Madison will launch a test project next month to see whether boom-like structures can cut down on the sometimes toxic algae that covers parts of lakes Monona and Mendota during the summer, causing beach closures and endangering swimmers. BB Clarke beach on the Near East Side and Bernies beach on the south shore of Monona Bay will have geotextile fabric barriers placed near or around their swimming areas in an attempt to keep algae out.The two beaches were closed for a combined 63 days from 2005 to 2009 due to growth of blue-green algae, according to Public Health Madison and Dane County. The project, in conjunction with the Parks Division and the UW-Madison Center for Limnology, also includes placing a similar barrier about 100 feet into Lake Mendota near the Center for Limnology in attempt to catch algae before it travels down system and into Lake Monona.
Office of Strategic Communication