Recurring harmful algae blooms (HABs) in Vancouver Lake have become an ongoing issue, affecting other channels, including Lake River, Vancouver Lake’s primary flushing channel.
The blooms, primarily blue-green algae, release toxins that pose serious risks to humans and animals when they are touched, ingested or inhaled.
According to Clark County Public Health, symptoms from exposure can include hay fever-like reactions, rashes, respiratory issues and gastrointestinal distress. The toxins are fatal to pets, leading to a seasonal restriction on dog and domestic animal access to Vancouver Lake’s beach from April through October.
Port of Ridgefield CEO Randy Mueller emphasized that Lake River, which connects the Columbia River to Vancouver Lake, is similarly affected during the hottest summer months.
“Poor water quality in one area affects all the areas because they’re all linked together,” Mueller said.
The Port of Ridgefield, whose waterfront includes popular kayak and boat launches, views algae blooms as a health concern, especially as the port explores plans to create a waterfront park with the city. On Oct. 24, the Ridgefield City Council approved a master plan for a roughly 8-acre property on the waterfront, including the possibility of a public sand beach. During that meeting, Councilor Katie Favella questioned whether the beach would encourage people to swim in harmful conditions.
Mueller noted that the harmful algae blooms are not year-round, and waterways would be closed off to guests should the issue arise.
“People have swam here for decades, and the river has been like this. It’s a known condition,” Mueller said. “Usually what we do is if we’re [notified] they’ve closed Vancouver Lake, or the [algae] levels are high, or if we saw some sort of toxic algae out in the water, we put up signs, caution tape [and] close the beach to swimming if it comes to that,” Mueller said.
County, stakeholders collaborate on solutions
The Port of Ridgefield is among multiple local stakeholders committed to improving regional waterway health while maintaining public access. Port staff actively participate in the Vancouver Lake Technical Advisory Group, working alongside other local organizations to identify solutions. Mueller noted that Port Commissioner Bruce Wiseman monitors policies at the legislative level and offers input on water quality initiatives.
“We’re trying to remind folks whenever we get the opportunity that this issue is bigger than just Vancouver Lake. It’s a whole ecosystem with Lake River and Vancouver Lake and the Columbia River, and what happens in Vancouver Lake affects us all the way up here in Ridgefield and on our beach. So it is important that people remember that we’re here, and that we’re affected by those water quality issues,” Mueller said.
At a recent Oct. 17 symposium held by the Clark County Clean Water Commission, more than a dozen state and local organizations discussed potential causes and solutions to water quality concerns. Nathan Woods, watershed improvement lead for the Department of Ecology, noted that harmful algae thrive in waters affected by toxic herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers used on lawns. He recommended that residents use biodegradable, non-toxic laundry detergents and soaps and avoid lawn fertilizers.
In May 2022, Clark County enlisted Herrera Environmental Consultants to develop a Vancouver Lake Management Plan. During the October symposium, the consultants discussed enlarging the flushing channel to increase the Columbia River’s inflow to Vancouver Lake, aiming to reduce nutrient backflow and thus reduce algae blooms. The draft plan from 2023 projects a 27% reduction in peak algae levels with this approach, though funding for the project remains uncertain. Last year, the project was estimated to cost $1.6 million to build, with operational costs to be determined. The consultants will present a final design report in June 2025.
Readers can learn more at clark.wa.gov/public-works/vancouver-lake-management-plan-project.
