2017 Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program in the Finger Lakes Stephanie June A. Clinkhammer, L. McCaffrey, A. Prestigiacomo, S. Cook, S. Kishbaugh Finger Lakes Watershed HUB, Lake Monitoring and Assessment Section Bureau of Water Assessment and Management, Division of Water Northeast Aquatic Biologist Conference February 27, 2019

Outline Background Citizens State Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP) Finger Lakes 2017 CSLAP Data/Results Long-term data set comparison 2018/2019 CSLAP

Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program Canandaigua Lake Volunteer lake monitoring/education program Managed by NYSDEC and NYSFOLA Initiated 1986 and mandated by ECL (17-0305) Consistent monitoring approach Trained volunteers, use approved methods (standard operating procedures) Certified labs analyze the water samples (NYS ELAP certified) Data interpreted by professionals DEC responsible for reporting on condition of water resources in NYS, more than 16000 ponded waters; to do so requires more information than can be collected by staff resources alone - volunteers Environmental Laboratory Approval Program Long-term data set

CSLAP Objectives Data collection Baseline and trends in lake health Otisco Lake Hemlock Lake CSLAP Objectives Data collection Water quality assessments and reporting Baseline and trends in lake health Education and outreach Special studies (HABs, AIS) CSLAP Reports and Scorecards (1) collect lake data for representative lakes throughout NYS, (2) identify lake problems and changes in water quality over time, and (3) educate the public about lake preservation, management and restoration.

Background of the Finger Lakes Unique: Max depth: Honeoye 9m, Seneca 200m Surface area: Canadice 2.7km2, Seneca 176km2 Volume: Seneca 400x greater than Honeoye But similar: Climate: cold winter, brief spring, warm summer Geology: mostly shale (sandstone, limestone) Shape and orientation: elongated, N-S Multi-use freshwater resources: Drinking water (1.5 mill) Recreation Tourism ($2 bill annually) Span approximately 70 miles Historical monitoring varied These attributes, particularly the differences, influence underlying limnological properties (thermal strat, light penetration, interaction with sediments, chemistry, biology) and therefore impact overall lake ecology and potential conservation efforts All source water for municipal drinking water supplies except Honeoye

“No, no, I’m not stressed… CSLAP 2017 Timeline AKA: What happens when we actually get what we ask for “No, no, I’m not stressed… Why do you ask?” January: Develop request for CSLAP in all eleven Finger Lakes February: Submitted for funding under EPF April: NYS Budget Passed-funding approved April-May: Contracting, recruitment, ordering, site selection, etc. May/June: Trainings (n = 3) June-September/October: Sampling Hub announced in 2016 NYSFOLA help (Nancy)

CSLAP in the Finger Lakes 2017 22 Locations on 11 lakes Biweekly, June – September (n = 8 samples) Analyses: Nutrients/forms (phosphorus and nitrogen; total and dissolved) Chlorophyll-a, algae indicators and toxins Clarity (Secchi disk) Calcium, pH, conductivity Dissolved carbon In 2017, 22 locations on eleven finger lakes First synoptic/comprehensive look into all finger lakes since late 1990s. Field data, user perception observations, water chemistry, and indicators of HABs Field visits/audits – to demonstrate comparability between volunteers and DEC staff

Clarity in the Finger Lakes 2017 Eutrophic Oligotrophic Meso- 2017 NYS Stats (Summer) Secchi Disc (m) NYS Mean 3.3 NYS Range < 1 – > 9 FL Region Mean 1.8 Define trophic levels: Eutrophic – large amounts of algae, excess nutrients, reduced water clarity Oligotrophic – little production, few nutrients, clear water Mesotrophic in the middle Water clarity readings greater than about 5 meters are generally indicative of oligotrophic lakes. Readings less than 2 meters indicate eutrophic conditions. Readings between these thresholds are generally typical of mesotrophic lakes. NYSDEC has not formally adopted a target water clarity threshold (water quality standard or guidance value) for lakes and ponds . The eleven Finger Lakes generally had much higher clarity compared with smaller lakes and ponds in the Finger Lakes region (NYSDEC 2017). Average Secchi disk depth in the smaller lakes was 1.8 m with a range between 0.4 and 3.5 m.

Clarity Historical Comparison Degradation 1910 – 1970’s Improvements 1970’s – 1990’s (rarely clearer than 1910) Minor changes (positive and negative) late 1990’s to mid 2000’s and recent years Comparable clarity between 2017 and 2018 Comparison-gives us more information. Finger Lakes Synoptic Study in 96-98 The Finger Lakes have a long history of Secchi disk measurements, starting in the early 1900’s. Patterns in water clarity have varied between lakes, and those patterns different in magnitude, general trend: (1) water clarity degradation from 1910 to the 1970s, (2) improvements in clarity from the 1970s to the late 1990s – but with the 1990s rarely being clearer than 1910, (3) minor changes (both positive or negative) from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s and to 2017.

Phosphorus in the Finger Lakes 2017 Eutrophic Oligotrophic Meso- 2017 NYS Stats (Summer) TP (mg/L) NYS Mean 0.028 NYS Range 0.004 – > 0.3 FL Region Mean 0.075 Define trophic levels: Readings less than 0.010 mg/L are generally indicative of oligotrophic lakes, and low susceptibility for excessive algae growth and harmful algal blooms, at least within large portions of the lake. Readings above 0.020 mg/L indicate an increasing susceptibility to widespread or frequent shoreline blooms, and are typical of eutrophic lakes. Measurements between these thresholds are generally typical of mesotrophic lakes. In 1993, NYSDEC designated a TP threshold of 0.020 mg/L as the state guidance value associated with poor aesthetic quality. Lake to lake variability Variability during the season Comparison to NYS averages and ranges The eleven Finger Lakes were very low in TP, compared with smaller lakes and ponds in the broader Finger Lakes basin. In the “2017 Finger Lakes Regional Lakes Report” (NYSDEC 2017) the average TP for all the lakes in the region was 0.075 mg/L and ranged from 0.013 to ~ 0.150 mg/L.

Chlorophyll in the Finger Lakes 2017 2017 NYS Stats (Summer) Chl-a (ug/L) NYS Mean 9.1 NYS Range 0.3 – > 50 FL Region Mean 32 Eutrophic Oligotrophic Meso- Define trophic levels: Chl-a readings less than 2 parts per billion (or micrograms per liter; μg/L) are generally indicative of oligotrophic lakes. Readings above 8 parts per billion are typical of eutrophic lakes that are susceptible to persistent water quality problems. Readings between these thresholds are generally typical of mesotrophic lakes. NYSDEC has not formally adopted a target Chl-a threshold (water quality standard or guidance value) for lakes and ponds, but NYS research has identified that Chl-a concentrations greater than 10 μg/L can result in reduced water clarity, degradations in aesthetic and recreational water quality, and increased frequency of open water and shoreline algal blooms. High variability within a lake spatially and temporally Comparison to NYS averages and ranges Average Chl-a for the lakes in the Finger Lakes region listed in the 2017 Finger Lakes Region Lakes Report (CSLAP and LCI lakes from 2012-2016) was 32 μg/L and ranged in summer average Chl-a from 3 to 160 μg/L (NYSDEC 2017). Other than Honeoye Lake, Chl-a levels in the Finger Lakes were substantially lower than the smaller lakes and ponds in the region.

Putting the Pieces Together Lake Average TSI Trophic State Skaneateles 34 Oligo Keuka 36 Canadice Canandaigua Hemlock 40 Meso Seneca 44 Owasco Conesus 46 Cayuga Otisco 48 Honeoye 56 Eu Putting the Pieces Together Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI): Numerical score for determining a lake’s water quality Developed in the 1970’s Trophic state refers to the level of biomass production, specifically primary (biological) productivity for a given water body. A composite metric for assessing water quality average of TP, Chl-a, and Secchi depth (low = good, high = bad) Information good. Yearly water quality-doesn’t tell us much about trends

Nitrogen in the Finger Lakes 2017 2017 NYS Stats TN (mg/L) NYS Mean 0.54 NYS Range 0.13 – >1.5 Information good. Yearly water quality-doesn’t tell us much about trends Summer average TN values were extremely variable in NYS ranging from 0.133 to 1.710 mg/L; TN concentrations in the eleven Finger Lakes were also highly variable, ranging between 0.192 mg/L (Canadice) and 1.094 mg/L (Cayuga). TN less likely associated with biological/chemical relationships than other parameters (trophic indicators); With regards to TN, an interesting geographical pattern was observed, not seen with TP, Chl-a, or SD. Except for Honeoye Lake, all lakes from Keuka – west had summer average TN values less than the NYS median (< 0.446 mg/L; Figure 14b). The five eastern lakes (Seneca to Otisco) had elevated TN values when compared to the NYS lakes (Figure 14a) and the western Finger Lakes, ranging from greater than 0.460 mg/L to ~1.000 mg/L.

2017 Geographical Distribution of Nitrogen Consistent NH3 in all lakes TN higher in eastern lakes Average more than 2x greater than western lakes (mean = 0.74 mg/L, p<0.01) NOX higher in eastern lakes Average more than 10x greater than western lakes (mean = 0.40 mg/L, p<0.01) One year – as dataset builds examine potential drivers The relative proportion of NH3 and NOX varied geographically in the Finger Lakes (Figure 30), consistent with the similar NH3 concentration in all lakes and the much higher concentrations in NOX observed in the east. Lakes west of Seneca Lake (Keuka – Conesus) and the eastern lakes (Seneca – Otisco) had substantially different concentrations for both TN and NOX. The Mann-Whitney U-test is a statistical test that determines if the differences between two groups of data are statistically significant (more than just random chance). The p-value represents the likelihood of making an incorrect conclusion with a p-value of 0.01 indicating a 1% chance of making an incorrect conclusion.

Calcium in the Finger Lakes Ca2+ higher than the 2017 statewide mean (16.1 mg/L) except for Canadice and Honeoye Ca2+ higher than the 2018 statewide mean (17.5 mg/L) in all lakes Ca2+ high enough to support colonization and growth of invasive dreissenid mussels (critical growth thresholds 10 mg/L to 20 mg/L) Dreissenid mussels all but Canadice (lowest Ca2+) Decrease from 1990’s unclear, possible uptake into mollusk shells Calcium is a trace metal closely associated with limestone geology and hardwater lakes. It can be considered a surrogate for alkalinity, or buffering capacity—lakes with high calcium levels are generally less susceptible to swings in pH associated with acid rain or other acidic inputs to lakes. Calcium is also a micronutrient required by freshwater mussels to grow their shells, and may be one of the most significant limiting factors to colonization by invasive mussels. Calcium is usually stable in most lake systems, so it is analyzed in only two samples per year through CSLAP. The surface water calcium concentrations were substantially lower in 2017 compared with the NYSDEC Synoptic Survey in the late 1990s (Callinan 2001; Figure 36). Calcium concentrations decreased by more than 20% in all lakes, except Keuka (< 2% change). The exact mechanism for this is unclear but maybe due to uptake and sequestration into the shells of invasive zebra and quagga mussels.

Chloride in the Finger Lakes 2017 and 2018 five lakes below statewide average (40 mg/L, 37.9 mg/L; respectively) Remaining above statewide average Cl- increased in nine out of eleven lakes since 1970’s Seneca highest concentration Enough variation adding one timepoint and analyzing at both depths Chloride concentrations vary in freshwater lakes due to natural conditions (e.g., geology and soils) but is also a constituent of road deicing agents (road salt), and can enter lakes from to stormwater runoff, intrusion from salt water, wastewater and industrial discharges. NYS drinking water standard for chloride is 250 mg/L, CAY and SEN greater concentration due to Silurian beds of halite (rock salt) 450-600m below surface (two deepest lakes) – chloride introduced, most likely from groundwater infiltration. Observed decrease in two lakes most likely associated with wither changes in analytical capabilities (accuracy/precision) or decline in discharge of brine water waste from the salt mines below the lakes. 2017 and 2018 all same lakes but one

pH, Conductivity, Color in the Finger Lakes pH naturally elevated due to geology (i.e. limestone) Three instances coincided with increases in chlorophyll a, potentially bloom related increase Similar observations in 2018 Specific conductivity pattern similar to ions discussed (Canadice low, Seneca/Cayuga high) Finger Lakes at or above state average NYS trend increasing conductivity Low color in Finger Lakes, statewide color extremely variable Typical of finger lakes to experience large shifts in pH throughout growing season, some documented historically above 9 and below 6. Three exceedances of water quality standard 8.5: coincided with chlorophyll a increases; during an algae bloom pH can increase as algae removes inorganic carbon (which acts as an acid) Conductivity, reported as specific conductance (SC; and corrected to 25°C), measures the amount of current that can be carried through water (and “conduct” electricity). The current is carried by ions such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, so the conductivity is a rough measure of the concentrations of these ions. It is also closely related to water hardness and alkalinity (buffering capacity), and is usually a characteristic of the geology of the basin surrounding the lake. However, while conductivity itself is not a strong indicator of water quality, changes in conductivity can: (1) indicate changes in pollutant inputs to lakes, (2) change biological habitat, (3) change the way nutrients remain in the water. NYS and Finger Lake patterns in SC were similar to those discussed for chloride FL conductivity at or above NYS average Color: Water color is a surrogate for dissolved organic carbon, and is manifested in a brownness in the water associated with weak organic (tannic and fluvic) acids.

Quality Control Site Visits Finger Lakes Watershed HUB conducted site visits and collected QC samples at one site per lake Field duplicates of surface sample Sample collection and processing equipment the same Provided feedback, answered questions Parameters that performed well: TP, Chl. a, Secchi, SC, TN Parameters that did not perform as well: pH, Color, NOx, NH3 Variation – environmental sampling, introduced error Potential sampler-related sources of differences between the volunteer sample and the NYSDEC samples include: (1) insufficient rinsing of the collapsible container in the field, (2) skin contact contamination of the sample water, (3) insufficient mixing of the sample prior to processing, (4) improper seating of the filter paper for Chl-a, and (5) contamination of the filtration apparatus. Following 2017 – retraining NYSDEC had retrained many of the volunteers and provided each volunteer group with an updated procedural checklist for field and on-shore processing. NYSDEC and NYSFOLA will also continue to evaluate sampling and training procedures to minimize opportunities for error and improve (the already high) confidence in results generated from this program. Quality control results provide assurance that the data collected through CSLAP is of sufficient quality to aid NYSDEC in making accurate assessments and important management decisions to protect the water quality of these important natural resources.

Susceptibility to Harmful Algal Blooms All eleven lakes documented blooms in 2017, ten in 2018 Despite good water quality, adequate environments for bloom development: Climate – temperature, frequent/intense precipitation Productivity and nutrients Orientation – N-S; large shorelines Fetch length Water retention Invasive bivalves Lake 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Otisco S C Skaneateles HT Owasco Cayuga Seneca Keuka Canandaigua Honeoye Canadice Hemlock Conesus Skaneateles Lake Photo Credit: T. Schneider Owasco Lake Research from the past few decades has identified triggers or factors that, when present, may influence bloom development Fetch length is the distance over water across which wind can blow unabated. Longer residence times – most lakes between 2 and 10 years Very simplified list, in no way comprehensive, based on data we collect through this program or have access to, factors that stand out.

CSLAP in the Finger Lakes 2018/2019 Six additional sites Additional analysis including: SRP - surface and deep TDP and TDN - surface and deep DOC for deep samples HAB toxins Chloride - surface and deep, additional sample Depth Profiles - site visits Continuation of QC site visits Data interpretation in progress

NYSDEC Finger Lakes Hub Winter Sampling 2018 and 2019 Skaneateles Lake Photo credit: A. Clinkhammer Otisco Lake Canandaigua Lake Photo credit: L. McCaffrey Cayuga Lake Conesus Lake Photo credit: K. Hanafin Canadice Lake Photo credit: S. June Learn More! When: Friday March 1st, 10AM Where: Lake Assessment, Session 7, Showroom What: “Winter Sampling in the Finger Lakes of New York” Who: Tony Prestigiacomo, NYSDEC Twice 2017, Three times 2018 Dec, Feb, April – helps to complete the big picture, inform summer conditions, incorporated in models

Takeaways Finger Lakes tended to have better water quality, compared to smaller lakes in the region in 2017 Lots of variability State-wide scale, within a lake Spatially, temporally Building long term dataset – melded with historical monitoring available QC indicates CSLAP data is of sufficient quality to aid NYSDEC in assessments and management decisions Benefits of continuing CSLAP monitoring Consistent/approved procedures covered in QAMP, ELAP certified laboratory, data can be used for TMDL/9E plan development, grant applications

Questions? Stephanie June 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-3502 Cayuga Lake Questions? Stephanie June 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-3502 stephanie.june@dec.ny.gov (518) 402-8179