J. Ray Cox: No data supporting SolarBees

Regarding legislation to expand the study of in-lake water-quality improvement initiatives in North Carolina: Our independent monitoring of data generated from the SolarBee demonstration project in Jordan Lake has revealed no reason to expect the technology to result in significant water-quality improvements for such large-scale applications.

In fact, publicly available data suggest no discernible difference in chlorophyll-a levels at monitoring stations from the pre-installation levels. Chlorophyll-a is commonly used as an indicator for the prevalence of algae and, while it is only one parameter that should be included in a good water-monitoring plan, it is the only measured parameter available from the Jordan Lake project.

We fully support the consideration of all viable technologies and watershed management strategies to protect public health and the environment. While we have no particular objection to the NCGA directing DENR to further study in-lake technologies, we strongly endorse using science in the selection of any technology.

Any investment of additional time and money should be guided by defensible science. We are unaware of any data supporting additional investment of state money in either extending the duration of the Jordan Lake project or in expanding it to Falls Lake.

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This story was originally published June 29, 2015 at 6:00 PM with the headline "J. Ray Cox: No data supporting SolarBees."