Proposals submitted by companies interested in performing the Diagnostic/Feasibility Study of Spectacle Pond were reviewed by the Selection Committee consisting of Rob Hartz, Ken Schultz, Bev Schultz, and Larry Sime. Steve Sussman, a member of the Mill Pond Association, and Savas Danos, General Manager of the Littleton Water Department also reviewed the proposals. The committee met on June 27 at the Hartz cottage on Baron Way and rated the proposals on nine different criteria including:
Tallying the rating sheets revealed that Environment Science Services, Inc. Wellesley, Massachusetts was the unanimous choice of the committee members and so the next day June 28, ESS was notified of their winning proposal. Carl Nielsen, Senior Water Resource Scientist/Aquatic Biologist of ESS will be serving as our Project Manager. If you attended our September, '99 Spectacle Association meeting aboard the pontoon boats, you will remember that Carl addressed the membership after having a preliminary tour of Spectacle Pond.
We will be looking forward to the 'kickoff meeting' to be announced soon, and to working with Carl and his staff to study and improve our pond.
- Report submitted by Larry Sime
Since the last association meeting in the middle of the pond held Wednesday, July 14 when Marc Bellaud of Aquatic Control Technology spoke to the members about the kinds of weeds we had in our pond, various mechanical procedures including harvesting, hydro-raking, sediment excavation or dredging, as well as draw-down procedures and chemical treatments, an organizational meeting of the Weed Control Committee was held at association president, Rob Hartz' home on Sept. 1 Discussions focused on the history of the pond, what is being done at other area ponds and lakes to control weeds, possible sources of funding for weed control, and permit and approval procedures and requirements. Volunteers were asked to forward any new information to association president, Rob Hartz or Weed Control Committee chairman, Larry Sime.
On a recommendation from Debbie Bray, Environmental Analyst of the Littleton Water Department, Carl Nielsen of Environmental Science Services, Inc. was contacted and on Friday, Sept. 24, Carl toured Spectacle Pond with Rob and Larry with Peg Anstett at the helm. Carl confirmed the findings of Mark Bellaud that fanwart is the predominant non-native nuisance plant species in the pond and suggested that a comprehensive study be undertaken to evaluate the pond and develop a management plan to improve and promote the health of the pond. More information will be made available at the upcoming meeting at the Littleton Water Department Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 PM. Hopefully, we will have a consensus on the best approach to take and will adopt a plan of action.