Water in Greenfield Lake to be lowered to install fish escape barrier | Environment

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The water in Greenfield Lake will be lowered starting Friday for fish escape barrier installation, according to the City of Wilmington’s website.

Over the past few years, the city has relied on sterile carp fish to help control the growth of unwanted aquatic vegetation, including algae.

However, before any more fish can be added to the lake, the NC Wildlife Commission is requiring the city to install a fish escape barrier on the spillway near Third Street, which will prevent the escape of the fish into the Cape Fear River.

The barrier is supposed to installed Monday, and it is estimated that it will take about two days to finish, while the process of lowering the lake 20 inches will take several days.

To make it blend in with the spillway, the barrier will be painted and have panels that can be taken off before heavy rains.

The project is funded with stormwater fees and will cost $20,000-$25,000.

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