GRDA Introduces "Pooper Snooper"

With the help of a new infrared camera, the Grand River Dam Authority Office of Ecosystems Management has been able to investigate possible pollution sources in Grand Lake with much greater success.

GRDA recently installed the new camera – which uses infrared imaging to detect thermal energy — in its helicopter. With that equipment, Ecosystems Superintendent Dr. Darrell Townsend, Ph.D., and his staff can not only get a bird’s eye — but also a more accurate — view of possible pollution “hot spots.”

“The addition of this new camera allows GRDA to see possible pollution sources much quicker,” said GRDA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Easley. “GRDA’s goal is to be the best stewards possible of the natural resources under our control, and tools like this one allow us to do the job better. We believe that's good for everyone in the lake community.”
According to Townsend, GRDA has “investigated a few possible sources of pollution in Grand Lake, likely from failing septic systems.” However, he also said the rumor that GRDA has found hundreds of failing systems is not accurate, and only a few possible sites have been identified thus far.

“One was spotted using the infrared camera; another was located while investigating the first one,” Townsend said. “Both those sites have tested negative for detergent, which is a good indicator of failing septic system, and the bacterial loads associated with these sites are within acceptable levels.”

According to Townsend, GRDA will continue to these sites in the coming months as the levels may increase with occupancy throughout the summer. In the colder weather winter months, GRDA expects to have greater accuracy in locating hot spots.
“This equipment is really a great asset which we intend to use to help protect and manage the natural resources of the Grand River system,” said Townsend. “Hopefully, we can catch problem areas early and get them corrected soon.”