Sharon Conservation Commission continues Cape Club ponds restoration hearing amid concerns over glyphosate

The Sharon Conservation Commission on May 21 continued a public hearing for SE280-0672, an ecological-restoration proposal by SOLitude for aquatic invasive management at Ponds 1–7 at The Cape Club, and asked the applicant to return with maps and water-quality sampling before the next meeting.

Dominic Meringolo of SOLitude described how an Ecological Restoration filing differs from a standard Notice of Intent and outlined a mix of possible responses to invasive plants, including herbicide and algaecide applications, mechanical options and nutrient-management strategies. Meringolo told the commission that two downstream waterbodies — Fowl Meadow (an Area of Critical Environmental Concern) and Ponkapoag Bog — are connected hydraulically to the golf-course ponds but said, “the chemicals would likely not be present in a harmful concentration” further downstream given dilution and the choice of products. He offered operational conditions the commission might require, including a 48-hour no-application window around rain events and targeted treatment only during low-flow conditions.

Staff asked for water-quality and nutrient-level data and a map showing points where water enters and exits The Cape Club property; Meringolo agreed to provide sampling results and a detailed map and said he would discuss adding a nutrient-management plan to the proposal. He also mentioned polyalum treatments as a possible pre-season step to bind phosphorus and reduce biomass growth.

Abutter Laura Nelson of Edge Hill Road urged the commission to prohibit glyphosate use on the property, saying nearby areas are turtle egg-laying sites and that she has seen trout in the stream closest to her property. Nelson asked whether glyphosate had been applied in the past 10–15 years; Meringolo said he understood it had not been used previously but confirmed glyphosate is included in the current proposal. The commission did not decide on specific conditions at the meeting and voted to continue the hearing to June 4, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., at the applicant’s request.

The applicant previously held an Order of Conditions for aquatic nuisance management (SE280-0612) that has expired; the commission highlighted that prior authorization and emphasized the need for current, site-specific water-quality data before authorizing work. The continued hearing will give staff and the Commission time to review the requested sampling, mapping and any proposed special conditions before final action.

The Commission is scheduled to revisit SE280-0672 at its June 4 meeting.