HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM ACTION PLAN PUTNAM LAKE www.dec.ny.gov EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SAFEGUARDING NEW YORK’S WATER Protecting water quality is essential to healthy, vibrant communities, clean drinking water, and an array of recreational uses that benefit our local and regional economies. 200 NY Waterbodies with HABs Governor Cuomo recognizes that investments in water quality 175 protection are critical to the future of our communities and the state. 150 Under his direction, New York has launched an aggressive effort to protect state waters, including the landmark $2.5 billion Clean 125 Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, and a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive 100 initiative to reduce the frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs). 75 New York recognizes the threat HABs pose to our drinking water, 50 outdoor recreation, fish and animals, and human health. In 2017, more 25 than 100 beaches were closed for at least part of the summer due to 0 HfoAr Bthse, iar ncdo msommuen iltaiekse sw tehraet tsherervaete anse tdh eb yp rHimAaBrsy fdorri nthkein gfir wsta ttimere s.ource 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 GOVERNOR CUOMO’S FOUR-POINT HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM INITIATIVE FOUR-POINT INITIATIVE In his 2018 State of the State address, Governor Cuomo announced a $65 million, four-point initiative to aggressively combat HABs in PRIORITY LAKE IDENTIFICATION Upstate New York, with the goal to identify contributing factors fueling 1 Identify 12 priority waterbodies that HABs, and implement innovative strategies to address their causes represent a wide range of conditions and protect water quality. and vulnerabilities—the lessons learned will be applied to other impacted Under this initiative, the Governor’s Water Quality Rapid Response waterbodies in the future. Team focused strategic planning efforts on 12 priority lakes across New York that have experienced or are vulnerable to HABs. The 2 REGIONAL SUMMITS Convene four Regional Summits to team brought together national, state, and local experts to discuss bring together nation-leading experts the science of HABs, and held four regional summits that focused on with Steering Committees of local conditions that were potentially affecting the waters and contributing stakeholders. to HABs formation, and immediate and long-range actions to reduce ACTION PLAN DEVELOPMENT the frequency and /or treat HABs. 3 Continue to engage the nation-leading experts and local Steering Committees to Although the 12 selected lakes are unique and represent a wide complete Action Plans for each priority range of conditions, the goal was to identify factors that lead to waterbody, identifying the unique factors HABs in specific water bodies, and apply the information learned fueling HABs—and recommending to other lakes facing similar threats. The Rapid Response Team, tailored strategies to reduce blooms. national stakeholders, and local steering committees worked together ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION collaboratively to develop science-driven Action Plans for each 4 Provide nearly $60 million in grant of the 12 lakes to reduce the sources of pollution that spark algal funding to implement the Action Plans, blooms. The state will provide nearly $60 million in grant funding to including new monitoring and treatment implement the Action Plans, including new monitoring and treatment technologies. technologies. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HABs, VISIT: on.ny.gov/hab www.health.ny.gov/HarmfulAlgae PUTNAM LAKE Putnam County Putnam Lake, a 226-acre manmade lake in Putnam County, is one of the 12 priority lakes impacted by HABs. The lake is used for swimming, fishing and boating. In addition, Putnam Lake is part of the Croton System of the New York City water supply reservoirs. Putnam Lake was designated as an “impaired waterbody” due to excessive nutrients (phosphorus), algae, and poor water clarity, which could impact recreational uses in the lake. Total phosphorus concentrations in Putnam Lake are 50 percent greater than the average concentration found throughout the Lower Hudson region. The significant sources of phosphorus loading in the lake are: • Phosphorus inputs associated with septic system discharge; • Internal loading of nutrients of legacy phosphorus from in-lake sediments; and • Non-point source nutrient inputs from the watershed. There were 29 reported HABs occurrences in the lake from 2013 through 2017, including five that were “widespread/ lakewide”. These blooms caused a total of 22 beach closures on two beaches between 2012 and 2013. Although the causes of HABs vary from lake to lake, phosphorus pollution—from sources such as wastewater treatment plants, septic systems and fertilizer runoff—is a major contributor. Other factors likely contributing to the uptick in HABs include higher temperatures, increased precipitation, and Putnam Lake invasive species. With input from national and local experts, the Water Quality Rapid Response Team identified a suite of priority actions (see Section 13 of the Action Plan for the complete list) to address HABs in Putnam Lake, including the following: • Construct a wastewater treatment plant and install infrastructure required to connect up to 1,200 homes; • Implement multiple stormwater best management practices (BMPs) to reduce sediment loading; and • Evaluate the use of nutrient inactivants or alternatives to reduce the introduction of legacy phosphorus. ¯ The black outline shows the lake’s watershed area: all the land area where rain, snowmelt, streams or runoff flow into the lake. Land uses and activities on the land in this area have the potential to impact the lake. PUTNAM LAKE CONTINUED NEW YORK’S COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING OUR WATERS FROM HABS New York is committed to addressing threats related to HABs, and will continue to monitor conditions in Putnam Lake while working with researchers, scientists, and others who recognize the urgency of action to protect water quality. Governor Cuomo is committed to providing nearly $60 million in grants to implement the priority actions included in these Action Plans, including new monitoring and treatment technologies. The New York State Water Quality Rapid Response Team has established a one-stop shop funding portal and stands ready to assist all partners in securing funding and expeditiously implementing priority projects. A description of the various funding streams available and links for applications can be found here: https://on.ny.gov/HABsAction. This Action Plan is intended to be a ‘living document’ for Putnam Lake and interested members of the public are encouraged to submit comments and ideas to [email protected] to assist with HABs prevention and treatment moving forward. NEW YORK STATE RESOURCES Drinking Water Monitoring and Technical Assistance: The state provides ongoing technical assistance for public Pea soup appearance water suppliers to optimize drinking water treatment when HABs and toxins might affect treated water. The U.S. EPA recommends a 10-day health advisory level of 0.3 micrograms per liter for HAB toxins, called microcystins, in drinking water for young children. Public Outreach and Education: Floating dots or clumps The Know It, Avoid It, Report It campaign helps educate New Yorkers about recognizing HABs, taking steps to reduce exposure, and reporting HABs to state and local agencies. The state also requires regulated beaches to close swimming areas when HABs are observed and to test water before reopening. Spilled paint appearance Research, Surveillance, and Monitoring: Various state agencies, local authorities and organizations, and academic partners are working together to develop strategies to prevent and mitigate HABs. The state tracks HAB occurrences and illnesses related to exposure. Water Quality and Pollution Control: Streaks on the water’s surface State laws and programs help control pollution and reduce nutrients from entering surface waters. State funding is CONTACT WITH HABs available for municipalities, soil and water conservation CAN CAUSE HEALTH EFFECTS districts, and non-profit organizations to implement projects Exposure to HABs can cause diarrhea, nausea, or that reduce nutrient runoff. vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. Contents List of Tables ................................................................................................................... 3 List of Figures .................................................................................................................. 3 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 5 1.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Scope, Jurisdiction and Audience ................................................................... 5 1.3 Background ..................................................................................................... 6 2. Lake Background ........................................................................................................ 7 2.1 Geographic Location ....................................................................................... 7 2.2 Basin Location ................................................................................................ 7 2.3 Morphology ..................................................................................................... 8 2.4 Hydrology ........................................................................................................ 9 2.5 Lake Origin ..................................................................................................... 9 3. Designated Uses ......................................................................................................... 9 3.1 Water Quality Classification – Lake and Major Tributaries .............................. 9 3.2 Potable Water Uses ...................................................................................... 10 3.3 Public Bathing Uses ...................................................................................... 12 3.4 Recreation Uses ........................................................................................... 12 3.5 Fish Consumption/Fishing Uses ................................................................... 13 3.6 Aquatic Life Uses .......................................................................................... 13 4. User and Stakeholder Groups ................................................................................... 13 5. Monitoring Efforts ...................................................................................................... 14 5.1 Lake Monitoring Activities ............................................................................. 14 5.2 Tributary Monitoring Activities ....................................................................... 15 6. Water Quality Conditions ........................................................................................... 15 6.1 Physical Conditions ....................................................................................... 16 6.2 Chemical Conditions ..................................................................................... 19 6.3 Biological Conditions ..................................................................................... 24 6.4 Other Conditions ........................................................................................... 26 7. Summary of HABs ..................................................................................................... 27 7.1 HABs History ................................................................................................ 28 1 | HABS ACTION PLAN - PUTNAM LAKE 7.2 Drinking Water and Swimming Beach HABs History .................................... 32 8. Waterbody Assessment ............................................................................................ 34 8.1 WI/PWL Assessment .................................................................................... 34 8.2 Source Water Protection Program (SWPP) .................................................. 35 8.3 CSLAP Scorecard ......................................................................................... 35 9. Conditions triggering HABs ....................................................................................... 36 10. Sources of Pollutants .............................................................................................. 39 10.1 Land Uses ..................................................................................................... 39 10.2 External Pollutant Loadings .......................................................................... 42 10.3 Internal Pollutant Loadings ........................................................................... 43 10.4 Summary of Priority Land Uses and Land Areas .......................................... 43 11. Lake Management / Water Quality Goals ................................................................ 43 12. Summary of Management Actions to Date .............................................................. 44 12.1 Local Management Actions ........................................................................... 44 12.2 Funded Projects ............................................................................................ 44 12.3 NYSDEC Issued Permits .............................................................................. 44 12.4 Research Activities ....................................................................................... 45 12.5 Clean Water Plans (TMDL, 9E, or Other Plans) ........................................... 45 13. Proposed Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Actions .................................................... 46 13.1 Overarching Considerations ......................................................................... 46 13.1.1 Phosphorus Forms ...................................................................................... 46 13.1.2 Climate Change .......................................................................................... 47 13.2 Priority Project Development and Funding Opportunities ............................. 48 13.3 Putnam Lake Priority Projects ....................................................................... 51 13.3.1 Priority 1 Projects ........................................................................................ 51 13.3.2 Priority 2 Projects ........................................................................................ 53 13.4 Additional Watershed Management Actions ................................................. 53 13.5 In-Lake Management Actions ....................................................................... 54 13.6 Monitoring Actions ........................................................................................ 54 13.7 Research Actions .......................................................................................... 55 13.8 Coordination Actions ..................................................................................... 56 13.9 Long-term Use of Action Plan ....................................................................... 57 2 | HABS ACTION PLAN - PUTNAM LAKE 14. References .............................................................................................................. 59 Appendix A. Wind and Wave Patterns .......................................................................... 64 Appendix B. Waterbody Classifications ......................................................................... 66 Appendix C. WI/PWL Summary .................................................................................... 68 Appendix D. NYSDEC Water Quality Monitoring Programs .......................................... 71 Appendix E. Road Ditches ............................................................................................ 72 List of Tables Table 1. Regional summary of surface total phosphorus (TP) concentrations (mg/L, ± standard error) for New York State lakes (2012-2017, CSLAP and LCI), and the average TP concentration (± standard error) in Putnam Lake (2013-2017). ................. 16 Table 2. New York State criteria for trophic classifications (NYSFOLA 2009) compared to averages for Putnam Lake, 2013-2017. .................................................................... 16 Table 3. History of HABs in Putnam Lake, 2013-2017. ................................................. 29 Table 4. Measured toxin and cyanobacteria (BGA) chlorophyll-a concentrations for bloom events (2013-2017, CSLAP). .............................................................................. 30 Table 5. Dominant algal taxa during documented bloom events. .................................. 31 Table 6. HABs guidance criteria. ................................................................................... 33 List of Figures Figure 1. Location of Putnam Lake within New York State. ............................................. 7 Figure 2. Political boundaries within the Putnam Lake watershed. ................................. 8 Figure 3. Beach locations in Putnam Lake. ................................................................... 12 Figure 4. Putnam Lake transparency, measured as Secchi depth (m), in 2003 (LCI) and 2013 to 2017 (CSLAP). ................................................................................................. 18 Figure 5. Temperature profiles in Putnam Lake from August to October 2003 (LCI). ... 19 Figure 6. Surface water temperature (C) in Putnam Lake, 2013 to 2017 (CSLAP). ...... 19 Figure 7. Total phosphorus (TP) concentrations (mg/L) in Putnam Lake from 2003 (LCI), and 2013 to 2017 (CSLAP). .......................................................................................... 21 Figure 8. Total nitrogen (TN), ammonia, and nitrogen oxide concentrations (mg/L) in Putnam Lake from 2013 to 2017 (CSLAP). ................................................................... 22 Figure 9. Ratios of total nitrogen (TN) to total phosphorus (TP) in Putnam Lake from 2013 to 2017 (CSLAP). ................................................................................................. 23 3 | HABS ACTION PLAN - PUTNAM LAKE Figure 10. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations (mg/L) in the water column of Putnam Lake, measured from August to October, 2003 (LCI). ................................................... 24 Figure 11. Chlorophyll-a concentrations (extracted, mg/L) in Putnam Lake from 2003 (LCI), and 2013 to 2017 (CSLAP). ................................................................................ 26 Figure 12. HAB event in Putnam Lake on September 12, 2015. ................................... 27 Figure 13. Number of days of beach closures on Putnam Lake due to the presence of HABs, 2012 and 2013 (NYSDOH)................................................................................. 34 Figure 14. Putnam Lake 2017 CSLAP scorecard. ......................................................... 36 Figure 15. Average 5-day air temperature (°C, ± standard error) preceding a reported HAB event (green bar) and during sampling when a bloom was not reported (blue bar) (p = 0.09). ...................................................................................................................... 39 Figure 16. Land uses and percentages in the Putnam Lake watershed. ....................... 40 Figure 17. (a) Watershed land use and (b) septic system density in the Putnam Lake watershed. ..................................................................................................................... 41 4 | HABS ACTION PLAN - PUTNAM LAKE 1. Introduction 1.1 Purpose New York State's aquatic resources are among the best in the country. State residents benefit from the fact that these resources are not isolated, but can be found from the eastern tip of Long Island to the Niagara River in the west, and from the St. Lawrence River in the north to the Delaware River in the south. These resources, and the plants and animals they harbor, provide both the State and the local communities a wealth of public health, economic, and ecological benefits including potable drinking water, tourism, water-based recreation, and other ecosystem services. Harmful algal blooms (HABs), primarily within lakes and ponds of New York State, have become increasingly prevalent in recent years and have impacted the values and services that these resources provide. This HABs Action Plan for Putnam Lake has been developed by the New York State Water Quality Rapid Response Team (WQRRT) to: • Describe the Lake’s physical and biological conditions • Summarize the research conducted to date and the data it has produced • Identify the potential causative factors contributing to HABs • Provide specific recommendations to minimize the frequency, duration, and intensity of HABs to protect the health and livelihood of its residents and wildlife. This Action Plan represents a key element in New York State’s efforts to combat HABs now and into the future. 1.2 Scope, Jurisdiction and Audience The New York State HABs monitoring and surveillance program was developed to evaluate conditions for waterbodies with a variety of uses (public, private, public water supplies (PWSs), non-PWSs) throughout the State. The Governor’s HABs initiative focuses on waterbodies that possess one or more of the following elements: • Serve as a public drinking water supply • Are publicly accessible • Have regulated bathing beaches. Based on these criteria, the Governor’s HABs initiative has selected 12 New York State waterbodies that are representative of waterbody types, lake conditions, and vulnerability to HABs throughout the State. Putnam Lake, with its bathing beaches, recreational opportunities, and proximity to the New York City drinking water supply, was selected as one of the priority waterbodies, and is the subject of this HABs Action Plan. 5 | HABS ACTION PLAN - PUTNAM LAKE The intended audiences for this Action Plan are as follows: • Members of the public interested in background information about the development and implications of the HABs program • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) officials associated with the HABs initiative • State agency staff who are directly involved in implementing or working with the NYS HABs monitoring and surveillance program • Local and regional agencies involved in the oversight and management of Putnam Lake (e.g., Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District [SWCD], Departments of Health [DOHs], New York City Department of Environmental Protection [NYCDEP], the Town of Patterson, and the Putnam Lake Park District) • Lake residents, managers, consultants, and others that are directly involved in the management of HABs in Putnam Lake. Analyses conducted in this Action Plan provide insight into the processes that potentially influence the formation of HABs in Putnam Lake, and their spatial extents, durations, and intensities. Implementation of the mitigation actions recommended in this HABs Action Plan are expected to reduce blooms in Putnam Lake. 1.3 Background Harmful algal blooms in freshwater generally consist of visible patches of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae (BGA). Cyanobacteria are naturally present in low numbers in most marine and freshwater systems. Under certain conditions, including adequate nutrient (e.g., phosphorus) availability, warm temperatures, and calm winds, cyanobacteria may multiply rapidly and form blooms that are visible on the surface of the affected waterbody. Several types of cyanobacteria can produce toxins and other harmful compounds that can pose a public health risk to people and animals through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation. The NYSDEC has documented the occurrence of HABs in Putnam Lake, and has produced this Action Plan to identify the primary factors triggering HAB events, and to facilitate decision-making to minimize the frequency, intensity, and duration of HABs. 6 | HABS ACTION PLAN - PUTNAM LAKE