Board of Supervisors Tues Mtg 06-09-26 · LG Sonic Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation Project

The County of Lake Board of Supervisors held a meeting on June 9, 2026, to discuss the LG Sonic Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation Project. The Water Resources Director presented details about the procurement and deployment of 14 ultrasonic buoys designed to reduce harmful blue-green algae in Clear Lake by emitting ultrasonic waves to inhibit algae growth. The project includes two buoys equipped with water quality monitoring capabilities, with a total budget of $400,000 funded partly by the Blue Ribbon Committee and federal sources through HUD. The project has completed necessary environmental reviews (SQA and NEPA) and is awaiting funding release to begin implementation. Safety measures such as hazard buoys, marked navigation channels, and public outreach through flyers and media are planned to ensure safe operation and public awareness. The buoys are expected to be deployed for a two-year test period, with ongoing monitoring to assess effectiveness. Board members expressed support and interest in comparing this technology with other ongoing algae mitigation projects in the region.