LAKE TAHOE (KOLO) - New research shows a record amount of sediment was prevented from reaching Lake Tahoe in 2024.
A new report released Tuesday showed the bi-state effort between Nevada and California prevented the fine-grained sediment and other pollutants from reaching Tahoe.
The report shows fine sediment loads were reduced by 29%, while nitrogen and phosphorous were reduced by 23% and 17% respectively, compared to 2004 baseline levels.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says these pollutants fuel algae growth and reduce the lake’s clarity.
The report was conducted by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, which is part of the California and Nevada EPA. They found that an estimated 727,000 pounds of fine sediment, 5,800 pounds of nitrogen and 2,100 pounds of phosphorous were prevented from reaching the lake in 2024, all annual record highs since the program began tracking those stats in 2016. They say the mass equivalent of fine sediment reduced would fill around 29 dump trucks.
“Through long-term investments in science, we’ve been able to protect one of our most treasured natural landmarks,” said Yana Garcia, California Secretary for Environmental Protection. “California is helping to stop hundreds of thousands of pounds of harmful runoff from entering Lake Tahoe each year with successful local and regional partnerships, and strong collaboration with the state of Nevada. As climate challenges grow, we remain firmly committed to restoring the lake’s clarity and strengthening its resilience for years to come.”
The DCNR sites practices such as street sweeping and stormwater filtration for the drop in pollution levels.
“The 2024 results show that our strategies are working, even as conditions in and around the lake become more unpredictable because of increasing pressures from climate extremes, wildfire and ecological change,” said Ben Letton, Lahontan Water Board executive officer. “Building resilience into our pollutant control efforts is essential.”
(Source: https://www.kolotv.com/)