1. 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

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

3. Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program
Canandaigua Lake
Volunteer lake monitoring/education program
Managed by NYSDEC and NYSFOLA
Initiated 1986 and mandated by ECL ( )
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 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. “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)

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 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 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 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 mg/L and ranged from to ~ mg/L.

11. 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 ) 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.

12. 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

13. 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 to mg/L; TN concentrations in the eleven Finger Lakes were also highly variable, ranging between mg/L (Canadice) and 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 (< 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 mg/L to ~1.000 mg/L.

14. 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 = 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.

15. 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.

16. 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) m 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

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. Questions? Stephanie June 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-3502
Cayuga Lake
Questions?
Stephanie June
625 Broadway Albany, NY
(518)