Base lake to receive solar powered aeration Published Oct. 5, 2012 By Senior Airman Dan Gage 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- After Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. drained Lake Williams the aerator, which had been in operation there, needed a new home. The $30,000 Super Bee Aerator unit had been used at Buckley for about 6 years, and was airlifted to the Army Aviation Support Facility in Cheyenne, Wyo., by Colorado's Army National Guard unit Sept. 26. F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., will use the aerator in North Lake Pearson after water is returned to the lake bed. The solar powered unit will play a vital role in keeping Warren's lake clean and clear, according to Kirk Schaumenn, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron Senior Environmental Engineer. "A body of water that isn't moving will form layers of stagnant water," explained Schaumenn. "The aerator will keep the water in the lake moving, preventing it from growing stagnant." The use of an aerator is also beneficial to fish stocked in the lake. "If the stagnant water in the bottom of a lake isn't turned it can rise to the surface naturally," said Schaumenn. "If this happens though, all the bacteria which have been at the bottom rise at once as well, this can also create a 'fish-kill,'" he explained. "This is an effort on our part to be more proactive with the aeration process in the lakes," said Andy McKinley, 90th CES Environmental Element Chief. "As a result this will provide an overall healthier environment for the lake and fish population living in it," he explained. Members of the Mighty Ninety and those with base access will also be able to look forward to an improved environment at the Lake Pearson Recreation Area. "Those who choose to purchase a fishing license through Outdoor Recreation and go fishing, or anyone who enjoys outdoor activities around the lake will notice an improvement in the water quality and fish living in the lake," said McKinley.