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MARYLAND COUNTY PLUGS IN TO CLEANER WATER SAMPLING
Water Resources supervisor Byron Madigan is in charge of monitoring the health of Piney Run Reservoir. This pristine body of water near Frederick, Maryland, boasts some of the mid-Atlantic region's best fishing and serves as a potential water supply for southeastern Carroll County. In the 1970s, the county made the decision to restrict combustion engines, limiting pollution and preserving the water supply for an expanding population. An underpowered trolling motor wasn't going to cut it for Byron, but a Torqeedo electric motor would be best for the job.
He was using a 4-stroke outboard that was nearing the end of its serviceable life. With a 16' jon boat, he needed to be able to operate for several hours a day with a load of gear.
"I inherited the old engine and it started giving us trouble. We do physical, chemical and biological sampling every two weeks on average and the ethanol in the gas just tore up the carburetor. We were missing sampling days and that can cause compliance problems with state and federal environmental laws. It was frustrating and, as the only gas-powered boat on the lake, we weren't setting a good example," said Madigan.
An internet search for electric outboards led him to the German company Torqeedo, manufacturer of some of the most powerful and efficient electric motors in the world, and their local dealer, Reservoir Boatworks. Owner Matt Burrill remembers the conversation well. "Byron
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knew exactly what he wanted. He'd done his research and considered other electric outboards and knew that only the Torqeedo motor and lithium batteries would provide the power and range required."
The electric boat is entering its second summer of service and it has all the power and speed they hoped for. "We're saving a ton of staff time getting our samples pulled. We average 8 or 9 mph with the Torqeedo motor," said Madigan. "And it starts every time, so no more missed sampling days. I couldn't ask for anything better than that."
While Carroll County financed the electric repower themselves, grant funding is widely available for this type of environmentally friendly project. Madigan strongly encourages other water quality agencies to think about converting their sampling fleets. "I've presented at several meetings and conferences about our experience. We spend our days protecting the most precious places in our country, many of which contain waterways. We should be leading the movement toward electric boating to protect our water supply."
Contact Torqeedo Inc., 171 Erick Street Unit A-1, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. 815-444-8806; Fax: 815-444-8807. ;