Aquatic Weed and Algae Control
Aquatic Weed and Algae Control Case Study

Location and Acreage:
Shrewsbury, MA | 11-Acres

Project Timeframe: 
2016

Project Managers:
Josh Perry, Environmental Scientist 

Site Description:
This property is a public park and recreation area which has walking trails, ball fields and park benches throughout. It is located just off Main Street in Shrewsbury, MA. The pond is located in the middle of the park and is a focal point of the entire park. 

Scope of Work:
This pond is approximately eight acres with a four-foot average depth, and has a history of dense filamentous algae growth. Being surrounded by grass and ballfields, there is a significant amount of fertilizer runoff that drains into the pond. This causes severe algae blooms that are not only harmful to the waterbody’s health, but also detrimental to the overall aesthetics of the waterbody and surrounding area.

Project Description:
Upon arrival of the initial visit to the pond on May 25, 2016, dense filamentous algae were observed, which covered approximately 80% of the entire waterbody. At this time, only a half treatment was performed with an environmentally sensitive aquatic product in order to prevent excessive die off and accidental fish kill. The pond was revisited on June 15 and the other half of the treatment was conducted, again using a EPA registered aquatic herbicide. Upon return to the site on June 29, the pond was algae free and had excellent water clarity. We followed up again on September 15, and a microscopic algae bloom was starting to occur, so an additional treatment was conducted on September 22.