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Lake Massapoag advisory committee approves MVP grant outline, outlines phosphorus-reduction plan
Summary
The Lake Massapoag Advisory Committee approved the broad outlines of an MVP grant proposal that will use a newly drafted watershed plan to target phosphorus, E. coli and invasive weeds, and identified five priority projects for the next five years.
The Lake Massapoag Advisory Committee on Feb. 25 approved the broad outlines of an MVP (Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness) grant proposal that will fund work drawn from a recently drafted watershed-based plan the committee submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Laura Henze Russell, chair of the advisory committee, said the MVP proposal is due March 20 and will build on the plan and appendices already sent to DEP.
The committee framed the effort around three primary goals: significantly reduce phosphorus inputs to the lake, address elevated E. coli levels at recreation sites and control invasive aquatic plants. Committee members described the plan as requiring ‘‘significant time, attention and capital resources’’ and recommended that the town institutionalize operational functions for long-term management rather than rely solely on volunteer or ad hoc efforts.
The presentation reviewed the lake’s hydrology and watershed connections, including links to aquifers and springs, and summarized modeling that identifies septic systems and stormwater runoff as major phosphorus sources. Town staff and partners outlined five prioritized capital projects for the first five years: Memorial Beach West and East lot improvements, Lake Avenue work, Capen Hill Road improvements and work on Massapoag Avenue. The committee also discussed targeted E. coli mitigation at Community Center Beach, an around-the-lake walking trail, and homeowner outreach to encourage lake-friendly landscaping.
Committee members discussed funding options and constraints. Russell flagged a state-level $3.1 billion bond for climate and decarbonization projects as a potential source, while cautioning that federal and state funds have become less robust and that securing local funding will be critical. Staff said they are also scoping a DEP Section 319 implementation-grant proposal to follow MVP funding.
The committee discussed outreach and education elements, including plans for interpretive signage at Memorial Beach and other public access points, and a proposed spring community event, ‘‘Wake Up the Lake,’’ to engage residents. Members reported plans to consult USDA wildlife services on options to manage Canada goose impacts.
Procedural next steps: the committee voted 4–0 with one abstention to approve the MVP proposal’s broad outline on the condition that any significant changes be returned to the committee for review and that a special meeting be called if needed. The MVP application deadline is March 20; the advisory committee scheduled its next meeting for March 18. The committee adjourned at 1:51 p.m.
