Issues over zebra and quagga mussel infestation at Standley Lake, and the ingesting water high quality points born of such infestations, has led to a boating ban this season.
After a overview of boat launch knowledge from 2018, Westminster metropolis officers have determined to ban trailered boats from the lake, in accordance with a information launch.
“Though the invasive species haven’t been detected in Westminster’s ingesting water provide, a current overview of the insurance policies and strategies used to forestall an infestation discovered decontamination will not be totally efficient for a lot of trailered boats,” the information launch acknowledged.
Standley Lake is a ingesting water provide for about 300,000 folks in Westminster, Thornton and Northglenn. An vitality firm in November dropped its purposes to drill wells beneath the lake.
“Water comes straight from the lake into our therapy system,” stated Max Kirschbaum, public works and utilities division director, within the launch. “If these mussels set up themselves within the lake, there could be vital, on-going prices to maintain our system working. Defending our neighborhood’s water provide will all the time be the chief concern.”
Permits issued for trailered boats this yr have been canceled. Boaters who’ve bought permits will obtain refunds. No further permits will probably be bought.
Permits for non-trailered watercraft — together with kayaks, canoes, rafts and paddleboards — will probably be bought and honored. Permitted watercraft will undergo the town’s on-site decontamination procedures.
“Zebra and quagga mussels, non-native aquatic species … can decimate native ecosystems, clog potable water infrastructure and trigger algae blooms that threaten water high quality,” the discharge stated.
Standley Lake first carried out a safety plan in 2007, which included decontamination of watercraft and watercraft quarantines. Westminster officers stated they discovered 24 situations of boaters “intentionally bypassing protecting measures” on the lake in 2018.
“The Standley Lake boating neighborhood has largely been a terrific companion in serving to shield these waters,” stated Jason Genck, director of parks, recreation and libraries, which manages lake permits. “Till we are able to decide if there’s a method to make sure a majority of these boats received’t pose a considerable danger on the lake, we have to put these actions on maintain instantly and indefinitely.”
Westminster and lake employees will probably be out there to fulfill with boaters from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, on the Metropolis Park Recreation Middle, 10455 Sheridan Blvd., the place a brief presentation on the ban will probably be introduced by employees adopted by questions and solutions.
