Controlling High Nutrient Levels In Pond
Nutrient Remediation Case Study

Location and Acreage:
Pembroke, MA | 220-Acres

Project Timeframe: 
2012 to 2016

Project Managers:
Colin Gosselin, Aquatic Biologist and Territory Leader 

Key Staff:
Dominic Meringolo, Senior Environmental Engineer
Keith Gazaille, Senior Aquatic Biologist and Regional Director

Site Description:
This pond is a relatively shallow, 220-acre pond located in an urbanized watershed and is part of a larger system, which includes a neighboring pond. Unlike the neighboring pond, this property is habitat for two endangered freshwater invertebrates: the Tidewater Mucket and Eastern Pond Mussel.

Scope of Work:
Alum Treatment

Project Description:
After numerous seasons of problematic microscopic algae growth, which occasionally closed the pond to recreational (swimming and boating) activities, SOLitude sought to preemptively control the algae blooms as opposed to reacting when a bloom was occurring. In the summer of 2012, SOLitude developed a treatment plan, including the desired dosing, treatment methodology, and monitoring plan of both the waterbody and protected freshwater mussels. The single low-dose whole-pond treatment of 236 acres was successful and stripped approximately 50% of the available phosphorus from the water column. A similar approach with a follow-up targeted low-dose treatment of target areas was implemented in 2013. Algae levels, while sometimes elevated, have not reached the thresholds required to close the pond to recreational activities. No adverse impacts to native mussels or fish populations have been observed.