Committee Reports:
Fundraising: The second fundraising letter will be sent at the beginning of September to those watershed residents who have not contributed yet this year.
Stormwater Drainage Project (SDP): The Town received two bids for the Third Lane Stream restoration project. It was awarded to True Blue Environmental in the amount of $139,000 for the full project. The Town Engineer does not yet have a timeline for the project although it is expected to begin this fall and be completed by winter. The work will begin at the bottom of the stream and progress up the streambed. The question of roadside plantings being saved came up. It was noted that once the timeline is determined, we can discuss specific issues with the Town Engineer and the contractor.
Spillway: The tarp has been pulled up at the spillway before treatments.
Lake Management: Aquatic Control Technologies (ACT) has informed us that we have a serious blue-green algae bloom in the lake that contains cyanobacteria that can be harmful to pets and humans. Although the lake was treated with the algaecide recommended by ACT, the condition was not corrected. Email blasts were sent to those watershed residents who share their emails with MLIF. Signs were posted at the Beach Club, the State boat ramp warning of health issues of cyaobacteria. The Town Health Dept. was informed of the issue, requesting the Inspector’s advice. Ridgefield’s First Selectman was informed of the issue. The MLIF Facebook page was updated with the warning and the Hamlet Hub had a post about the problem. The water was tested in various spots on various days. We reached out to The Pond Connection in Newtown for any advice they may have that would be helpful. Testing will continue. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends two successive samples (1-2 weeks apart) be below safe threshold levels before lifting any advisory. This lake issue prompted many questions and concerns at the meeting. Both long-term solutions (reduction of phosphorus into the lake, leaking septic fields, etc.) were addressed, as well as short-term solutions (algaecide treatments, lowering lake in the fall for cleanout, etc.). It was noted that some towns in CT have an ordinance regarding no fertilizer use in specific zones. A lakeside homeowner expressed unhappiness with the lake condition and said he would be willing to work with MLIF to inform watershed homeowners about the phosphorus/fertilizer issue. Another asked if lowering the lake in the fall would help because some people clean out their area of the lake when it is lowered. Another concern expressed was that people are getting fishing permits from Town Hall but not given any information about the health issue associated with cyanobacteria in the lake. MLIF will contact the State regarding the blue-green algae issue. The Board felt this was advisable. It was explained that lakes all over CT and NY are experiencing severe blue-green algae blooms.
Old Business:
2014 Anne S. Richardson Grant: The end-of-project report was submitted to the Richardson Fund at the end of May. Thirty tons of material were pulled from the lake. The project is completed. Three lakeside owners hired AquaCleanerCT privately to clear areas near their homes.
Phosphorus Testing Pre/Post Storm: Nutrient barriers were discussed. It was noted that they are expensive and need maintenance.
Free Soil Testing: MLIF made use of the free soil testing program run by the State. There were 8-10 watershed residents who had one or more samples tested and received information on the condition of their soil.
New Business:
Social Media: It was reported that our Facebook page has many “Likes.” Our Facebook page and website have been linked.
Planning & Zoning: Mark Zeck, an MLIF Director, was asked to fill us in on his news. Mark has decided to run for a slot on the Town Planning and Zoning Board. He explained his background of 8 years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 years as Chair in Derby, CT. He is an attorney with a specialty in land use.
University Involvement: It was suggested that we try to get university science depts. (UConn, WestConn, Norwalk CC, etc.) and their students to take an interest in the lake. Students would be able to learn and help us with water testing and other field study projects.
