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Commission flags cyanobacteria risk, limits chemical treatment because of protected mussels
Summary
Following a documented cyanobacteria bloom, the commission discussed monitoring, signage, and the town's limited treatment options because of zebra mussel protections; it also considered but found no authority to require boat washing.
Commission members reviewed last year’s documented cyanobacteria bloom and discussed monitoring, public notice and limitations on treatment options because of protected species in Highland Lake.
Staff reported the town recorded its first documented cyanobacteria event last late summer or early fall and met with the president of the Bantam Lake Protective Association to learn about response practices. At Bantam Lake, chemical controls are part of their toolbox; commission staff said chemical treatment would not be an option in Highland Lake because of the presence of zebra mussels, which the commission characterized as a protected species concern that limits chemical application.
Because testing is required to determine whether a given bloom is toxic, and testing takes time, commissioners said the town should prepare to treat outbreaks conservatively: provide public information via the town website and watershed associations, place advisory signage at town beaches if a bloom is suspected, and restrict beach access only after testing and appropriate decisions. Staff said shutting a beach is a separate formal process but that signage and advisories are a near-term tool.
Commissioners also discussed invasive species and boat-wash options. Staff reported that creating an effective boat-wash or forced-wash program would require a catchment system and likely state cooperation; they said the town lacks the authority and resources to compel boat-washing or to have the state operate washing stations. Conversation included outreach to regional bodies such as the Candlewood Lake Authority to learn from their water-science staff about best practices.
Ending: The commission will increase outreach with watershed associations, post informational materials on the town website and social media, and prepare signage for beaches to alert the public if future blooms are suspected while recognizing testing timelines and species-protection limits on chemical treatment.
