Lake Management Capitol Proposals 2024

The primary responsibility of the VGHA Board of Directors is the stewardship of our invaluable community asset, Houston Lake.

Over the past 90 years, our approach to Houston Lake management has revolved around accumulating member fees for periodic dredging. Despite numerous consultations, management plans from both experts and impassioned residents, we've encountered challenges in successfully executing these strategies, leading to a steady decline in the lake's health. Once spanning 20 acres, Houston Lake now measures 17 acres, with its deepest points diminishing from 20-30 feet to a mere 10 feet last summer. Despite our best efforts, we find ourselves struggling to offset annual sedimentation, and the lake is gradually succumbing to siltation.

On Saturday, December 9th, 2024, the VGHA membership will wield their influence in a critical decision-making moment. Two distinct lake management proposals await your consideration and vote, marking a pivotal juncture in shaping the future of Houston Lake. Your engagement and input are vital as we collectively navigate towards a sustainable and vibrant future for this cherished community asset.

On this long page we provide key insights into both proposals. 

The 12/02/23 Proposals Presentation

Two Capital Expenditure Proposals

The long term Muck Management solution

Bio-Health Pod System

Phase one of a long term, non-dredging system for removing more much than the amount of silt deposited annually:

$24k

While a great deal of information on this proposal has been posted on the Bio-health Pod System page, several really good questions have come up since.

We put those questions to the Rigero contact form and received an answer via text from one of the owners almost instantly.  

If Rigero's Bio-Health Pod System works as advertised, why are all the lakes not using it?

The journey of Rigero and their revolutionary Bio-Health Pod System began in 2017, marked by a year of financial challenges as they dedicated themselves to rigorous scientific research and proof of concept. This commitment, though financially demanding initially, laid the groundwork for a groundbreaking solution.

Introduced to the market in July 2018, the Bio-Health Pod System has rapidly gained traction, with 500-600 units already deployed across the United States as of 2023. Rigero's strategic growth is nothing short of exponential, and intriguingly, they find themselves intentionally limiting entry into new markets as they scale up their operational capacity.

So, why isn't every lake embracing this innovative system? The answer lies in Rigero's meticulous approach. The initial year of bleeding money was an investment in scientific validity and perfection. Rigero prioritized ensuring the Bio-Health Pod System not only met but exceeded expectations before widespread implementation.

As demand surges, Rigero is taking a measured approach to expansion, ensuring their capacity aligns with the increasing interest. This deliberate pacing is a testament to their commitment to maintaining the quality of service and effectiveness of the Bio-Health Pod System.

In essence, while the system has proven its worth and is rapidly gaining popularity, Rigero's cautious strategy ensures a sustainable and impactful deployment. The deliberate scaling up ensures that each lake that adopts the Bio-Health Pod System receives the attention and service it deserves, further solidifying Rigero's commitment to excellence in lake health management.

Where is the scientific data on the pod system?

Hillsdale County Lake Bio-Health Pod Testing Data 2017 final.pdf

Rigero customers interviews with VGHA

Bio-Pod Systems Revolutionize Muck Management at a Premier Water Sports Lake in Michigan

In a quest to enhance the water quality of their premier water sports lake in Michigan, the management faced challenges with a 30-ft dock, initially meant for pontoon boats and jet skis. Their attempts to combat the persistent issue involved traditional methods such as raking weeds and utilizing muck mats. While the mats showed promise initially, the labor-intensive nature made them unsustainable by the end of the summer season.


The turning point came when they discovered an advertisement for bio-pod systems, and Roy, a representative from the company, presented a solution. Although it took a year to decide, the management strongly regrets not making the purchase sooner.


At the project's inception, the muck depth measured approximately 3 ft. Remarkably, by the end of the fall season, there was a substantial reduction of 6 inches in muck depth. The effectiveness of the bio-pod system was particularly evident in areas adjacent to lily pads.


With the flexibility to relocate the bio-pod systems, significant progress was observed even in the deeper regions. A visible circle of improvement emerged, showcasing the system's impact on muck reduction.


What sets this experience apart is the exceptional customer service provided by Rigero, the mind behind the bio-pod systems. Rigero was receptive to feedback and promptly redesigned the system based on the customer's concerns. This highlights the dedication to superior customer service, making the bio-pod system not just a solution but a tailored and evolving service for the premier water sports lake.


In summary, the adoption of bio-pod systems proved transformative in managing muck at the water sports lake, demonstrating tangible results and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

A Transformative Solution for Algae-Free Waters: A Customer's Experience

Interview with a representative from Shady Beach in Michigan

In the pursuit of maintaining pristine waters for a 350-acre lake and canal, a chance encounter at a boat show led one individual to a company that seemed too good to be true. Initially skeptical, the surprising standout was the exceptional experience of working with the company.

This newfound collaboration resulted in the purchase of equipment designed to keep their waters algae-free. Remarkably, the company's maintenance service proved as impressive as their initial interaction. With five aeration systems deployed across the lake and canal, the positive effects were palpable.

Over the course of three summers, the results spoke for themselves. The first year was marked by noticeable improvements, but the second year exceeded expectations. By the third summer, the lake displayed a remarkable absence of algae, presenting clear, green-free waters.

Encouraged by this success, the individual extended the application of the company's solution to a personal 2500-fish pond. The positive trend continued, with the mixture proving effective in eradicating algae. Notably, the water changes required for the pond were halved, further emphasizing the efficiency and impact of the innovative solution.

In summary, this firsthand experience showcases the transformative potential of the company's products and services in maintaining and improving water quality. From initial skepticism to a flourishing algae-free environment, the journey underscores the efficacy and reliability of the adopted solution.


Additional testimonials posted on our Bio-Health Pod Systems page.



The short term Dredging solution

Dredging

This short term dredging solution addresses the silt pond, the S curve and the north channel:

$150k

The innovation on the dredging proposal is the idea of  spreading out the dredge produce over three areas.  This will eliminate the mud mountain eyesore endured by residents following dredging in years gone by.

Edwards construction proposes scooping out the topsoil and using it to created a berm around each of the the dredge produce sites.  The addition of double silt fences will prevent backsliding of the berm, as will the dry condition of the topsoil.  When each area reaches maximum capacity, the dredge produce will be leveled and graded to a minimal angle ideal for preventing erosion.

When the dredge produce has dried, as a courtesy, Edwards Construction will return and seed each area with HOA provided grass seed.

This strategy will enable the process to deliver as much depth as possible, while avoiding the mess and the costs traditionally associated with disposal of dredging produce.