Upper Long Lake Management Committee Meeting Minutes
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Where: Joel Dorfman’s Office, 40900 Woodward, Suite 350, Bloomfield Hills,
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Attendees: Ron Cousineau, Steve George*, Todd Glance, Eric Gleisner, Mike Savin, Mike West, Jim Joseph,
Tim Marx, Al Cassar, Eric Gleisner, Dennis Park, Hamid Banooni, Bob Barrick, Jim Whalen, Chris Bonde*,
Matthew Wigent, Lisa Wigent, Mike McGregor, Joel Dorfman, Todd Glance, Liz Glance, Paul Carrick,
Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones* and John Tucci. *via conference call
Opening Remarks: Ron stated that the meeting will basically address the topic of lake management or lake
restoration and this could represent a paradigm shift from our previous lake management practices starting in
the 1950s and have basically been the same since the middle 70s. That has been for the following for 40 years:
rare use of chemicals in the lake, occasional chemical use in the canals and lake/canal harvesting. This topic is
addressed in the article from the Fall 2014 Riparian Magazine entitled “Lake Management of Lake Restoration”
by Jennifer L. Jermalowicz-Jones. Copies were available during the meeting and was posted on the web site.
Ron mentioned that the agenda is will be hearing and discussing the “Upper Long Lake 4 Year Management
Plan”, which was distributed to the committee members in advance of the meeting. Some of the members
forwarded it to residents within their respective subdivisions. We will have two speakers. Jennifer
Jermalowicz-Jones, PhD Candidate and Water Resources Director, Restorative Lake Sciences, will present the
“Plan”, which was developed by Restorative Lake Sciences, who was our chosen consultant to develop such a
plan. John Tucci, president of Lake Savers, will present the “Lake Renewal Program, System Design and
Proposal for Upper Long Lake”. Note that the minutes of the previous meeting were sent to the committee
members, however this meeting did not address those minutes nor did we follow that outline.
Presentation of the “Upper Long Lake 4 Year Management Plan” by Jennifer
 Ron advanced her slides as Jennifer discussed them.
 Ron will forward the presentation to Chris Bonde to be placed on the web: upperlonglake.com
 The Jennifer and her presentation provided the following information:
o Lake contour showing the deepest hole at 30 feet. There are two deep basins, which are the
sampling sites.
o Lake bottom hardness showed that our lake is mostly soft organic material. That indicates a
serious problem of releasing nutrients into the water and enriching bottom sediments. That
causes algal blooms, poor water clarity and large plant infestations.
o The soils surrounding the lake were identified, but their impact was not discussed.
o Our watershed is 900 acres which is 7.4 times the size of the lake. This leads to moderate
pollution due to runoff. The Wigents live on Middlebelt and they unfortunately receive water
runoff from 1000feet of both sides of Middlebelt. They are working with West Bloomfield to
remedy their problem. This water flows right into the lake carrying pollutants from the
neighboring lawns and road with all of its salt. This is causing serious damage to the Wigent’s
property.
o The lake has an early infestation of zebra mussels and Asian clams, both invasive. They eat
green algae and could clear up the water.
o The dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged from 9.2-5.1 mg per liter. The lowest reading was at the lake
bottom. DO concentrations have been historically lower in mid to late summer, often declining
to near 0 mg/L beyond a depth of 10 feet according to Water Quality Investigators 1999-2009:
Metzer 1993. The bottom of the lake produces a high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) due
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to microbial activity attempting to break down high quantities of organic plant matter, which
reduces DO in the water. This is a major problem with our lake.
Conductivity is a measure of the amount of mineral ions present in the water. Our 661-702 mS
per centimeter. This has increased over time and these values are quite high for an inland lake. A
reading of 800 can negatively impact aquatic life.
On the day of sampling the turbidity of our lake was quite low but was higher near the bottom
due to the sediments. Our readings were from 0.9 to 3.9 NTU. Less than 5 meets drinking water
standards.
The pH of the lake is about average for Michigan lakes. This is a good value from 8.2-8.3. Our
lake is slightly alkaline.
Total phosphorous (TP) values indicate that the lake is relatively uniform in moderate TP levels
but still contains adequate nutrients to support algae and aquatic plant growth. The plants derive
most of their TP from the lake sediments rather than the water column. Alternatively, planktonic
alges and chara obtain mose or their nutrients from the water column as dissolved phosphorus.
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) is the sum of nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), ammonia (NH4) and
organic nitrogen. Our TKN contains moderate values (0.55-0.750 mg/L) which is normal for
inland lakes of similar size. Our lake is phosphorous limited, thus any additional inputs of
phosphorus would lead to increased aquatic plant and algae growth.
The lake sediments were tested at 10 sites. The total phosphorous concentrations in lake
sediments are often several times higher than those in the water column since phosphorus tends
to adsorb onto sediment particles and sediments thus act as s “sink” or reservoir for nutrients. In
deeper water the sediments break down into a variety of nutrients including ammonia and
phosphorous, which is used by milfoil. These and other nutrients concentrate at depth due to
higher release rates under low oxygen conditions. Lakes who used aeration and bioaugmentation
experienced significant reductions of these nutrients and organic materials at the bottom of the
lakes.
Because of the availability of these nutrients favorable to milfoil, our lake has a large infestation
of the invasive milfoil. We also have four other invasives: starry stonewart, curly leaf
pondweed, purple loosestrife and phragmites. The milfoil and phragmites are beyond nuisance
proportions and needs to be eliminated.
Our milfoil was tested to be hybrid milfoil which grow thicker, wider and faster than eurasion
milfoil. It is also tolerant to some herbicides, making it harder to control. There were some
photographs or more serious invasions, which would happen to our lake if the hybrid milfoil is
left untreated. We had such an invasion of the Eurasian milfoil in the late 1990s, which was
treated with Sonar. The milfoil was eradicated but the lake turned green with algae for two
years. The same thing happened to Island Lake when they treated the whole lake with Sonar
several years ago. The algae bloom was very bad. For that reason and the fact that hybrid does
not respond well to Sonar, Jennifer is recommending the use of spot treatment with Triclopyr
followed by a harvest to reduce the decaying biomass in the lake. That will significantly reduce
the tendency for an algae bloom. She further is recommending aeration which reduces algae
blooms also.
The map showed the milfoil infestation to basically be along the shoreline, in the ULLE and
Woods canals and several large patches in the lake especially in the eastern half of the lake. The
total area is 39 acres.
The starry stonewart was in scattered areas along the shoreline. The total is three acres.
The curly leaf pondweed was in all canals and in spotty areas along the lakes shoreline. The
infestation is 11.5 acres.
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o The purple loosestrife was very sparse. They did not see all the phragmites areas, since our
program had the plants cut down in May and July, but there are 16 sites around the lake covering
in total about 2 acres.
o In total the lake and canals have plants growing in all possible areas except the deep basins. The
lake is eutrophic, which means that is supports a lot of weed and algae growth.
o They identified 19 submerged and 5 emergent aquatic plants, which is very good bio diversity.
Chara was the most abundant plant at 57.9 acres. Chara is an algae which receives most of its
nutrients from the water. Eric mentioned that chara is very hard to harvest due to its nature to
grow all together. It is also very heavy, which keeps it on the bottom covering the muck. It also
discourages the growth of other plants because it is so thick. He thinks that chara may take over
much of the space that is now occupied by milfoil once the milfoil is eliminated.
o The question, “What happens if we kill too much vegetation?” was addressed. The answer is
that when the vegetation starts to decompose it required much oxygen. Nutrients are released
into the water causing an algae bloom, some of which can be the toxic to human variety known
as blue green algae. Jim Whalen mentioned that he sees blue green blooms occasionally on our
lake. Jennifer also found some in her sampling. In either case they did not reach the toxic levels,
but they are in the lake. If the lake is aerated the oxygen levels would be high enough to mitigate
these problems. Our lake in its current condition with low oxygen levels would certainly have an
algae bloom. One possible solution is to harvest the treated plants after they die but before they
fall to the bottom. That would be about three to four weeks after treatment. Harvesting needs to
be delayed for that time to allow the plants time to absorb enough chemical to ensure that they
will die off. Jennifer or the chemical applicator will monitor the correct timing of those events if
we do decide to chemically treat.
o The question, “What will happen if we do nothing?” was addressed. There were four answers.
First the milfoil will continue to spread and displace native plants. Second, the fishery will
decline in quantity and quality due to poor oxygenation of the lake. Third, excessive die-off each
season of the milfoil will cause major declines in water quality parameters including lower
oxygen, more phosphorous and nitrogen and increased turbidity due to algal growth. Fourth,
hydrilla or other species may invade and further destroy the lake. Hydrilla is in neighboring
states, but has not yet reached Michigan. We have been attempting to manage this using
harvesting, but with the ever increasing outbreak of milfoil a more aggressive strategy is needed.
o The use of laminar flow aeration with bio augmentation to increase dissolved oxygen in the lake
and reduce sediment muck is recommended for immediate implementation (spring 2015) to
reduce further damage to the lake ecosystem. The Freshwater Physician’s report (1974)
emphasized that the sediments in our lake are the main source of problems for the lake. These
sediments will continue to release phosphorous into the water column if there is a lack of
dissolved oxygen at the lake bottom which continues to occur. Her visual aid showed that
phosphorous stays locked in the sediment, nutrients are removed throughout the food chain,
aerobic benthic bacteria breaks down the organics and toxic gasses such as CO2, N, and H2S. She
also mentioned that ammonia is removed. John Tucci will explain in more detail.
o Jennifer reported that Pickelel Lake reduced the milfoil in 2014 using aeration without
chemicals. The photo showed that there were still milfoil stands in the lake after one year.
o She reported that on Paradise Lake, 497 acres of milfoil was reduced to 150 acres after 1.5 years
of aeration and biological controls.
o She also concluded that for the south bay of Austin Lake:
 No significant difference in water column dissolved oxygen (DO) due to the shallow
depth.
 Significant differences in water column oxidative state (increase) post aeration from -69.8
to 30.2 mV
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Significant differences in sediment DO post aeration (increase) from 0.33 to 6.5 mg/L
Significant differences in both sediment ammonia and nitrate/nitrite (decrease) 331-192
mg/kg (ammonia) and 37.5 – 3.5 mg/kg (NO3 and NO2)
 Observed changes in sediments may also explain reduction in ammonia-loving aquatic
vegetation (i.e. milfoil)
Mechanical harvesting benefits include;
 Removes some plant debris and associated organic nutrient. This will reduce algal
blooms.
 Can reduce the need for herbicides, but is a generalist
 Should not be used on plants that fragment (milfoil), but on an all sports lake the boats
also fragment plants.
Mechanical harvesting limitations:
 Can increase biomass of fragment producers like milfoil
 Does not exclude need for chemical treatments in “high maintenance” lakes
 Can increase floating debris. Joel Dorfman verified because he is down wind.
 May need to be repeated in single season due to regrowth.
Chemical herbicide issues:
 Applied to both exotic and native aquatic plants
 Most commonly used: 2,4-D, Reward, Triclopyr, Fluridone, Aquathol-K, Glysophate
 Requires MDEQ permit; residue sampling may be required (i.e. Triclopyr, Fluridone)
 Shallow well restrictions, swimming restrictions, watering restrictions-Notifications
required.
Milfoil weevil was mentioned but dismissed due to high expense and very poor results especially
when used on lakes in urban settings.
Recommendations:
 Treat hybrid milfoil with Triclopyr granular of liquid with adjuvant (additional ingredient
if necessary). Proposed in mid May to mid June. Lake Angeles had excellent results
using Triclopyr last year. The group had mixed reactions to the use of chemicals.
Although most agreed that milfoil is at or beyond problem stages and needs to be
eradicated, there was a general feeling that more information is needed about Triclopyr as
it relates to the safety to swimmers, fish and the environment. Joel volunteered to
research Triclopyr for the group. Others like Mike West stated that they may also
research it.
 Harvest 3-4 weeks post treatment to remove dead milfoil biomass. The traditional first
harvest that takes place at the end of May could not be done because the milfoil needs
about three weeks to have enough absorbed to kill the plants. That would place our first
harvest from mid June (mid May application) to mid Jule (mid June application). It
would be difficult to schedule a harvesting contractor with such loose dates. A second
harvest would be needed 5 weeks later. The canals would be treated for milfoil but could
become quite overgrown with native plants. The committee would have to educate the
members of the SAD about the treatment methods and the possibility of having unsightly
milfoil until it is harvested.
 Install a Laminar Flow Aeration (LFA) system and use enzymes/bacteria to reduce the
muck that is feeding the milfoil (mostly ammonia and nitrate). Most of the group liked
the idea to restore the lake and have an aeration system. The biggest concern would be
the additional cost. We just raised the annual fee 60% two years ago and would need
about another 50% to cover the cost. Jennifer stated that John Tucci would cover this in
more detail.
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Implement oversite and monitoring program with Restorative Lake Services along with
community education project. This would be critical. If we were to consider following
the recommendations we would have to act quickly.
Restoration instead of stagnant management. We liked the concept, just haw to pay for it
is the concern.
The cost estimates were discussed. It appeared in the recommendations that systemic and
contact herbicides would be needed every year. Jennifer explained that they would be
needed for the first year and most if not all could be eradicated. The money in those two
rows for the following years could be used for harvesting or other control methods. She
was not familiar with our annual budget. Ron and Jim would put together several
alternative budgets for the team to review. They would include scenarios such as: as
recommended with chemicals instead of harvesting, as recommended with
harvesting and minimal use of chemicals limited to the first year, no change to what
we are doing now and a purchase of aeration equipment instead of lease.
John Tucci presented Lake Renewal Program, System Design and Proposal for Upper Long Lake
o John is the president of Lake Savers, whose mission is”To make lakes and Reservoirs HEALTHIER
using natural, sustainable technologies that work!”
o Since 2010 Lake Savers has contracted with 16 lakes, 10 of which are in Michigan, and 6 out of state
reservoirs
o Why Lake Savers? Multiple, Independent, third party studies confirm that their Lake Renewal
Technologies restore and improve lake health!
 Muck reductions up to 1 foot per season
 Phosphorus reductions of 30% to 60%
 Reduced weed and algae growth without chemical herbicides
 Increased water clarity
o Proposal for Upper Long Lake. Install a whole lake inversion oxygenation, biological acceleration and
in-lake nutrient filtration to make our lake healthier over time – as measured by the trophic index and the
following benefits:
 Reduce muck levels lake-wide from 6” to 12” in the first year
 Reduce blue-green and filamentous algae growth, both of which are current problems.
 Control of Eurasian Water Milfoil and other aquatic weeds reducing the need for chemical
treatments on the lake.
 Control the growth of native aquatic weeds at a balanced, healthy level of growth.
 Improve the fishery.
 Improved water clarity
o Components of the system
 Inversion Oxygenation Equipment includes one C1202 inversion system with variable frequency
drive technology and outdoor, sound insulated, protective enclosure (71”Lx44”Wx64”H). Sound
is 50db about the sound of an AC unit.
 29 Micro-Porous Ceramic Diffusers (12” by 12” by 2.5”)
 34,000 Feet of self-sinking airline
 All required fittings
 Biological Augmentation Treatment (Year One)
 65 lbs Clean & Clear Enzyme Formula (Muck Reduction)
 65 lbs C-Flo Bacteria Treatment (Muck Reduction)
 150 lbs Nutrisorb Bacteria(Nutrient Reduction)(Reduce phosphorus 25-50% per year)
 Lease pricing $70,425 for first year, $60,050 for the following 6 years
 Year one biological treatment
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System Maintenance and monitoring
Full replacement/repair of equipment at no additional cost.
30 month “out clause” based on results
Discount for renewal beyond 7 years
Additional details
o Electrical installation and directional boring costs are additional
o Electrical Costs are estimated as follows based on a rate of $.12/kWh.(8 months
operation $7,500 per season)
o Budget $8,000 to 10,000 per season for biological treatment after year one.
 Purchase option includes:
 Same equipment as lease
 Start-up & Winterization
 All maintenance of diffusers and compressors (Monthly)
 Application of Biological Products
 All Lake Savers Labor for repairs
 48 hour response time or better on Service Calls
 Purchase versus lease comparison.
 Purchase 1st year: $206,145, next 6 years: $182,250. Total $388,395.
 Lease 1st year $70,425, next 6 years $360,300. Total $430,725.
o Lake Savers Results Summary
 Indian Lake, Dowagiac, MI Two Year Study
 Independent, third-party Study by Lakeshore Environmental Services.
 Study presented at the North American Lake Management Society National Conference
in Madison, WI November 2012
 88 acre bay of 500 acre lake with 2 control sites . Most comprehensive study ever
conducted on Aeration Technology
 Results Summary
o 24 inch reduction in Organic Sediment in Study Area over 2 seasons.
o Reduction in % organic content of the sediment.
o Reduction in Sediment Total Phosphorus.
o 2 foot increase in water clarity.
o Over 40% reduction of Eurasian Water Milfoil Density
o Significant reduction in Harmful Blue-Green algae levels.
o Whole Lake System installed in 2012 based on results of the Study.
 Sampling of Results from Other Projects:
o Maple Lake, Paw Paw Michigan – Confirmed reduction of organic sediment of 8
inches in 2012.
o Keeler Lake, Decatur Michigan – System has completely replaced the use of
chemical herbicides.
o Paradise Lake, Carp Lake, MI – 50% reduction in milfoil density in 2012.
o Greenwood Lake, NY – 9 inch reduction in organic sediment in 2010. Over 50%
reduction in Eurasian Water Milfoil.
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Committee and attendee reaction and future plans:
 Joel’s conference room was a home run. It had a TV for watching presentations on a computer; it was
the right size even though we had a record attendance. The ability to have conference calling was a hit
for those who could not be there, including our featured speaker.
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Lake restoration was well accepted versus our 60 years of lake management of symptoms versus causes
of the excessive weed growth, invasive infestations, algae blooms, poor nutrient conditions and
excessive organic sediments.
 The major concern is the cost. We raised the annual fees 60% two years ago and it appears that we may
have to raise them about 40% to cover the cost. That would be about $900 for riparians. This compares
to Forest Lake at $773.87, Island Lake at $998.54 and Lower Long Lake at $871.36.
 Although there was a lot of information presented, the attendees felt that we needed to get some
firsthand contacts with lakes using this technology and see some of the technical reports referred to. Ron
to contact Jennifer and John to get reports and contact names from Michigan Lakes that may be
near to us. Ron to seek volunteers from the attendees to analyze other lakes experiences.
 The use of chemicals in the lake is a concern for about half of the attendees. Our lake used chemicals in
the lake in the 70s and it lead to a fish kill. Sonar was used around 2000, which eradicated the milfoil
but lead to 18 months of green algae bloom. Ron to contact Jennifer and AquaWeed and send data
to Joel, who volunteered to analyze chemicals. Others who have concerns can also provide input
to Joel.
 Eric to investigate ULLE “B” beach as a possible location for compressor, cost for electrical drop,
trenching charges is location is far from the lake and local charge or electricity per KwHr.
 The attendees suggested that we get our research done by mid December and to hold a meeting around
Dec 15 to allow sufficient time to file for a MDEQ permit if we decide to move forward on aeration.
Then plans will be made to get the subdivisions an opportunity to learn about the options and express
their thoughts. Once the committee receives subdivision input the final plans will be made in January.
Ron to survey attendees and committee for next meeting.
 Mike West, Jim Whalen and Lisa Wigent volunteered to study Lake Angeles use of Triclopyr.
Jennifer to provide contact name.
Next Meeting
 Date: Mid December (date to be determined)
 Time: TBD
 Location: TBD.
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