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Yarmouth natural resources warns of cyanobacteria detection in Long Pond, urges wastewater and dredging work
Summary
Division of Natural Resources Director Carl reported the first cyanobacteria detection in Long Pond this year, noted ongoing Parker River bridge and fishway projects, and recommended pursuing MVP grant work and wastewater implementation to address nutrient and habitat issues.
Carl, director of the town's Division of Natural Resources, told the finance committee that the department is tracking multiple coastal and inland water issues and is doubling down on grant applications and interagency work to address them. He highlighted the winding down of the Parker River (Route 28) bridge replacement and the Baxter Mill dam fishway re-establishment, ongoing efforts to re-establish the oyster fishery and an expanding fish reef project.
A new and urgent concern: Carl said this summer marked the first detection in town of cyanobacteria in Long Pond, a fresh-water algae that can pose human- and pet-health risks and is associated with nutrient loads. He said the town will continue water-quality monitoring and that meaningful ecological improvement will depend on wastewater implementation and targeted dredging and restoration projects.
Funding and permitting challenges: Carl said the town will pursue the state's Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program and other grants to re-prioritize coastal infrastructure work, but warned of long permitting timelines and stiff competition for coastal funds. He urged structural wastewater funding strategies and noted shellfish restoration and dredging remain contingent on permitting and available dredge capacity.
Next steps: The department will pursue monitoring, grant work, and integrate wastewater work into long-term water-quality solutions.
(Quotes in this article are taken from remarks by Carl, Division of Natural Resources, during the June 16, 2021 finance committee meeting.)
