1/6/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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6 Board of Selectmen Minutes January 6, 2020 OLD BUSINESS Update on Condition of Santuit Pond and Proposed Short Term Steps to Improve Water Quality: Department of Natural Resources Director Richard York, Conservation Agent Andrew McManus, Health Agent Glen Harrington: Richard York, Director of Natural Resources was in attendance with Andrew McManus, Conservation Agent and Glen Harrington, Board of Health Agent to update the Board of Selectmen on short term water quality improvement measures for Santuit Pond. Mr. York indicated the cyanobacteria bloom in Santuit Pond is dying off due to cold temperatures and are replaced by blooms of diatoms which do not have toxins. However, when the diatoms die in the late spring and decompose, it is possible for nutrients including phosphorus to be released into the water to fuel the cyanobacteria blooms. Removal of the winter blooms could prevent the cyanobacteria blooms. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Department have been working to eliminate the cyanobacteria blooms this year. Two approaches are under consideration for algae removal. This includes removal of the algae with plankton nets, and transferring water from Santuit Pond to the Town- controlled cranberry bogs located in the Santuit Pond Reserve. Mr. York indicated removal of the algae with plankton nets is common, and could potentially remove 95% of the algae from the pond. A finer mesh could possibly remove all of the algae. This is a natural sand filter for the removal of algae. The bog method involves transferring pond water to the bog by removing boards and allowing a portion of the pond to drain into the bogs. The boards are replaced and the water in the bog drains through the sand trapping the algae in the sand. The process can be repeated to remove more algae blooms from the pond. Mr. McManus indicated the flooding of the 10-acre abandoned cranberry bog bordering Santuit Pond could reduce the amount of phosphorous that would be available and regenerated into the pond during the warmer spring/summer months thus reducing the catalyst for the algae blooms. It was explained the bog would flood to capacity in approximately one week after the boards are lifted. Water in the bogs will drain into the groundwater and it is expected the phosphorus/nutrients would be retained in the bog surface and used by existing vegetation during the next growing season. The flooding of the bog would also help to lower the current high water levels in Santuit Pond and reduce shoreline flooding and erosion. Mr. McManus noted the bog has been flooded in the past. The culvert to the rear of the bog will be sealed to prevent water from escaping to an underground ditch that leads to Lovell's Pond in Barnstable. The Town of Barnstable has been consulted regarding the intent of this project and are supportive of the obj ective.