ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
APRIL 1, 2004
Mr. Stevens called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Town Hall Annex. Present were Catherine Garnett, Judith Hodges, Ellen Reed, Nathaniel Stevens, Timothy Sullivan and David White of the Commission. William O’Rourke, who has applied to join the Commission, was also present. Joey Glushko, Town Planner, and Gerry Smith of Aquatic Control Technology, Inc. were present for the Spy Pond alum treatment.
7:30 p.m. - COMMISSION BUSINESS
Minutes – White/Reed motioned to approve the 3/18/04 minutes drafted by Mr. Stevens; motion passed unanimously.
Land Stewards – The March 29, 2004 annual meeting for the Stewards was successful. Many groups got reorganized and rejuvenated. The Meadowbrook Park stewards set an April 24, 10am to 2pm date for its cleanup.
Fiscal – The Commission is in receipt of the payment from Puddlestompers. This money could be given to the new Land Stewards fund or could be used to reprint the Walking the Open Spaces in Arlington book. Ms. Reed will discuss this with Rachel Rock to confirm.
7:45pm – SPY POND – EXTENSION TO ORDER OF CONDITIONS #91-154 for aquatic weed control
Ms. Glushko and Mr. Smith presented information on the proposed alum treatment for phosphorus removal in Spy Pond. The aluminum sulfate combines with phosphorus in the water column and clumps together (flocs) producing a milky cloud, then settles to the bottom when it is incorporated into the sediments. Water and sediment testing on Spy Pond will be conducted prior to the treatment to fine tune the dosage. The aluminum sulfate is buffered with sodium aluminate using two tanks on a boat discharged through and underwater diffuser. There will be public notices placed at shoreline areas during this application.
In one document on file with the Commission, authored by Tufts professor, John Durant, it is mentioned that arsenic cycling could be affected by this treatment. The Commission will contact Mr. Durant to confirm if this is a bad interaction or a positive one.
Sullivan/Hodges motioned to extend the existing permit for aquatic weed control for three years; motion approved with Mr. White abstaining.
Enforcements – The house at 339 Mystic Street is being remodeled and the for sale sign has been removed. Nothing has been received from the owner concerning complying with the outstanding enforcement order.
53R Park Ave has gas and refueling equipementequipment on it. Ms. Hodges will either speak with the owner of Paul Revere Fuel Oil company and/or draft a violation letter. Ms. Hodges was proud to report that this Conservation Land has three stewards to care for it.
In an open section of Mill Brook near Gold’s Gym, large stones/blocks have fallen into the waterway and should be removed. Mr. White was to send Mr. Stevens some photographs to forward to the property owner’s representative (Ann Martin of LEC Environmental Services, Inc.).
The Commission voted to convene at approximately 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Corinna Beckwith
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