http://www2.townonline.com/wellesley/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=263875&format=text
The Wellesley Townsman (Massachusetts)
June 9, 2005
Curing the pond: Is an herbicide really
the best solution?
By Michael Cox/ Townsman Staff
Wellesley residents concerned with the deteriorating condition
of Morse's Pond better get used to hearing the word "fluridone."
It is likely to be repeated many times as the debate over
how best to clean up the pond intensifies.
During a meeting at Town Hall this week, pond supporters
debated the merits of using what some consider a controversial
herbicide to reverse the effects of years of careless pollution
that has fostered unwanted plant growth in the pond.
"Our only opposition to the pond problem is the use
of fluridone," said Sarah Frost Azzam, chairwoman of
the nonprofit Wellesley Cancer Prevention Project. She believes
federal regulating agencies need to study the herbicide more
before the town decides to use it. "It's better to be
safe than sorry," she added. "I'd rather have a
few weeds than a health problem for our community."
But Ken Wagner, a specialist with the environmental firm
ENSR and the town's consultant on Morse's
Pond, defended fluridone's use, saying he does not believe
the pesticide poses an undue risk for the benefits it provides.
"Fluridone is not a carcinogen," Wagner replied.
"We do not perceive there is a risk to health. "
But he added, "I have no problem at all if the town
is not comfortable with it. That's why we are coming up with
other solutions."
About 50 residents attended Monday's public forum to discuss
the Morse's Pond Ad Hoc Committee's recommendations to fix
the pond. Fifteen residents who attended the meeting identified
themselves as opposed to using fluridone as a possible solution.
To get control over the rooted plants and algae infesting
the pond, Wagner suggested a long list of potential remedies,
including dredging the pond, a process in which the nutrient-rich
sediment that feeds the plants is removed by wet or dry evacuation.
However, Wagner pointed out that the cost for this alternative
could soar well beyond $5 million. "If money and permits
were no factor," he said, "I would strongly consider
this option."
Town officials attribute the weed and algae overgrowth in
Morse's Pond to its 8.8-square-mile watershed, which drains
nearby Route 9, as well as local commercial and industrial
sites and homes. Some of those pollutants affecting the pond
include road salt, gasoline, upstream septic systems, pesticides
and fertilizers.
Any method the town chooses to remedy the problem must also
include a watershed management program to control unwanted
pollutants from entering the lake in the first place, Wagner
noted.
While the process was debated, it was clear that all the
residents who spoke on the matter wanted the ad hoc committee
to come up with a long-term solution to the problem, even
if that meant going back to the town three or four times to
get the support they need.
In addition to its many recreational uses, Morse's Pond
is also an important component of the town's water supply,
with three gravel-packed wells drawing water from a major
aquifer under the pond. Town residents use the pond to swim,
boat, bird watch, fish, ice skate and walk along paths that
are part of the town's trail system. The pond also is a habitat
for numerous aquatic plant and animal species.
Besides its potential effects on swimmers and the water
supply, Frost Azzam said she was also opposed to fluridone
because of what harm it might do to animals and water creatures.
"We know it kills plants. The part we're not sure about
is if it will kill other things."
In addressing the drinking water issue, Wagner
pointed out that the federal government has approved fluridone
for use in drinking water at twice the level he would be proposing
to use it. He said the fluridone would be applied at
eight parts per billion, or roughly a drop for the size of
a swimming pool.
"I've never been a fan of herbicides," he
added. "The key is when it's appropriate to use it."
The Board of Public Works, the Natural Resources Commission
(NRC) and the Recreation Commission will hold another meeting
about Morse's Pond on Thursday, June 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the
Great Hall at Town Hall.
Residents are encouraged to attend this education forum
to lend their voices to the discussion of the options the
town has been studying to protect Morse's Pond. The draft
recommendations can be seen on the NRC's web site at www.ci.wellesley.ma.us/nrc.
