Long-standing concerns in the watershed that affect Devils Lake continue to be ongoing inputs of creek-borne, E-coli bacteria from Thompson and Rock Creeks, historical and on-going lake-wide inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus from residential septic systems, increasing sedimentation, erosion, storm water inputs, intermittent cyanobacteria blooms, and the threat of the return of nuisance aquatic plants.The Devils Lake Water Improvement District, after a lengthy period of research and committee/board discussion, agreed to fund an updated and comprehensive study to characterize the quality of Devils Lake as a primary source of habitat and recreational opportunity.In November of 2014, a request for proposals was issued nationally to some 60 firms that exhibited broad expertise in lake water quality study, design, and improvement. In February of 2015, a bid opening was conducted with no proposal responses. In March of 2015, DLWID approved a direct appointed concept, pursuant to State of Oregon, Sole Source policies, rules and law. In July of 2015, DLWID received a proposal from Alex Horne and Associates (AHA) of California to study and report the past and current state of Devils Lake, provide options for lake water quality improvement, and narrow the options to a recommended solution. The July 2015 proposal cost was, through negotiation, reduced sufficiently to allow the DLWID Board in February 2016 to approve the amended proposal and enter a contract with AHA and their design team subcontractors.The AHA Phase 1 Report was completed in mid-April 2016. This level of completed work provided the complete scientific study portion, a solution menu of 17 options, and once oxygenation by aeration was selected as the appropriate course of action. click links below for more info and images.
Aeration-Project-AAR-2-Year-Update-Complete-PDF