Eastham Kettle Ponds Action and Remediation Plan

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Eastham Kettle Ponds Action and Remediation Plan

• First Steps and Community Dialogue
• Liz Moran Ph.D.
• Linda Wagenet Ph.D.
• Nate Weeks P.E.
• August 18, 2011

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Project Assignment

• Find effective strategies to protect and restore
  kettle ponds for their desired uses- now and in
  the future
• Develop specific, targeted recommendations for
  community consideration

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Topics of Discussion

• Introduction Pond Evaluations in the context of
  comprehensive water and wastewater planning
• Overview of Approach and Timetable
• Current Conditions Preliminary Results
• Desired Future Opportunity for Comment
• Need for Action
• Next Steps and How to Stay Involved

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Project Team

• EcoLogic LLC
• Liz Moran
• Linda Wagenet
• Kurt Jirka and Kerry Thurston
• GHD
• Nate Weeks

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Project Schedule

• Compile existing data and information July- Aug.
  2011
• Identify and address gaps field sampling
  program
• Aug. 2011
• Gather local input on impairments and priorities-
• Aug. 2011
• Prepare Draft and Final Action Plan- Sept.- Nov.
  2011
• Complete plans, permits and budgets for any
  remedial measures Dec. 2011- March 2012
• Implement first phase - Target --Summer 2012

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Setting the Context

• Comprehensive water and wastewater management
  planning
• Focus on Human and Environmental Health
• Nitrogen and Phosphorus impacts on coastal
  embayments and inland kettle ponds

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Current Conditions

• State of the Kettle Ponds

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MADEP Classification Great Pond
Designated Uses Designated Uses Status
Aquatic Life IMPAIRED Cause Low dissolved oxygen, elevated chlorophyll-a Source Unknown Suspected source Internal phosphorus recycling
Fish Consumption NOT ASSESSED
Primary Contact NOT ASSESSED
Secondary Contact SUPPORT
Aesthetics SUPPORT
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Phosphorus Key Indicator of Pond Health
Groundwater seepage
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Ponds are not pristine
Pond SMAST Survey Oxygen Loss
Bridge Overview No
Widow Harding Overview No
Depot Detailed Yes
Schoolhouse Detailed No
Great Detailed Yes
Herring Detailed Yes
Little Depot Overview No
Molls Overview No
Jemima Overview No
Muddy (Mill) Detailed No
Minister Detailed No
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August 2011 Field Studies
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Where are we going?

• Tools for predicting future conditions- more
  phosphorus, more plant and algal growth
• Reduced recreational opportunities, aesthetics,
  fisheries

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Reactions?

• Have you been seeing these same changing
  conditions- how are local use and enjoyment
  affected?

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Criteria to Set Remedial Priorities

• Matrix of protection and restoration alternatives
• Technical feasibility track record on Cape Cod
• Longevity of solution
• Relative cost and environmental benefit
• Priority ponds
• Extent of use impairment
• Outlook for future- water and phosphorus models
• Public access
• Community desires and commitment
• Others?

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Next Steps and How to Stay Involved

• Focused timetable opportunities to comment
• Draft work products posted on Town web site
• Pond associations

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Alum effectiveness

• Stable stratification
• TP limited, algae impair uses
• Internal TP release significant fraction of
  budget
• Long water residence time

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Example of Screening
Pond Chlorophyll-a (est. avg.) Residence time Percent TP budget from internal release
Long 4 ppb 2.8 yr Not known
Great 6.8 ppb 1 yr 47 60
Herring 9 ppb 2.7 yr 28 48
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Action Plan

• Data analysis and interpretation
• Guidance to Town
• Monitoring
• Information and outreach
• Storm water management
• Priorities and sequencing
• Chatham model

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Phase 2 Permits for Remediation

• Permitting strategy report
• Notice of intent (wetland regulations)
• MEPA waiver request