2016 SWQC REPORT DPA FALL MEETING
AT THE END OF 2015 – tough shape
End of SWQC Order of Conditions
Inadequate diving resources
MILFOIL AND TAPEGRASS LEFT IN THE WATER
Paid for a professional end-of-season survey
Report: https://issuu.com/wswqc/docs/act_2015_dudley_pond_weed_survey_-_/1
2016 - NOTICE OF INTENT & ORDER OF CONDITIONS
Based on 2015 year-end survey, SOLitude prepares Notice of Intent ($2500)
Conservation Hearing – with strong DPA & neighbor support
Conservation grants a 5 YEAR ORDER OF CONDITIONS
- Management of Tapegrass allowed
- Herbicide (Sonar) allowed in 2016
NOI: https://issuu.com/wswqc/docs/slm_dudley_pond_noi_2016_complete_f OOC: https://issuu.com/wswqc/docs/2016_dp_ooc_ch195
TREATMENT POSTERS
We’re using fluridone (SONAR) long-lasting, low-dose 12ppb (allowed: 20ppb)
Same chemical as 2008 but: - granular form, higher concentration near milfoil & use less herbicide.
In the water 60-90 days.
Safe to swim, boat, fish – but the signs stay up to say DO NOT USE FOR WATERING LAWNS or PLANTS
We’ve DAMNED UP the outlet: As
in 2008 we’ve blocked the outlet – as a condition of treatment.
Stays
blocked until concentration is below one part per billion
Concentration:
3ppb Sept 1st
April 21 - Treatment Day LOUD, uneventful. Granules first, then liquid
Liquids by tubes, dispensed below water Granules by spreader, above water
Its not over ‘til its over -Fluridone is slow-acting – and it breaks down in sunlight and by contact with sediments. Samples are taken and concentration is analyzed –additional herbicide was added to bring the concentration back into the 10ppb range. From 2008:
That’s why its expensive: $43,500 in 2016.
2008-2016 Costs & Treatment methods
After the whole lake treatment in 2008, two years later a spot treatment was done in 2010. The next spot treatment was three years later in 2013 – achieving a goal of lengthening the periods between herbicide treatments.
GOOD NEWS: We are on-plan, and under control ď ľ Eurasian
Milfoil under control since 2008 with hand pulling and herbicide when needed.
ď ľ More
years avoiding herbicide treatments.
2016 e-Coli Samples – Mansion Beach – BAD NEWS: two beach closures Thanks to Karen Lowery for taking the samples & delivering them to the Health Department Each week
GOOD NEWS: August WATER Quality Report ď ľ
‌water quality found on August 3, 2016 was the best since the SWQC has been gathering data. The exceptionally low Trophic State Index (TSI) range, which is based on Secchi Depth, Chlorophyll a and Total Phosphorus concentrations, for August 3, 2016 was driven by low concentrations of Chlorophyll a and a relatively good Secchi disc measurement (larger Secchi depths indicate better quality water).
What about that 2015 Tapegrass?
Green areas
GOOD NEWS: Tapegrass controlled by herbicide treatment – mowing not needed in 2016
Fluridone was predicted to have modest effect, Tapegrass expected to return in late summer
BUT: Tapegrass was suppressed sufficiently by the fluridone – so cutting was not necessary this year.
BAD NEWS: Erosion at Mansion Beach Improved storm water handling needed!
Breaking News: ASIAN CLAMS – in Dudley > Spotted by John Darack, identified by Lynn Paolella > Confirmed by DCR by photo & in the lab
ASIAN CLAMS – another visitor from the far East
New to MA – DCR tracking sites, requested two sediment samples
Like Milfoil, a native of Asia, first found in Columbia River, likely imported as foodstuff
Harmful? t.b.d. May out-complete others, but eaten by fish. Clogs inlet pipes (we’ve none – the outlet? doubtful)
Spread? – Boats, Birds.
Control Methods?
Good hard winter
Impervious Benthic Mats (small areas)
After 5 years control efforts in Lake George – no good answers, $80,000/acre
Can manage but not eliminate.
DCR Analysis
Dr. David Wong, MA DCR analyzed two tubs of sediment samples from WSWQC
DCR Analysis:
DCR Analysis:
DCR Analysis:
DCR Analysis:
DCR Analysis:
2017 Season – Overall Expectations: May
depend on the winter…
Good Lisa
milfoil control, hand-pulling resuming mid-summer.
Newton will watch Asian Clam issue for SWQC
Tapegrass SWQC
will rebound – mechanical cutting
to lobby for periodic septic inspections, repairs.
Thanks to the DPA for financial support and support during permitting – it paid off.
What can YOU do? Keep
your septic system pumped (water quality is improving!)
Avoid
fertilizer runoff – avoid use if possible.
Keep
the storm drains clear
Volunteer
to take weekly Mansion Beach Samples
Lobby
for storm water improvements, periodic septic inspections
Report
problems & issues to SWQC
Thanks to the DPA for financial support and support during permitting – it paid off.