Rain helps Pena Blanca Lake reopen quickly

In time for spring picnics and Easter Sunday barbeques, Pena Blanca Lake is again open to the public after the lake bottom soil was cleaned of contaminants.

A new boat ramp is planned but for now only boats that can be hand-carried into the lake are allowed.

About 10 miles west of Rio Rico on Ruby Road, the 57-acre lake was empty throughout all of 2009 and officials said it would only refill through rain, which occurred in late January.

The lake-improvement project started in October 2008, when the lake was drained, after which the soil was removed by early July 2009.

The soil, contaminated by mercury from gold and silver mining operations in the hills around the lake, was moved into cells next to the lake on vacant land. The soil had to dry and the final work was to cover it with a layer of clean soil.

Meanwhile, plans are in the works to move the boat ramp and dock northwest from its original position. In the future, it’s anticipated there may be a convenience store, a restaurant, a ramada-covered picnic area, a tent camping area, an RV camping area, and possibly some small rental cabins added.

The former boat ramp was in a flood plain, said District Ranger Kent Ellett of the Coronado National Forest, in which the lake is situated. The location for the new ramp will include a floating dock, a restroom, ADA parking for two vehicles and trailers, a turnaround, and a larger parking lot up the hill.

A popular fishing spot for 50 years, the lake was first sampled in 1994 for mercury in largemouth bass where levels averaged nearly five times the Environmental Protection Agency and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality standard.

The engineering valuation cost analysis document named fish of concern as largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, and black crappie. Elevated levels of methyl mercury in fish tissue were detected in all four species.

“We are pleased the lake is once again full and open to recreationists,” Ellett said. “This occurred more rapidly than was anticipated, and work remains to be done. However, most of our facilities are open at this time.”

Boat ramp construction is planned for late March and April. Until that time, the paved road will remain closed at Mile Marker 10.6 just north of the Thumb Rock Picnic Area.

The west side of the lake, where sediment which was removed was deposited, will remain closed, particularly to vehicle access, until construction of the new ramp is complete.

The Coronado is working with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to schedule restocking the lake with fish, which is expected to occur in March or April. Largemouth bass, trout and catfish are being considered for restocking.

For more information, call the Nogales Ranger District Office at 520-281-2296.

Reach the writer at kathleenvan@msn.com