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Pittsfield conservation panel approves pilot for algae‑harvest barge
Summary
The Pittsfield Conservation Commission issued an Order of Conditions May 28 permitting Clear Waterways Group to run a pilot dissolved‑air flotation barge to remove surface algal blooms and collect nutrient‑rich sludge for disposal; the vote was unanimous.
The Pittsfield Conservation Commission voted May 28 to issue an Order of Conditions (1–28) allowing Clear Waterways Group, LLC to conduct a pilot study using a dissolved‑air flotation barge (DAFB) to remove surface algal biomass and associated nutrients from a local waterbody.
Brent White of White Engineering and Marc Bellora of Clear Waterways described the system to the commission and said the barge treats the top 6–8 inches of the water column, pumps out concentrated sludge and returns clarified water to the lake. City staff Shannon Poulin noted the applicant has coordinated with several state organizations and with City planning staff during project review.
According to materials submitted by the applicant, pilot work elsewhere (Pontoosuc Lake) yielded substantial reductions in measured pollutants: 72–75% removal of total suspended solids, roughly 74% total nitrogen removal and 69–74% total phosphorus removal, with peak TSS removal reported as high as 88%. The company said it will use a third‑party vendor to transport and dispose of collected sludge and will provide advance notice and data sharing to the city as testing is scheduled.
Commissioners asked about possible ecological effects and which chemical or nutrient fractions would be removed during treatment; the minutes record that a discussion occurred about how removal of particular materials might affect a healthy ecosystem but do not record a technical conclusion. Resident Ned Kirchner told the commission he was "looking forward to this project" and described the approach as "an exciting new approach," offering his support.
Commissioner Elizabeth Calebaugh moved to issue the Order of Conditions; Commissioner Stephanie Storie seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The Order authorizes the pilot study subject to the conditions listed in the permit; scheduling, sludge disposal details and data sharing were discussed as implementation steps. The Commission did not record additional permits or authorizations beyond the Order of Conditions during the meeting.
The DAFB materials were filed as MassDEP File #263‑1264; supporting technical slides were entered as Attachment A with pilot results from prior local testing. City staff said they will receive project data and be notified in advance of operations. The Commission’s next regular meeting is June 11, 2026, if follow‑up is required.
