CULLMAN — Smith Lake has become increasingly polluted over the past year and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management has cited the improper removal of plastic foam piers as the cause.
“We’re not just seeing small bits of this beaded foam ... we’re talking about chunks as big as half an automobile that are continuously being discovered and pulled out of the lake,” said ADEM Spokesman Scott Hughes.
More than a year ago, the Alabama Power Company stated that by Jan. 1, 2010, all piers composed of white-beaded plastic foam, generally referred to as Styrofoam, must be removed from Smith Lake due to the dangers the structures pose.
“They have a limited shelf life ... when exposed to water, they degrade,” said Alabama Power Spokesman Keisha Sharpe. “It’s unsightly, it causes health hazard for wildlife and large pieces can be lodged in the lake, which can cause hazards for vessels.”
Hughes said in the last few months, ADEM has discovered that many who have been hired to remove the banned piers have been either intentionally or unintentionally removing them improperly.
Instead of taking the foam pieces that break off during the removal process to a proper disposal site, Hughes said some homeowners or hired contractors are simply pushing them into the lake.
“That is not an appropriate activity,” Hughes said. “People need to take whatever steps they need to make sure these materials are properly disposed of.”
Alabama Marine Police Officer John Williams has personally seen how the foam has impacted Smith Lake.
“There’s plenty of it,” Williams said. “I was in Cullman today (Friday) and it’s everywhere.”
He added that due to the large number of foam piers still on the lake, the problem would probably get worse before it gets better.
“There’s about 600 docks that are still left with Styrofoam underneath them,” Williams said. “It’s probably going to be an ongoing battle for at least another six or nine months.”
Both ADEM and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may have the ability to issue fines and civil penalties against those who pollute the lake, but enforcement of those fines and penalties is another matter.
“If nobody sees it being pushed out, there’s not much I can do,” Williams said. “I’ve got to see it to enforce it.”
Since enforcement is limited, both Hughes and Williams agree it is imperative citizens dispose of the foam piers properly and report those who fail to do so.
“People can contact the local sheriff’s department and make a complaint,” Williams said.
To contact the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, call 734-0342.
* Patrick McCreless can be reached by e-mail at patrickm@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
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