The town received some good news Sept. 3 when test results on algae-plagued Bare Hill Pond found no toxins present in water samples taken from the town beach and near the dam, and a very low level of toxins in a sample taken at Thurston’s Cove. The Board of Health had issued a “no-contact with Bare Hill Pond water” advisory Aug. 28, and will not lift it until results of a second test show that toxin levels remain below state guidelines for acceptable levels.
A contractor for the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH) took water samples at town beach and Thurston’s Cove Sept. 8 to perform a second test for algae-produced toxins. Nashoba Associated Boards of Health Agent Ira Grossman told the Board of Health at its meeting that night that he expects the results will be back “at most” within one to two weeks, but the contractor would not give him a timeframe.
The DPH requires two tests, taken at least a week apart, that show toxin levels below its guidelines before a no-contact advisory may be lifted. Board of Health Chair Sharon McCarthy told the board that the DPH saw the results of the first test, done on water samples taken by Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee Chair Bruce Leicher Aug. 27. A DPH official told McCarthy the department would consider that test the first clear one if the results of this latest test are acceptable. At that point, the no-contact advisory would be lifted. But if the results of the Sept. 8 test are above state guidelines for toxins, two more clear tests would be needed.
Grossman also told the board he noted at least 3 or 4 feet of visibility when he was at the pond earlier in the day, a big improvement over the 2 feet of visibility he reported a few weeks ago. Grossman said the increase in water clarity was to be expected, with cooler temperatures and winds mixing the water to create an inhospitable environment for the algae. “It’s moving in the right direction,” he added.
The board told the Press that residents will be notified on the town website when the advisory is lifted.
