Issue No. 339 - 29 November 2007
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Issue No. 339 - 29 November 2007 |
Virginia Lake restoration update
The work to rebalance the ecosystem of Virginia Lake has begun.
The problem The problem is blue-green algae. The scientific name is Cyanobacteria and it is, as its name suggests, bacteria rather than algae. They thrive when the weather is warm and calm and especially when levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (nutrients) are high. In such conditions they multiply so quickly that they dominate the local aquatic environment. The resulting water discolouration is called a 'bloom'. What's next? Coming soon from the USA is a device called the Solarbee. With a price tag of $100,000, this machine sits on the top of the lake while it draws water up from below and spreads it across the surface in a long-distance flow pattern. The intake system allows a specific depth to be treated without the risk of disturbing the sediment. The flow is created by a quiet, solar powered motor, which spins an axial flow impeller. The machine is constructed of stainless steel and polymers. All components, including the electronics system and motor, have a 25-year design life. The Solarbee disrupts the blue-green algae's habitat by circulating and oxygenating the water. It is awaiting freight dispatch in Chicago and should be on the lake and operational in December. The model to be used here (the SB 10000) has proved particularly effective on large lakes. Virginia Lake contains approximately 540 million litres in a surface area of 4.5 hectares. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 25 metres. Other measures Amongst other measures taking place next year will be a fish study. Council will investigate the use of filter feeder fish to help control the algae. It is generally accepted that silver carp and freshwater mussels (filter feeders) use the cyanobacteria as a food source, while species such as perch, which currently inhabit the lake, feed on zooplankton. Zooplankton, in turn, feeds on cyanobacteria. The study will include a survey of existing fish stock and consider whether they are part of the problem or are a necessary element of the lake's ecology. | ||||||||||||
Wanganui Rural Community Board
The Wanganui Rural Community Board represents and acts as an advocate for the rural community of the Wanganui District. The Board members and their contact detailsare:
A vacancy in the Kaitoke subdivision of the Wanganui Rural Community Board will be filled by a by-election in February 2008. Council representatives on the Board are Crs Nicki Higgie and Ray Stevens. | ||||||||||||
Notice of By-Elections to Fill Two Extra-Ordinary Vacancies
Nomination of Candidates and Closing Date for Nominations Under sections 52 and 53 of the Local Electoral Act 2001, I hereby give notice that on Saturday, 16 February 2008, the following elections will be held under the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system by postal vote:
Nominations Each candidate must be nominated on the appropriate nomination paper obtainable from the Electoral Officer, Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and must be accompanied by a deposit of $200 GST inclusive, which may be paid by cash, cheque (made out to Wanganui District Council) or EFTPOS. A candidate may submit a candidate profile statement with their nomination paper for sending out with the voting documents to electors. An attachment to the nomination paper outlines the rules and procedures governing candidate profile statements. Preliminary Electoral Roll
The preliminary electoral roll closes on Friday, 21 December 2007, at 4:00pm. Persons may enrol or amend their enrolment details by:
Applications for registration as a ratepayer elector are to be in the form prescribed by the Local Electoral Regulations 2001 available from the Council Office, and are required to be forwarded to the Electoral Officer, Wanganui District Council, prior to the closing of the roll. Following closure of the roll, the Electoral Officer may, on application of any person who is or claims to be entitled to be enrolled or any other person or otherwise, make any necessary corrections to the names, addresses, occupations, abbreviations, or marks appearing in the electoral roll. Voting Period Dated at Wanganui 21 November 2007 | ||||||||||||
Vacancies Property Nucleus/GIS Officer Customer Services Advocate Wastewater Operator | ||||||||||||
Council meetings
We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings Maori – Thursday, November 29 Youth – Friday, November 30 Strategy – Tuesday, December 4 (Council Chamber) Sport and Recreation – Thursday, December 6 (1.00pm) Hearings – Monday, December 10 to Friday, December 14 (9.00am to 5.00pm) Jubilee Room, 1st Floor, Grand Hotel, Guyton Street Council – Monday, December 17 (Council Chamber) Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 4.00pm in Committee Room 2, 1st Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui. Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting. |
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This week contractors started work in the north-east corner of the lake to remove Yellow Flag Iris (pictured) and, with it, stagnant areas that encourage the growth of blue-green algae. The iris is particularly invasive and has established itself over large areas of shallows, choking waterways and inhibiting natural water circulation. Fallen willow trees will also be removed for similar reasons. Care is being taken to ensure nesting spots are left undisturbed.
