Sharon Conservation Commission continues Cape Club pond restoration hearing after abutter raises glyphosate, habitat concerns

The Sharon Conservation Commission continued a public hearing on May 21 over an Ecological Restoration proposal for Ponds 1–7 at The Cape Club, sending the matter back to the applicant with requests for additional maps, water-quality sampling and proposed special conditions.

Dominic Meringolo, representative for SOLitude, told the Commission that an earlier Order of Conditions for aquatic nuisance management (SE280-0612) had expired and that no work permitted under that order had begun. Meringolo described Ecological Restoration filings as distinct from typical Notices of Intent and said the approach could include a mix of chemical, mechanical and nutrient-management techniques. He said chemicals chosen for the plan "would likely not be present in a harmful concentration" further downstream due to dilution, and offered possible conditions such as prohibiting application within 48 hours of a rain event and limiting treatment to low-flow conditions or isolated areas while applications occur.

Commissioners and staff asked for more detail. Conservation Administrator Josh Philibert requested nutrient-level data and said the Commission needed maps showing where on-course water enters and exits The Cape Club property, noting two brooks that flow toward nearby resource areas. Chair Peg Arguimbau and members emphasized that not all ponds appeared equally degraded and that targeted water-quality data would be necessary to craft appropriate permit conditions. Meringolo said he would speak with The Cape Club about adding a nutrient-management plan, provide water-quality testing, and consider mechanical options where appropriate.

During public comment, abutter Laura Nelson of Edge Hill Road asked whether "glyphosate was ever used in the past 10–15 years," and urged that glyphosate not be used in future treatments. Nelson said she was concerned about reductions to wildlife habitat near the course, called out a local turtle egg-laying area and recalled seeing trout in a nearby stream.

Following the discussion, the Commission voted unanimously to continue the hearing for SE280-0672 to June 4, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. (Alan Westman moved; Susan Drisko seconded; vote 4–0–0). The Commission asked the applicant to return with maps of inflow and outflow locations, nutrient data, and a clearer plan for which ponds would receive treatments and under what conditions.