoid adding any organic material to Lake Jordan that may promote a lyngbya bloom. SHORELINES MANAGEMENT BEST PR ACTICES FOR KEEPING LYNGBYA AWAY Take precautions to protect your lake and property from lyngbya and other aquatic vegetation with these tips from Environmental Affairs Supervisor Jason Carlee. • Use caution when applying fertilizers – which feed lyngbya as well as your yard – and reduce usage around the lake. • Try to maintain a buffer of native vegetation between your lawn and the lake to prevent fertilizer runoff. • Never blow grass clippings or leaves into the lake. • Always follow the label when using pesticides, and never apply the product directly to the water.