08/24/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Agenda Packet

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2. Reduce or Eliminate Lawns Fertilizer usage on lawns is a major contributor to poor water quality within the Santuit Pond watershed, because the phosphorous contained in fertilizers leaches into the pond and is a significant catalyst for algae growth. When a waterbody becomes overly enriched with nutrients and minerals such as phosphorus and nitrogen, excessive growth of algae can occur; this may result in oxygen depletion leading to fish kills. Decomposed algae then falls to the pond bottom, covering native aquatic plants in a layer of muck, and essentially smothering and killing off native aquatic plants. Some types of algae can also be toxic (cyanobacteria or blue-green algae) to humans and pets, resulting in pond closures and public health advisories. Reduced/eliminated lawn areas and/or areas of lawn that are of a native blend (ryes and fescues) will help to reduce these adverse impacts to water quality. Lawn areas directly abutting the shoreline should be replaced with native shrubs, flowers and trees, or a combination of all three (rain gardens, etc). It is recommended that a minimum of a 20-foot buffer of native plantings be created between private lawn areas and the shoreline of the pond. 3. Report Any Issues Water quality can be impacted in a variety of ways, from direct discharge of pollutants into a pond, illegal dumping, clearing of native vegetation, poaching of protected species, application of chemical herbicides and pesticides and many other impacts. If you observe something that you believe may be harming the pond and/or the surrounding habitat, then don't hesitate to call the Conservation Department. These areas are afforded protection under the law, and we want to know about it so we can address it before it becomes a major issue. As we strive to protect our natural resources to the best of our ability, we also rely on responsible stewardship from the surrounding residents. Your feedback and information is vital to the continued protection and preservation of our fragile natural resources, like Santuit Pond. 4. 'Septic,Systems Maintain your septic system by pumping the septic tank at least once every three years. As food can be a source of phosphorous, the ability to keep the biological process healthy is important, but the septic systems do not trap all pollutants. Septic systems that have little or no soils below the leaching facility do not allow for adsorption of the phosphorous to the iron in the soil. Upgrading septic systems that do not have at least four feet of soil below the leaching system will improve uptake of phosphorous in the soil. S. Waterfowl Control In Santuit Pond, waterfowl are not considered a problem; however, residents should not feed the waterfowl to avoid attracting them to the area. Any reduction in waterfowl droppings is a reduction of phosphorous to the pond.