2011 WSWQC - Dudley Pond Health

2011 DPA Fall Meeting

SWQC Dudley Pond –Health Report

Lest we forget: 2002 milfoil everywhere

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Lest we forget: 2007 milfoil out of control

Six weeks after mechanical harvesting‌ 11/6/2011

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Remember this?

In 2008, a vow of purpose.

2009-2010-2011, a reality.

See any this year?

Not Much.

Is it really still there?

Yep. 11/6/2011

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Recent History – 4 year, dual strategy  Herbicide to gain control when needed  Aggressive Hand Pulling to remove the roots - pre & post herbicide

2008 – 2009 – 2010 – 2011 –

sonar whole lake treatment, hand pulling follow-up 6000 plants hand pull: 18,237 plants -- 7,026 were old growth, survived sonar hand pull: 6145 plants, triclopyr spot treatment hand pull: 10,485 plants , no herbicide,

2012 PLAN: Hand-pulling should suffice 11/6/2011

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2010 triclopyr: Where & How Much Treated 5/19 In six areas.

212ppb in whole lake, worked well.

Lasted longer than expected:

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HINT: Remember these areas – there’s a test coming up on slide 8!

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2011 Diver Activities • Start of season survey: can’t find any plants!

• Hand-pulling: – Near shores first, middle deeper areas later – Many pioneers, fewer stems, a few big survivors & ZOMBIES – 10485 plants, 274 hours, $10,960 - $1.05 per plant

• Late Season – pulling to late October • End-of-season survey: good control at year end

A Fear – we control the milfoil – and the algae feast on the nutrients 11/6/2011

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2011 – Where was the milfoil?

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Mostly in the under-spot treated and not spot treated areas.

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4 years of treatment & Hand Pulling Dual-strategy gets results!

Boating, fishing, and swimming enjoyed a milfoil-free 2011

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The way we like it!

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No ill effects to animals,

SWQC sponsoring

Touch-A-Turtle Spring 2012 Keep wildlife distracted so divers can work.

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2011 – Circulators • Only one working.

• Vendor non-responsive

• Considering repurposing one as a dive platform • Maintenance planned over the winter.

• Possible benefit: algae control 11/6/2011

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2011 –Water Chemistry Measurement Program

SWQC kept talking about N&P – but we had NOT measured it!

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2011 –Water Chemistry Measurement Program Measured: • Date/time/weather • Water temperature • Water clarity (Secchi) • ph • DO% & Saturation Samples Analyzed: • Total Phosphorus (P) • Orthophosphate (P) • Ammonia (N) • Total Nitrogen (N) • Chlorophyll a

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• Points correspond with historic sampling points • Sampling: April, September, November • April & September draft reports available

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2011 –Water Chemistry Measurement Program Carlson Trophic Index – measure of Eutrophication

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Plants are taking up nutrients in April, September in November will give us a view with plants less active.

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Getting at "ROOT” Causes: Phosphorus & Nitrogen feed the weeds • lawn fertilizer runoff • septic systems leaching through porous soils • decaying leaves & existing muck • recirculation of bottom sediments

SWQC wants better regulations for:  Septic Maintenance Practices  Lawn Chemical Practices  Road Runoff Handling 11/6/2011

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East Dudley Septic Study SWQC studied septic systems on the East side of the pond where groundwater movement is toward the pond.

SWQC’s goal – reduce nutrients: • Better data base • Stricter regulations • Periodic Inspections • Appropriate technology • Funding alternatives for upgrades.

• Presented: DPA, DAAC, Conservation, Board of Health • Next: Planning Board, Selectmen 11/6/2011

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Politics , Funding & Permitting: Mostly Good News: • SWQC town budget in good shape.

• Good relationships built with Selectmen and Conservation Commission.  Mass permit extension act – 2 additional years on our permit.

• DPA cost-sharing helps the town accept SWQC budgets for Dudley Pond • 2011 is the second year of the phosphorus ban in home cleaning products.

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E-coli Measurements SWQC, with the cooperation of the Board of Health, did a sampling / testing program for e-coli bacteria after a septic breakout at 123/125 Dudley Road

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E-coli Measurements The real problem was at Mansion Beach, with Canada Geese a likely cause of two beach closings.

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E-coli Measurements

E-coli measurements are $15 a sample – this should have been happening before.

SWQC will continue testing next season Thanks to Molly Upton for helping.

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Thanks for the Chance to Serve!

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SWQC salutes the dignity of work

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Dudley Pond Sunrise November 6, 2011

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