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Information about water quality issues and recreation in the wake of flooding

MADISON – High water levels may be receding in parts of southern Wisconsin, but questions continue to flood in about water quality issues.

“The health and safety dangers from recent floods are still a concern,” said Todd Ambs, water division leader for the Department of Natural Resources. “Water currents can be deceptively strong and there’s a lot of debris in the water. Pollutant levels are elevated in some waterways from runoff and overflows of wastewater treatment systems.

“Because conditions are so variable, it’s important for people to be aware of water quality conditions in their area, take appropriate precautions, and use common sense.”

The record rainfalls this month meant record amounts of stormwater and runoff was carried into lakes and rivers, bringing along pollutants from urban streets, farm fields and construction sites. The deluge also overwhelmed wastewater treatment systems in many communities, forcing overflows of sanitary sewers and resulting in partially treated and/or untreated sewage being released into state waters. As of June 23, 164 communities reported overflow events [PDF 22KB], according to Tom Gilbert, the DNR wastewater engineer compiling the reports. Information on the specific locations, the number of events, and the duration of overflows is still being collected and in some areas, overflows are still occurring.

Overflows typically contain wastewater that is substantially diluted by the rain or flood waters, and the organic component of the wastewater should degrade quickly, but the overflows also contain pathogenic microorganisms that are a potential public health concern, Gilbert says.

Here are answers – and links to more information – about water quality issues in the aftermath of the flooding. Also, find more information and a photo gallery on the Coping With Flooding page of the DNR Web site.

Drinking water safety

Despite virtually unprecedented flooding in most of southern Wisconsin, there still have not been any impacts that resulted in closing of municipal drinking water systems. That reflects 30 years of work by state and local governments to move wells to high ground, says Lee Boushon, who leads the DNR’s public water supply section.

Private well owners in flooded areas should suspect their drinking water is contaminated by floodwaters if the well casing becomes inundated; if there's a change in the taste, color or sediment in the water; or if the well does not have a deep casing and you are near areas that have been flooded. Wells located in pits and basements are especially susceptible to contamination. Well owners should stop using the wells and follow the steps detailed online and demonstrated in a DNR video.

People coming into contact with floodwaters during cleanup

People should wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area and keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed, according to the CDC. More tips on re-entering your property after flooding and safety during cleanup, and a link to the CDC, can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services Web site: [exit DNR].

Sandbag and debris disposal

After floodwaters recede, homeowners and others face the often daunting chore of disposing of waterlogged debris, including sandbags. It is important to dispose of debris quickly but safely, protecting human health and the environment in both the short and long term.

The bottom line: don't burn or bury debris, recycle where possible, separate hazarous materials and landfill the rest. Above all, be safe.

DNR officials are reporting that some landowners have been placing that sand on their beaches. Sand bags that have been exposed to flood waters have likely picked up bacteria from untreated sewage, agricultural runoff and other sources. According to the health department, any sand exposed to flood waters should not be used for human use including sand boxes or beaches.

In addition, the placement of sand on beaches below the Ordinary High Water Mark is a violation of Chapter 30.15 of the Wis. Stats. (placement of unauthorized materials on the bed). Sand easily washes off shorelines and migrates to deeper water. The cumulative dumping of sand buries spawning habitat in the near shore area which impacts the overall lake fishery.

For more information regarding the placement of sand on beaches, people may contact Pam Biersach, DNR South Central Region aquatic habitat protection coordinator at (608) 275-3282.

The DNR has compiled information on how to dispose of specific materials and items. Click on the Coping With Flooding page of the DNR Web site for details on managing debris and waste. For more information, people can also contact local DNR offices.

Swimming

Health officials generally advise people against swimming or bathing in rivers, streams, creeks or lakes in flooded areas for several reasons: contaminated water, floating and submerged debris, dangerous currents and fragile shorelines that can give way.

Because conditions vary greatly across southern Wisconsin, people should check with local authorities for current water quality conditions. Updated water quality reports for 118 beaches along Lakes Michigan and Superior and at more than 100 inland beaches can be found online at wibeaches.us. Whenever you swim in a lake or river, follow these simple precautions to stay safe:

• Do not swim in areas of lakes and ponds where there’s visible blue-green algae nor let children play in the water or animals drink or swim in the water.
• Shower after swimming.
• Wash hands before eating.
• Pay attention and follow advisory signs.

Boating

Water levels and water quality vary greatly, so it’s important to check with local authorities for any health advisories or slow-no-wake restrictions or health advisories. Boaters need to consider that there is a lot of floating and submerged debris in all bodies of water affected by flooding -- everything from lawn chairs, dislodged piers and cable, to whole trees and everything in between. Lower units can snag, vessels can hit the debris and get damaged or capsize, according to Barbara Wolf, regional conservation warden for south central Wisconsin. “As always, wear your life jacket,” she says.

It may be tempting to go canoeing and kayaking in high water but there is so much variation in rivers and what happens during high water, it’s worth taking some time to consider the potential dangers. There are more dangers than most people imagine. First of all, a river that usually moves at a slow to moderate pace can become a raging torrent with pushy and unpredictable currents, big waves, and/or large debris. With few exceptions, a small boat is helpless in such conditions and its occupants, even wearing life jackets, are literally risking their lives. The best advice to anyone is don't go out into floodwaters .

Fishing and eating fish

Anglers who fish from motor boats, canoes or other craft need to follow the general warnings to be cautious of debris and fast currents. Anglers fishing from shore need to be wary of fragile shorelines that might give way underfoot.

Anglers who want to eat their catch need to follow the state’s day-in, day-out advice for eating fish caught from Wisconsin waters.

“We recommend that people always wash their hands after handling surface waters. The fish you catch should be rinsed in clean (tap) water and cooked thoroughly before eating,” says Candy Schrank, a DNR toxicologist. “We also encourage you to follow our fish consumption advice to reduce your exposure to environmental contaminants while enjoying the benefits of eating fish.”

Fish kills

The heavy rains and flooding have added additional organic material to waterways, making conditions ripe for fish kills caused by a bacterial disease called Columnaris.

Columnaris fish kills generally occur throughout the state during May and June each year and should not be confused with the viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) virus which is a new disease feared to be spreading inland from the Great Lakes. Both diseases only infect fish species and are not a health risk to humans. However, people should not eat fish killed by Columnaris or VHS, and should wash their hands if they handle infected fish, because other bacteria that may be harmful to humans start feeding on the dead carcasses.

“The Columnaris bacteria is most prevalent in our lakes after water temperatures reach 65-70 degrees from late May to late June,” says Larry Damman, DNR fishery biologist. The bacteria levels increase after major rainfalls that supply additional nutrients on which the bacteria thrives into area lakes. VHS fish kills tend to occur at temperatures less than 60 degrees.”

Bluegill, crappies, yellow perch and bullheads, already stressed from seasonal spawning activities are most affected by Columnaris. The bacteria erode the fishes’ skin, causing leakage of bodily fluids and a fairly rapid death.

Although Columnaris can appear to produce large scale fish losses in a matter of several days, it usually does not have a catastrophic impact on overall fish populations, according to fishery biologists.

Columnaris was recently found in bluegills, crappies, and other panfish in Dane and Kewaunee counties. As waters warm more fish kills may be expected.

If anglers or landowners have additional questions or see large numbers of dead fish especially non-panfish species like carp, largemouth bass, muskie and walleye, they should contact their local DNR fisheries biologist to investigate the problem.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Drinking water: Lee Boushon (608) 266-0857

Boating safety: Barbara Wolf (608) 273-6277; Roy Zellmer (608) 264-8970

Beach water quality: Shaunna Chase (608) 266-2554

Fishing and fish consumption: Candy Schrank (608) 267-7614

Columnaris fish disease and fish kills: Andy Fayram (608) 266-5250

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State grants help communities make headway against aquatic invasive species

Local communities big winners in favorable 07-09 state budget

MADISON – Local efforts to fight aquatic invasive species are accelerating across Wisconsin this summer, as more than 120 communities and lake districts are benefiting from a dramatic increase in state grant funding aimed at turning back the tide of zebra mussels, Eurasian water-milfoil and other unwelcome guests.

“Governor Doyle and lawmakers responded to the call of local communities for more help by doubling the grant money available this year, and earmarking even more for 2009,” says Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank. “That money is being put to work in local communities to fight invasive species and keep our lakes and rivers and local economies healthy.”

The 2007-2009 state budget added $1.8 million to the DNR’s $1.5 million Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Grant fund for 2008 grants for a total of $3.3 million. Starting July 1, the state’s new fiscal year, $4.3 million will be available for grants made in 2009.

That new money, from motorboat gas taxes, enabled significantly more local governments, lake and river organizations, tribal nations and other groups to receive grants for education, prevention and control work in 2008. It also enabled DNR to increase to 75 percent from 50 percent the amount of a project the state covers, and starting July 1, to increase the pool of eligible applicants and activities.

Carroll Schaal, who coordinates the DNR’s AIS grant program, says the increased funding has triggered a “phenomenal” response from waterfront communities and enabled the state to more strategically tackle the aquatic invasive species problem.

“We thought the influx of funding meant we’d have more money than applicants, but we got more than enough great projects to fund,” Schaal says. “These projects will enable Wisconsin to slow the spread, react quicker and more decisively when new infestations are found, and make progress on containing and reducing the impact of established infestations.”

Schaal says the increase in AIS grant money availability comes as research and the DNR’s strategic plan provide a framework for more effectively directing the local funding and the state’s management project.

Reflecting research showing that preventing an introduction is more cost effective than trying to control it, the biggest portion of the $3.3 million awarded in the past year went to 74 prevention, planning and education projects. A majority of those projects advanced boater education and inspection work at public landings under Wisconsin’s Clean Boats, Clean Waters (exit DNR) initiative.

That initiative originally provided state training and materials for local volunteers to supplement paid state watercraft inspectors. In recent years, counties have received grants to hire a person in their jurisdiction to coordinate Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteers on a county-wide instead of a lake-by-lake basis, and to pay for some seasonal watercraft inspectors. Efforts by volunteer and paid watercraft inspectors have played an important role in increasing boater awareness and compliance – from less than 20 percent in 2004 to more than 90 percent in 2007 – with steps necessary to slow the spread of invasive species.

In 2008, DNR grants supported new countywide coordinators in Calumet, Door, Walworth, Dane, Adams, Manitowoc, Douglas, Bayfield, Portage, Florence, and Oneida counties, and a coordinator through the Golden Sands RC&D.

Twenty grants are helping pay for early detection and response control projects to root out invasive species that appear to be recently established in a lake. The majority of 2008 grants are aimed at tackling Eurasian water-milfoil, a plant that forms thick mats at the water’s surface that get tangled around boat propellers, swimmers and water skiers.

“Obviously, we’re much more likely to eradicate or contain these early populations when they are truly in a pioneering state and before they become well established,” Schaal says. “It’s too early to tell, but we think that projects funded this year will be able to eradicate this invasive plant on several lakes.”

These grants were also used last year to head off Wisconsin’s first population of Hydrilla, an invasive plant that plagues many waters in the southeastern United States and is regarded as nastier than Eurasian water-milfoil.

A third category of grants, those targeted at water bodies with established populations of invasive species, enabled the state to provide $1.2 million to aid communities with projects to control the invasive species with chemical treatments and other methods. While research has shown that chemical treatments to knock back invasive plant populations in one year have no bearing on infestations in subsequent years, the DNR is now investigating allowing treatment of larger areas – even entire lakes – and changing up the timing.

“Shifting chemical treatments to the early spring has been demonstrated to provide the greatest longest lasting controls,” Schaal says. For instance, Wheeler Lake, in Oconto County was treated in fall 2006 and again in 2007 for Eurasian water-milfoil, and the DNR hasn’t detected the invasive plant since.

A list of 2008 grant recipients [PDF 60KB] the amount of the grant and a list of the projects is available on the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Carroll Schaal (608) 261-6423; Jeff Bode (608) 266-0502; Tom Nowakowski (608) 267-0494

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Wisconsin’s fish consumption advice booklets now available

Some limits on fish consumption advised for all people

MADISON - Updated fish consumption advisory booklets are now available online and at county health centers and Department of Natural Resources service centers and regional offices.

All people who eat fish, regardless of their age and gender, are reminded to check the advice and consider how frequently they eat fish from Wisconsin waters, the species of fish they eat, and what water body the fish came from, says Candy Schrank, the toxicologist who coordinates fish contaminant testing and the advisory for the Department of Natural Resources.

“All lakes and rivers have some level of advice ranging from ‘unrestricted’ to ‘do not eat’ depending on the location, species of fish, and size of the fish,” she says. “While fish are recommended as a heart-healthy, low fat source of protein, some fish contain contaminants that you want to avoid or limit.”

Fish is the main source of mercury and PCBs in the human diet; both contaminants can harm developing fetuses and children and are also harmful for adults, according to Dr. Henry Anderson, chief medical officer of the Wisconsin’s Department of Health and Family Services Public Health Division.

“We should include moderate amounts of fish in our diet because studies have shown that fish can provide health benefits and some species are a good source of beneficial fatty acids,” Dr. Anderson says. “The key is to avoid those fish high in contaminants, including some fish from stores and restaurants.”

In adults, too much mercury may result in loss of coordination and affect vision, hearing and speech. Some studies have also found higher rates of heart disease in men who had elevated mercury levels.

The updated booklet, “Choose Wisely, A Health Guide for Eating Fish in Wisconsin [PDF 1.06MB]," reflects results from fish sampling in 2007. DNR and DHFS toxicologists re-evaluated existing advice and reviewed new data on the types and levels of contaminants found in fish collected by DNR and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Key components of the advice are:

• Women in childbearing years and children may safely eat one meal of panfish a week and one meal of game fish a month from most waters with the exception of musky, which they shouldn’t eat.
• Men and older women may eat panfish but eat no more than one meal a week of game fish from most waters, and one meal per month of muskies.
• In addition, 95 lakes have more restrictive advice for some species of fish due to higher levels of mercury. This year, two lakes were added to this list: Nebagamon Lake in Douglas County and Little Rice Flowage in Forest County. Advice for these 95 lakes recommends that women of childbearing age and children under 15 not eat some larger gamefish and eat only 1 meal per month of some panfish. Also, men and older women should limit their consumption to 1 meal per month of larger gamefish and 1 meal per week of those panfish.
• 49 stream reaches and harbors have more restrictive advice due to PCBs. These waters include lakes Michigan and Superior, and larger rivers of the state. Advice for all people ranges from ‘unrestricted’ to ‘do not eat’ depending on the location, species of fish and size of the fish.

Mercury is naturally occurring in the environment and also comes from the burning of fossil fuels. It enters waters and is converted to a toxic form that’s easily absorbed by fish and other aquatic organisms, and in turn, by people that eat the fish. PCBs are man-made chemicals once used in a variety of manufacturing processes but banned in the 1970s; they remain in sediments and accumulate in fish and other organisms.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candy Schrank, DNR - (608) 267-7614; Dr. Henry Anderson, DHFS - (608) 266-1253

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Proper timing of mowing critical to minimize the spread of invasive plants

MADISON - As the seasons change from spring to summer, people will begin to notice more blooming plants along Wisconsin roadsides, but increasing numbers of these plants are invasive species that are crowding out native plants. And as the mowing season moves into high gear, state invasive species specialists caution that the timing of when some invasive species are mowed can make the difference between setting invasive plants back, or spreading them out over an even greater area.

June is designated as Invasive Species Awareness Month (exit DNR) in Wisconsin, partially because many invasive plants are most noticeable this time of year. Invasive Species Awareness Month is aimed at helping Wisconsin residents and visitors gain a better understanding of the impact of invasive species on the state’s waters, wild lands and agricultural lands.

“Mowing some invasive plants after they have begun to put up flowering stalks, but before seed begins to set can help control some species such as wild parsnip,” says Brendon Panke, early detection invasive plant coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources. “Others, such as Canada thistle, need to be mowed prior to flowering as they develop seed very quickly after the flowers open. Once these plants are in the late flowering stage or in seed, mowing them just spreads the seeds, enlarging the infestation.”

Here are some invasive plants that are very noticeable this time of year and what Panke says are the best steps for controlling them:

Wild parsnip: This 3- to 6-foot tall plant with yellow flowers in flat tops of 2- to 6-inches across are becoming very common on roadsides and open grasslands. The sap from wild parsnip can cause severe burns and blisters when it gets on exposed skin.

Mowing will not kill parsnip plants, but will reduce seed production. Acting like a biennial, wild parsnip plants will die after flowering. If mowed too early, they will send up new flowering stalks which need to be mowed a few weeks later. If mowed after seeds have begun to form, seeds will develop and spread. For best results try to mow them just after flowering has begun—usually late June/early July.

Poison hemlock: A fairly new invader to Wisconsin, this plant is starting to spread on roadsides in the southern counties. It has lacy fern-like leaves and flowering stalks that reach up to 7 feet with multiple 2- to 4-inch umbrella shaped discs of small white flowers. This plant is highly toxic to both humans and livestock who eat it.

Spring mowing has proven effective in killing mature plants, yet re-growth may occur and new seedlings may continue to establish. A second mow in late summer is recommended to eliminate remaining or subsequent growth. Because poison hemlock seed has been shown to germinate up to three years after dispersal, a third year of mowing may be necessary. Seed is usually fully developed by mid-June and it should not be mowed after this point.

Teasel: Both common teasel and cut-leaf teasel are very easy to recognize by their large spiny oval flowering head that stays upright for more than a year after flowering.

If mowed too early, they will send up new flowering stalks, which need to be mowed a few weeks later. If mowed after seeds have begun to form, seeds will develop and spread. Mow after full bud, but before flowering has begun. Do not mow after late July.

Canada thistle: This noxious weed with multiple small purple flower heads spreads both by seed and by underground rhizomes, or stems.

Persistent and timely mowing, clipping or hand weeding will have minimal effect on eliminating Canada thistle. However, mowing just twice a year, in mid-June and September may reduce or contain its spread. Viable seeds are developed within 8-10 days after flowers open even if it is mowed during flowering. To prevent seed development and spread, mow after flowering stalk has developed but before flower buds open. Mowing while Canada thistle is in flower or seed will cause further spread of seeds.

More information on these species and other invasive plant species is available on the the Wisconsin DNR invasive species Web page.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brendon Panke - (608) 267-7438

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DNR announces Air and Waste Program management appointments

MADISON – The Department of Natural Resources has announced the promotion of two veteran DNR staff to top management positions in the agency’s air and waste programs.

Al Shea, administrator of the DNR Air and Waste Division, has appointed Sue Bangert as deputy division administrator.

“Sue brings a wealth of experience in environmental program management, including wastewater, watershed management, solid and hazardous waste, recycling, and mining,” Shea said.

Bangert is currently the director of the DNR Bureau of Waste and Materials Management and had recently assumed department leadership on two critical emerging issues: electronic waste and pharmaceuticals. She also has recently led the division's efforts to integrate information technology systems which will provide more effective and efficient service to Wisconsin businesses and industries, Shea said.

Shea also announced the appointment of John Melby as director of the DNR Bureau of Air Management.

“John brings an extensive environmental quality management background to his new position including work in the wastewater, air, and solid & hazardous waste programs.

Melby is currently the leader of the air and waste programs for the DNR Southeast Region headquartered in Milwaukee, where the majority of DNR field air staff are located.

“I believe his enthusiastic attitude, common sense approach to problem-solving, knowledge and experience in multiple program areas, and his attention to detail and follow-up will be are vital to the continued success of the air program,” Shea said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Al Shea - (608) 266-5896

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Still space in Buckhorn youth learn to hunt workshop and youth hunt

NEECEDAH – Space is still available for youths interested in a “Learn to Deer Hunt” workshop and special hunt that will be held at Buckhorn State Park located on the Castle Rock Flowage near Neecedah.

The two-day hunt will be held Nov. 8-9 for youths who are at least age 12 but not older than 17 as of Nov. 8. The chaperoned hunt is preceded by a one-day learn-to-hunt workshop on either Sept. 6 or 7 at the LaValle Sportsman’s Club.

Canoe along the shore at Buckhorn State Park from sunrise to sunset.
Photo by Wayne Glowac

“We’re trying to give youngsters a quality experience where they can have a good chance at harvesting an animal and can learn to do it safely,” said Joe Stecker-Kochanski, park superintendent.

A hunting license is not required. Youngsters who have not harvested a deer with a firearm at the time of application will receive preference. The annual event is limited to 56 youngsters this year. Applicants for the event must apply by July 15. A drawing will be held on July 16, and all successful applicants will be notified by July 24.

The hunt, limited to shotguns, takes place on 2,000 acres of Buckhorn State Park and the Buckhorn Wildlife Area, south of Necedah in Juneau County. Youth can take either an antlered or antlerless deer.

Each youth must be accompanied by a qualified chaperone. Applicants can select a family member or friend as the chaperone or authorize the park to assign a chaperone. The chaperone – who is not allowed to hunt or to carry a firearm – must be at least 21 years old and have at least 5 years hunting experience.

Information and applications are available on the Buckhorn State Park Youth Deer Hunt page of the DNR Web site or by writing Youth Deer Hunt, Buckhorn State Park, W8450 Buckhorn Park Ave., Necedah, WI, 54646-7338.

Each youngster selected must have completed a certified hunter education program. Both the hunter and chaperone must attend a Learn to Hunt Deer workshop Sept. 6 or 7 at the LaValle Sportsman's Club. A $20 fee for the workshop and hunt will be collected by Friends of Buckhorn State Park.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Buckhorn State Park - (608) 565-2789