Environmental Report by Kathy Trenholm
Water Quality
Many factors affect water quality including water level, invasive plants and animals, anything that happens within the watershed and climate change. Water quality is measured by several different methods including clarity, color, alkalinity, pH, specific conductivity, phosphorus, chlorophyll, temperature and dissolved oxygen. These measurements detect changes and trends in the chemical composition of the water that alert us to problems such as an increased risk of algae blooms or pollution entering the lake. This data is collected by a water quality monitor on Chemo who submits the data to the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) who in turn compiles this data for many lakes in Maine and sends it to the DEP. The data for individual lakes is available on the DEP website. Regarding Chemo Pond, we are listed as Below Average. In my personal analysis of the data, especially the most recent data, I feel as though the water quality test for Chemo indicate we are only slightly below average and that our numbers for water clarity are improving.
Invasive aquatic plants and animals are another factor affecting water quality. In this report I am focusing on invasive plants. I will follow up with information on invasive animals in the future. The first question is what makes a species invasive? The definition is: the species is non-native to the environment; its introduction causes economic, social or environmental harm; it tends to be highly adaptive, resilient and hardy, able to reproduce quickly and spread aggressively: there is no competition or normal predators don’t exist in the new environment. Invasive aquatic plants end up creating a monoculture that affects the food web and grow into thick dense mats that clog motors, deter swimming and other aquatic activities. Aquatic insects require diverse plants, food and light penetration to survive. Any changes to these will decrease the insect population which is the primary source of food for fish. Diverse aquatic plants provide habitat for fish for foraging, refuge and spawning. Decrease in fish will affect bids of prey and other mammals who feed on fish. Invasive aquatic plants negatively affect property owners by disrupting recreational activities, sport fishing, aesthetics and property values. Invasive aquatic plants can clog dams and intake pipes. These species can be impossible to eliminate and management is extremely expensive.
Anything that happens within the Chemo Pond Watershed will affect the water quality in our lake as well. The boundaries of our watershed extend along Blackman Stream, through the Chemo Bog, along Rte 9 to include Parkman Pond and Brook, Little Fitts Pond, across Rte 46 and includes Davis Pond. It continues along Rte 9 to the Chemo Pond Rd in Eddington then through the woods back to Blackman Stream. Any type of pollution that lands on the ground within this watershed will eventually end up in Chemo Pond. Just consider that we have a long stretch of highway, 3 gas stations, innumerable oil tanks, septic tanks all within our watershed. Any type of accident could result in pollution in our lake. Phosphorus is a major factor in algae blooms in the lake. Many normal activities around the lake increase the phosphorus in the lake. Compacted soils like lawns, fertilizers and street run off all dump phosphorus into the lake.
So what can we do as residents of Chemo Pond?
- Make sure we have at least 1 active water quality monitor taking measurements on the lake. Currently we are all set in this category. If anyone is interested, free training is available via VLMP. Courses are offered every year for certification and re-certification. Having someone monitor the lake is the best way to determine if conditions are changing so we can act accordingly.
- Invasive plant patrols. This is where we can use a lot of help. If we get a large group of trained patrollers we can cover the entire lake and watch for any signs of invasive plants. Training is available from VLMP. Dates and times for training have not yet been scheduled for this year. VLMP and the state have a Maine Rapid Response Plan in place to deal with invasive species. If you find a potential invasive species, you can submit it to VLMP. If they confirm that it is an invasive species then the state takes over. There goal is to treat an infestation within 30 days. If caught early enough an infestation can be stopped in its tracks.
- Courtesy Boat Inspections. VLMP offers courtesy boat inspections. In 2010, 82,000 boat inspections were done and 280 invasive species were found and infestations were prevented. Because we don’t have a public boat ramp on Chemo, we would need permission to hold a boat inspection. This is really important if we have people bring boats into Chemo from other lakes. The invasive plants tend to hitch hike on trailers and in live wells. All it takes is a small bit to get an infestation started.
- Be a good lake neighbor! Take care of your property appropriately. Use correct methods for disposing of trash and chemicals. Minimize the size of your lawn, leave the natural forest floor as much as possible. Minimize the use of fertilizers on your lawn and plants. Clean up your shoreline. Talk to your neighbors and get them on board. Talk at your road association meetings.
- Join CPLA. Help us help the lake. Get updates on the dam. Continuing education provided on issues concerning the lake.
Our goal is to sustain and healthy lake and watershed that we can all enjoy now and in the future!
Links:
For information on water quality monitoring
www.mainevlmp.org/volunteer-info/water-quality-monitors/training-certification/
www.mainevlmp.org/programs/water-quality-monitoring/water-quality-indicators/
For more information on invasive aquatic plants
www.mainevlmp.org/ias-background/
www.mainevlmp.org/volunteer-info/invasive-plant-monitors/data-forms/