For more than nine years, Great Ecology conducted biological and hydrological investigations of Lake San Marcos, a 303(d)-listed nutrient-impaired water body in Southern California, in fulfillment of Investigative Order. No. R9-2011-0033 and in support of litigation.
Great Ecology staff worked closely with the lake owner, Regional Water Quality Control Board, public agency defendants, and the lake homeowner community to characterize the site through field sampling and laboratory analyses as part of an agency-approved monitoring plan. This included collecting water quality and dry and wet stormwater data; conducting bathymetric surveys and sediment nutrient flux surveys; and evaluating watershed hydrology and nutrient sources. In addition, Great Ecology used various approaches to evaluate the phytoplankton community, fish populations, and the potential for toxic algal blooms within the lake. With this data, our team developed a lake management strategy to address both water and nutrient-associated issues.
Great Ecology also developed the Investigation Work Plan, Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP), Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP), and Health and Safety Plan (HASP) associated with the Investigative Order. From 2020-2021, Great Ecology performed extensive watershed modeling to support outside experts with ongoing litigation and identified potential habitat restoration sites within the watershed. Several Great Ecology staff also served as expert witnesses during litigation.
