A Site for Sore Eyes: Phoslock’s Application in the Dolomites Region, Northern Italy

Phoslock applications have taken place in numerous locations around the world – some big, some small.

Whilst the same focus and commitment is applied to all jobs, occasionally one cannot help but stand back in awe at the gorgeous surroundings in which some of these water bodies are located. One such location was a very recently completed application in a small lake in the South Tyrol. The “Völser Weiher” – a very popular swimming lake, just one hectare in size with a maximum depth of 3.5m and sitting amongst the ‘Tolkenesque’ peaks of the Dolomites in Northern Italy, the Phoslock team were tasked with applying 10.5 tonnes of product over the course of two days in early October.

The ecological balance of the lake had suffered since the introduction of grass carp – an alien fish species. The fish had eaten up the entire aquatic plant population of the lake and prevented the growth of young plants resulting in increased turbidity and the subsequent emergence of harmful algal blooms. Following on from detailed water analysis and discussion with the customer, it was decided the best course of action would be an application of Phoslock once the grass carp had been removed, and then the re-introduction of local aquatic plants to the lake – primarily the endemic Characea species, to restore the lake and re-establish the ecological balance.

Planned for earlier in the year, the Coronavirus pandemic had delayed the application until early October when the Phoslock team were finally able to swing in to action. Thankfully the heavy rain forecast a few days before did not materialise and the team were left to work in very calm conditions with just the finest drizzle at times….

A mid-size lorry with on-board crane was used for the transportation and loading of the product on to the motorised pontoon.

Empty bathing platforms stand waiting in readiness for the next summer season.