If youve visited Mead Park recently, you cant help but notice a large patch of green on the parks north side. Not just on the grassy knolls or the tennis courts, but floating along the surface of Mead Pond. The Public Works department hopes to finally restore the water to a pristine state. The Town Council approved their $1,100,000 plan to dredge the pond Wednesday night.
When I look at [Mead Ponds] present condition, it bothers me that weve depreciated an asset so greatly, that when you drive by its really green, said council member Steve Karl. The waters discoloration comes from large deposits of algae that thrive in shallow water with nutrient-rich sediments. The dredging process will remove 36,000 cubic yards of sediment from the pond, adding an average of six feet of depth.
Department of Public Works director Michael Pastore has been pushing for the dredging since 2007, but because of the high price tag and the state Department of Environmental Protections strict permit process the town kept putting the plan on hold. He now fears this might be the DPW's last opportunity to dredge the pond before plants begin to take root and it officially becomes a marsh, which the town could no longer legally dredge. The pond is at a tipping point Pastore said.
Under the plan approved by the town council, $800,000 of the funds needed to dredge the pond will come from the general fund, and $300,000 will come from a state grant. Councilman Paul Foley, the only dissenting vote, was strongly opposed to the plan because of this funding proposal. He suggested waiting another year, to account for the cost in next years budget. But the remaining 10 council members heeded Pastores warning that another year might be too long to wait, and voted to approve 10-1. Pastore expects the dredging to begin in August.
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