Antrim site chosen for Lough Neagh algae investigation
An investigation into recurring blue/green algae in Lough Neagh has been earmarked to take place from the shore at Rea’s Wood in Antrim.
A report to be presented to the Operations Committee of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council at a meeting in Antrim Civic Centre on Tuesday evening says following a preliminary site assessment, a company has identified Rea’s Wood as “a particularly suitable location for the deployment of its equipment during the summer months”.
The report has indicated Varicon Aqua Solutions Limited has formally approached the council to request permission for the use of Antrim Lough Shore to facilitate a programme of investigative works.
It stated: “The purpose of these works is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of blue-green algae harvesting techniques within Lough Neagh.
“Following a preliminary site assessment, the company has identified Rea’s Wood as a particularly suitable location for the deployment of its equipment during the summer months, due to the area’s well-documented history of significant and recurring algal bloom activity.”
The proposed installation will consist of a floating containment boom, extending up to approximately 50 metres in length, designed to concentrate algal material.
A skimming unit will be positioned at the apex of the boom to collect the algae. Algae-rich water will be drawn from the lough via a skimming system and pumped to the trailer-mounted processing unit.
It is anticipated the process will take place from late June until early September during potential “peak bloom conditions”.
DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) says a contributing factor to water quality and blue-green algae in Lough Neagh is pollution caused by excess phosphorus and nitrogen from agriculture, waste water treatment works, domestic systems and industry, entering water ways; climate change – “record high” water temperature; and zebra mussels, an invasive species “disrupting ecosystems by impacting water clarity”.
In January, the borough council renewed funding for Lough Neagh Partnership through a contribution of £24,200.
Lough Neagh Partnership has highlighted concerns over water quality, nutrient overload and blue-green algae and requested the council provided this funding towards operational costs for the financial year.
Lough Neagh Partnership, a stakeholder organisation, which includes the local authority, was established in 2003 to help manage and protect the lough.