Aeration Device Installed To Help Lake Mohegan

YORKTOWN, NY — A new environmental project that will help restore the health of Mohegan Lake was inaugurated Saturday.

Yorktown town officials held a ribbon cutting for an aeration device that will revive the struggling lake’s natural cleaning abilities.

Supervisor Tom Diana said the Town Board is committed to protecting and improving the environment.

“This new air pumping system will give Mohegan Lake a breath of fresh air that will improve the water quality and help wildlife,” he said.

In April, the town awarded Lake Savers LLC (doing business as EverBlue Lakes) a $341,205 contract to install the aeration system at Mohegan Lake. The aeration system is designed to eliminate harmful nutrients, compost and pollutants that stimulate weed and algae growth.

This is the latest effort to protect Mohegan Lake. In 2020, the town replaced the Mohegan Avenue retaining wall — a $936,000 infrastructure project that included new erosion- and sediment-control devices.

Town officials said Mohegan Lake has high levels of phosphorus, and blue-green algae blooms harmed the water quality for decades. The toxic algae blooms force officials to close swimming beaches.

High levels of the toxins can cause diarrhea, vomiting, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions and breathing difficulties, according to the state Department of Health.

In 2022, state Senator Pete Harckham delivered a $100,000 state grant for the Mohegan Lake Improvement District and the town of Yorkton to help pay for the installation of a new aeration system.

Mohegan Lake is a natural waterway of 103 acres, according to the town, and is about 1 mile long. The lake allows swimming, boating and bass fishing.