The consulting firm ENSR, under contract to the Town of Chatham, recently completed the Draft Final Report entitled Lovers Lake and Stillwater Pond Eutrophication Mitigation Plan Report. This report details the results of the Diagnostic and Feasibility Evaluations of conditions in the two ponds and alternatives to address water quality concerns.
As determined during the diagnostic phase of the study:
“Overall, the diagnostic summaries show that both ponds are eutrophic with poor water quality due to enrichment by nutrients. Phosphorus levels are at excessive concentrations and nutrient ratios favor the development of undesirable blue-green algae.”
“Clearly the internal load is the controlling factor in both ponds phosphorus dynamics. This trend is unlikely to reverse itself without human intervention.”
During the Feasibility Evaluation four potential pond restoration methods were evaluated in detail: dredging, aeration, circulation, and nutrient inactivation (Alum treatment). Following these evaluations the recommended option is 3a “Phased Approach Alternative 1”. Option 3a provides for:
“…early management effort in Lovers Lake (alum treatment in about half of the pond bottom) followed by an assessment period of 2-3 years and then, as needed, implementation of pond restoration {alum treatment} to Stillwater Pond.”
A public information meeting on the Draft Report findings and recommendations will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008 beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Chatham Town Offices Downstairs Meeting Room (549 Main St.).
The Draft Final Report can be reached by clicking here.
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