Impaired Waters? Says who?

David Casaletto

I have completed my first couple of weeks on the job and it's been a busy time.  All the office furniture, files and equipment are now moved from the Branson office to the new location we share with Table Rock Lake Water Quality in Kimberling City. I am busy learning about the projects and activities of Ozarks Water Watch (OWW) and am thoroughly enjoying the new challenges!

As you know from reading this newsletter, Dr. Moore is an avid fisherman and his canoe has seen many miles of beautiful Ozarks stream pass under its bow. I'm more of a lake person. On a summer weekend, you'll find me on our wave runner with my granddaughters and fishing mostly consists of catching perch off the dock.  The words, "I got one papa!" are music to my ears.

We recently hosted a public meeting about why Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo are listed by Missouri's Department of Natural Resources as "Impaired." There were over 70 people in attendance to hear speakers from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the University of Missouri Columbia, the Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program and Table Rock Lake Water Quality discuss the 303(d) List of Impaired Waters. The Clean Water Act requires DNR to submit such a list every two years.  More information on the Impaired Water List and the power point presentations can be found at www.bransonarealakesreport.com.

During the question and answer session, one of the speakers stated that Table Rock Lake is perhaps the cleanest and clearest lake in Missouri. He went on to say Table Rock was on the Impaired Waters list "so we can keep it that way." A member of the audience asked if it is one of the best lakes in Missouri, shouldn't it be listed as an "Outstanding Water," not one officially "Impaired?" The term "impaired" implies serious water quality problems and gives visitors the impression they should stay away from the lake. Luckily, that is NOT the case with Table Rock and Taneycomo. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous causing excessive algal growth are our main concerns and are not a threat to human health.

The term "impaired waters" is wording used in the Clean Waters Act passed by Congress a number of years ago and it would take an act of Congress to change it. In any case, local water quality organizations, area businesses and concerned citizens are all working together to address the lake nutrient issue by writing watershed management plans to address protection strategies for our "outstanding waters." Let us know if you would like to be involved in this process.

A large part of my new job will be to get to know Ozarks Water Watch friends and supporters. I encourage you to call, email or stop by our office. I appreciate the confidence our Board of Directors has placed in me and look forward to the challenges ahead. All of us working together can help realize our vision of having the four cleanest manmade lakes in North America right here in the Ozarks.