Water-quality plan for Shaw’s Pond prompts survey, testing and grant push

Lauren Neff, who identified herself as chair of the Water Quality Committee, told the Select Board the committee’s watershed plan for Shaw’s Pond identifies watershed runoff as the dominant source of phosphorus and outlines high‑impact actions, starting with stormwater control at the pond access road.

Neff summarized monitoring history and risks: she cited a September 2024 cyanobacteria warning and said the watershed plan and a 10% conceptual design quantified potential pollutant reductions. “The 2023 report showed higher chlorophyll a levels in previous years and a risk of becoming eutrophic if it continues to rise,” Neff said, and added engineers’ estimates for a prioritized access‑road project that would reduce phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment annually.

The committee asked the board to authorize a $2,400 boundary and deed survey (Prospect Mountain Survey, quoted) and $4,000 for 2026 water testing (UNH sampling historically). Neff described the town’s LWCF (Land and Water Conservation Fund) application, which scored well but was put on hold pending a survey; she said reapplication is planned. The board made a contingent motion — approve $6,400 total for survey and testing if the finance manager can confirm CRF and operating balances — and the motion passed 3 to nothing.

Neff also detailed next steps if the grant proceeds: engineering designs to make the project construction‑ready and phased budgeting, and suggested coordination with multiple town committees and the Department of Public Works for implementation.