Reducing Nutrient Loading in Town Pond
Nutrient Remediation Case Study

Location and Acreage:
Plymouth, MA | 291-Acres

Project Timeframe: 
2013 to 2014

Project Managers:
Dominic Meringolo, Senior Environmental Engineer and Regional Leader

Key Staff:
Matt Salem, GIS Specialist and Permit Coordinator
Ed Taube, Mechanical Specialist II

Site Description:
This pond is a ~291-acre waterbody located in the Towns of Plymouth and Wareham. This waterbody provides valuable wetland habitat and recreational opportunities for area residents. It also serves as a water source for adjacent cranberry bogs, and there is an active herring run into the pond. 

Scope of Work:
Alum Treatment – The State of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) was closely involved with this work, especially the 2nd phase of treatment in 2014.  Ultimately, this project, along with previous watershed improvements, successfully met the goals of the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) prepared by MassDEP in accordance with the Clean Water Act.

Project Description:
In the spring of 2013, SOLitude performed a phosphorus inactivation treatment on the eastern basin of the pond for a coalition of stakeholders. SOLitude, in consultation with the clients, determined the dosing amounts, treatment parameters and post-treatment monitoring program for this project. The treatment was successfully conducted over 130 acres of the pond. Despite the project being delayed from the fall of 2012 due to adverse weather and disadvantageous water temperatures, it was performed without any issues and no adverse impacts were observed post-treatment. In 2014, using EPA/State Section 319 funding through the Town of Plymouth, an additional dose of alum was applied to the East Basin and the West Basin was also treated.