Introduction of Glenn Cunningham Lake Environmental Assessment

        This Environmental Assessment was prepared to evaluate the potential impacts that will occur as of a result of deciding action in Lake Cunningham located in Omaha, Nebraska. The lake is infested with zebra mussels, which was finally confirmed in the summer of 2018 (Kipper 2018). This is the second lake within Omaha proper that is shown to be infested with this species.(Kipper 2018). This EA is meant to provide sufficient information in regards to the environmental impacts that will occur as part of this project. This information will be used to determine if there is finding of no significant impact or if an environmental impact statement will be required for the project. This EA as been prepared in accordance to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Council of Environmental Quality regulations.

Purpose of Glenn Cunningham Lake Environmental Assessment 

        The purpose of the project is to decide what to do (if anything) about the zebra mussels in Glenn Cunningham Lake, located in Omaha, NE.  Zebra mussels colonize hard surfaces, natural and man made (University of Wisconsin. 2013).  There have even been instances where they have become so thick within intake pipes that water is unable to flow through them (University of Wisconsin. 2013).

Need of Glenn Cunningham Lake Environmental Assessment  

        Zebra mussels are an invasive species that are believed to have comeintially from the Caspian sea in Europe. They were transported, accidentally, across the ocean in the ballast water of large ships. They multiply quickly and cause many issues within a water body. A single mussel can produce as many as 40,000 to 1,000,000 eggs each year (McCarty perscom. 2018).  They are typically found attached to hard surfaces, but can also be found living on other aquatic animals such as crayfish, turtles, and even native mussels.

        As efficient filter feeders, each individual can process up to one liter of water per day, feeding on plankton (University of Wisconsin. 2013). In such great numbers, they will be in competition with fish for food. They also cause serious issues for utility intake and outflow pipes. Their removal from these pipes can be very costly and time consuming (University of Wisconsin. 2013).

    The preferred action is needed to respond to the drastically increasing numbers of zebra mussels in Glenn Cunningham Lake. If one of the action alternatives are chosen and carried out, then the issues carried with the infestation of this species may be able to be controlled

Draining the Lake of Glenn Cunningham Lake Environmental Assessment 

        Removing all water from the affected lake through winter will cause zebra mussels and their larvae to perish (Bowers et al. 2005).  Without water to provide food and cover, the mussels cannot survive.  They are filter feeders and process water for food and oxygen.  There will be pockets of remaining water after the lake has been drained to the best of its ability, but it is unlikely that any zebra mussels will survive. The small pools that remain will quickly become starved of oxygen. According to (Karatayev et al. 1998) zebra mussels need more than 25% dissolved oxygen concentration to live.  In addition, these pockets will become extremely cold (if not completely frozen) during the winter. The mussels thrive in a range of temperatures from 32°F to 86°F, but are intolerant to below freezing temperatures (McMahon 1996). With this being the case, any that remain after draining, will not survive the winter.

        There will be negative impacts of completely draining the lake to wildlife in the lake itself and possibly surrounding areas. These impacts will be mostly temporary and will cease to be an issue once the lake has resumed its normal water levels. However, all aquatic life within the lake will perish as a result of this action and human action will have to be taken to restore it. Waterfowl will not have any areas in which to forage for food.  Other species that rely on aquatic species as a food source will be forced to look elsewhere, possibly having detrimental impacts on them depending on how far they must travel. There is also the possibility of issues like those seen in 2011 at Lake Zorinsky. Lake Zorinsky is also located within the city of Omaha and was drained to destroy the zebra mussel population.  Three deer walked out onto the drained lake bed and became trapped in still very muddy bottom and despite being rescued, all three died as a result of the ordeal (Clarridge 2011).  There was also an incident where a little girl wandered out on to the Zorinsky lake bottom and became stuck in the mud, but rescuers were able to get to her in time (Joseph et al. 2010). However, taking when this into account, special safety concerns need to be addressed if a complete drain is the chosen action. In addition there will be aesthetic issues that arise from draining the lake. The smell of decomposing organic material will be quite significant.  Also the lake will not be as pretty to look at with no water and just mud and muck showing in its place.  In addition, once the lake has been refilled, there will have to be human intervention to stock the pond with popular gamefish species such as white and black crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and various species of catfish. This will help to bring back the areas recreational value as a popular fishing destination.