Conservation commission reports milfoil control progress; contractor testing shows no detectable residuals

At its July 14 meeting, the Brookline Conservation Commission updated members on efforts to control invasive milfoil in town ponds, reporting that contractor testing so far has found no detectable chemical residuals.

Chair Jerry, who leads the commission, said a contractor that samples for residuals “it always comes back 0,” after recent chemical treatments and diver hand‑pulling in several ponds. Members said divers worked in June and that hand‑pulling and spot chemical treatment were used where milfoil was concentrated.

Commissioners described a two‑part approach: targeted chemical treatment to kill established beds followed by manual removal where plants were sparse. The commission said divers found only small patches in some locations and that follow‑up “kill‑back” tests will confirm whether treatments achieved adequate coverage to eliminate regrowth.

Members also discussed cost. One commissioner noted the line item for milfoil work “is in there as 40,000.” The commission reviewed past years’ spending and confirmed that unspent budget amounts revert to the conservation fund; members said they would monitor expenditures carefully as treatments and follow‑up testing continue.

The commission did not adopt new policy during the update. Next steps include scheduled follow‑up testing to verify kill‑back and continuing manual removal in areas where divers found isolated plants. The commission said it will report further results at upcoming meetings.