Southeast Tech students test Lake Lorraine's water quality

Julie Olson’s Environmental Science students held class at Lake Lorraine on Sept. 12. Their mission was to test the quality of the lake, checking both biological and chemical factors and will make recommendations for maintaining or remediating the water.

Olson had five groups of testers testing a number of things about Lake Lorraine’s water quality. This is the third time Olson has come out to test Lake Lorraine’s water and the second time students have participated with her. This group of students is a mix of first- and second-year students studying programs from HVC to diesel mechanics to electrician. The Environmental Science class falls under general education. These courses help students integrate technical knowledge with problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills.  

Olson likes the lake location for its easy access from Southeast Tech. It’s also clean body of water. Friessen Development, Inc., owners of the lake and land developers, have intentionally developed the property to ensure runoff does not contaminate the lake.

Lake Lorraine is a clear water lake on the Skunk Creek aquifer — it’s spring fed. The lake level fluctuates five feet from the high water to the low water mark, depending on local rainfall and weather, averaging 17 feet deep in the middle with a pure sand bottom. The sand strip extends 50 feet in depth and terminates at the bedrock level of quartz rock. The material was analyzed and revealed small particles of gold and silver exists throughout the sand.

Olson will share her results with FDI. Olson started teaching for Southeast Technical College in 2021 as the Natural Sciences instructor, teaching courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science and Physics. She has been an educator since 1988.