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Freshwater Ponds Committee <br /> Meeting Minutes <br /> October 28,2025 <br /> Approval of Minutes from September 16,2025. <br /> Motion made by Larry Ginsburg to approve the minutes with corrections as stated. <br /> Motion seconded by Irene Checkovich. <br /> Motion passed by unanimous consent. <br /> NEW BUSINESS <br /> Santuit Pond Grant Project Update <br /> Ashley Fisher provided updates on several ongoing projects. Ashley reported that the Town <br /> is working on three major grants. Underthe MVP Grant, construction has begun at Santuit <br /> Town Landing. This work is coordinated with the adjacent wastewater pump station <br /> project, with paving expected to wrap up in January, weather permitting. <br /> Alum Treatment Updates <br /> Significant delays have occurred with the alum treatment at Ashumet Pond dueto a severe <br /> cyanobacteria bloom that has prevented SMAST divers from completing required mussel <br /> surveys and sediment flux testing. Diver safety concerns have halted data collection, and <br /> inconsistent sediment flux results may require additional sampling. Because reliable <br /> dosing data is essential for treatment, the delays mean the alum application cannot occur <br /> this spring, and another summer of cyanobacteria issues is expected. Ashley emphasized <br /> that proceeding without accurate data could lead to improper dosing, ecological <br /> imbalance, or repeated treatments. <br /> Regarding Santuit Pond, Ashley noted that the pond remains on track within its permitting <br /> timeline, and a prior grant has already produced the necessary dosing analysis for the <br /> planned two-year alum treatment. However, the permitting process its elf willstilltake <br /> about a year, and consultants are avoiding a rushed timeline to protect sensitive ecological <br /> periods such as herring migration. <br /> Ashley also discussed lessons from past alum treatments, including a majorfish kill at <br /> Hamblin Pond caused by improper dosing and concerns about previous treatment <br /> methods at Ashumet Pond. <br /> Potential Diagnostic Pond StudyforJohn's Pond and Moody Pond <br /> A diagnostic assessment is recommended forJohn's and Moody Pond, which are <br /> connected and have not undergone a full study in more than 20 years. Current sampling <br /> 2 <br />