Christening of new boat for Water Quality Monitoring Program

Ferrum College, Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), and Appalachian Power invite you to attend the christening and launch of a new boat for the Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program.

SMLA volunteers and Ferrum College faculty and students have monitored the water quality of Smith Mountain Lake for more than 35 years. Each summer, they work together to monitor the lake water for physical constituents, nutrients, bacteria and algal blooms. The samples are analyzed by scientists at Ferrum College, and the results are shared with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), SMLA and the public.

With water quality a priority in and around Smith Mountain Lake, the new boat provides Ferrum College with a safer and more reliable water vessel to ensure quality testing and recording will continue.

Appalachian Power and the AEP Foundation were instrumental in the purchase of the new boat providing an $80,000 Foundation grant. The christening of the new boat is part of SMLA’s “A Day at the Lake,” a free, interactive, and fun-filled day dedicated to protecting the lake’s water quality and promoting safe recreation.

WHO:

Speakers from Ferrum College, SMLA and Appalachian Power include:

Tom Hardy, SMLA
Dr. Delia Heck, Ferrum College
Amanda Cox, Appalachian Power
Ferrum College SMLA Water Quality Program participants

WHAT:

Christening and launch of a new boat for the Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program

WHEN:

Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Christening ceremony is at 11:15 a.m.
“A Day at the Lake” festivities are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE:

Crazy Horse Marina
400 Crazy Horse Drive, Moneta, Va. 24121