Fernan fix could cost millions

COEUR d’ALENE — Improving the water quality of Fernan Lake is projected to require a multi-pronged approach and likely cost a few million dollars.

“It doesn’t have to happen all at once, but it does take some money,” said Ryan Van Goethem of EutroPhix.

About 60 people attended a special meeting of the Fernan Lake Village City Council at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library to hear ways to reduce the harmful algal blooms that affect the lake, primarily in the summer.

It is a longtime problem but one that has yet to be solved.

“There really hasn’t been a lot of action,” said Councilman Jim Goodsen. “There’s been a lot of talk, but we really need to get people fired up and get some action going behind this, and it’s going to require some money.”

The city hired EutroPhix and AquaTechnex last fall to prepare a management plan for the 400-acre lake just east of Coeur d'Alene.

Van Goethem said Fernan Lake flushes well from winter to spring, but little flow occurs in the summer. That leads to an increase in nitrogen and phosphorus in the lake, which causes algae blooms comprised of toxic cyanobacteria.

Most of the phosphorus enters the lake from Fernan Creek.

"The lake has experienced poor water quality for decades," according to an outline from EutroPhix. 

In August, a public health advisory was issued for Fernan Lake due to the presence of harmful algal bloom. That affects recreational uses such as  boating, fishing and swimming.

Possible solutions mentioned Monday included rerouting Fernan Creek to slow the water and perhaps filter it better; aerate the lake with oxygen; replace lily pads in the wetlands with cattails and what seemed the most likely method, using chemicals with binding agents that inhibit the release of phosphorus.

Van Goethem said the chemicals they would use are safe for the environment and wildlife and have been successfully employed in other lakes.

That alone isn’t the answer, he said. The solution will involve other means, time and money.

“We are talking multi-million dollars, a couple major projects," Van Goethem said.

Fernan Lake resident Bob Moate liked what he heard.

“I think it’s hopeful. There’s a lot of complications that could intervene, but it sounds like there’s some possibilities. Real possibilities,” he said.  "I think it’s worth a real serious look and some effort put into it."

Mike Webb, who lives on Fernan Creek, questioned where the money would come from. 

“One or two million dollars, that’s lot of money for just the participants of the lake,” he said. 

State and federal grants were cited as possibilities.

Webb said he and Moate have long fished the lake and have witnessed its decline. He said something must be done to restore its water quality.

“It’s never been like this,” he said.

EutroPhix and AquaTechnex are scheduled to return with a draft lake management plan in March, and then a final plan in May, offering short- and long-term solutions.

The public’s involvement is key, said Van Goethem.

“We really need the community to be engaged, to say, ‘Yes, we want to do this,’” he said. “Once you have that, a lot of barriers and red tape really come down.”