Whitins District Suggests Douglas Use Manchaug's Water

Remember the 16 cfs of flow needed downstream for the Town of Douglas Waste Treatment Plant? Since the beginning of June, only 7 cfs, and during a brief period of rain 12cfs, have been flowing through the treatment plant.   This, combined with the need to maintain a flow for wildlife downstream, are the reasons Manchaug is always maintaining a flow through the low level gate. Updated in 2006, it actually does not close up tight. The Town of Douglas has stated that Interface, the Manchaug Pond dam owner, has been very cooperative in maintaining our contribution of the flow.

Sutton's contribution today to the Mumford River from Steven's Pond dam.

So here are a couple of the meetings which took place concerning the Town of Douglas and the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District, the need for a greater flow in the Mumford River,  and the suggestion that water sources other than Whitin Reservoir be tapped.


1.)  First listen to the meeting of the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District.
Go to: http://www.douglasma.org/cable/online_programs.php


Scroll down and click onto:
Whitin Reservoir Watershed Management Committee: August 25, 2010

Click to view the Whitin Reservoir Watershed Management Committee meeting dated August 25, 2010. The meeting length is approximately one hour and seventeen minutes.

Manchaug Pond's water is discussed early in the agenda.

2.) then:
Board of Selectmen: September 7, 2010

Click to view the Board of Selectmen meeting dated September 7, 2010. The meeting length is approximately forty-two minutes. The agenda of this meeting is available here.

3.)  Next you can read the report in the Telegram Towns:


http://www.telegram.com/article/20100916/FLASH/9160502 


Thursday, September 16, 2010

Town looks at proposal to control Sutton dam

By Susan Spencer CORRESPONDENT

DOUGLAS —  Selectman Jeffrey LaPorte, a member of the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District’s management committee, suggested at last week’s Board of Selectmen meeting that Town Administrator Michael Guzinski look into the potential cost of having the town control the water flow through the dam at Manchaug Pond. The watershed district would like to purchase the pond, but not manage the dam.


“If it’s not prohibitive, would it be in our best interest to babysit the dam?” Mr. LaPorte asked, noting that downstream flow to Douglas, including to the water treatment plant, has been inadequate.


Mr. Guzinski said he plans to discuss the issue with the Sutton town administrator, since the Manchaug Pond dam is in Sutton.


Selectman Mitchell Cohen said having the town control multiple water supplies would likely require some type of mathematical formula. “There has to be something clean cut that says where the water is coming from,” he said.

New Article: "That Dam Issue"

THAT DAM ISSUE-
Company, officials clash over proposed pond breach

BY JOSH FARNSWORTH
Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, July 10th



Several residents and local officials from Sutton and Douglas joined state officials to voice their vehement disapproval of a plan by Manchaug Pond Reservoir Corp. to breach or remove the Manchaug Pond Dam at a public meeting Tuesday afternoon...

..."The only way to describe this is a breathtakingly terrible idea," said George X Pucci of Kopelman and Paige, Sutton's Town Counsel. "The removal of a dam makes sense when it is faulty or damaged. There are no benefits other than that Manchaug Reservoir Corp. does not want to operate it anymore."

Rep. Jennifer Callahan (D-Sutton) accused the Manchaug Reservoir Corp. of being a bully and using "scare tactics" to strong-arm other parties to take responsibility for the up-keep and general responsibility of the pond. It is an oxymoron to think we will be restoring the pond by draining it," she said. The state is not in the business of buying up dams and neither are the towns."...

... "To divest themselves is vindictive," said Pucci. "Going through with this would cripple the ability to store flood waters going into nearby Stevens Pond. It has potentially horrific consequences." ...

...Porter said lack of interest from other parties had forced the company to move forward. "We have received no offers from anyone on taking ownership of the dam," she said. "No one has even put a price tag on it."

Porter said the company has written proof that a request to sit down with Sutton was made in 2004 prior to Smith's time as administrator. ...

..."The dam no longer serves the purpose with the intent for why it was built,"
said Porter. "We believe doing this would ultimately result in a net benefit impact."

... "If the dam was to be removed, property values would decline and the rest of the
residents in Sutton and Douglas will feel the impact," said Sutton Board of Assessors
Chair Robert Nunnemacher. "It will not be a huge impact, but those people will still
have to pick up that difference." ...

...Much the opponents' frustration centered on communication. Opponents scalded the Manchaug Pond Reservoir Corp. for failure to notify Sutton on the issues prior to the town receiving the breach notice last month. Town Manager James Smith argued with Porter that in his two years as town administrator he had never been contacted about negotiations with the town on breaching or removing the dam. ..

... A representative from MassDEP said the organization will be involved in the permitting end of the project and will comment on the matter soon.

David Schmidt, President of the Manchaug Pond Association told the meeting attendees that..."Manchaug Pond is needed now more than ever."....


Click title of post to link to Millbury-Sutton Chronicle for the entire, detailed article.

Today's Telegram FLASH

Once again Telegram & Gazette correspondent, Ruth Vecchione reports on the blow-by-blow news lakeside - this time in the FLASH for Grafton, Millbury and Sutton and from the Sutton Board of Selectman's perspective.

Here she goes...

Finally, Selectman Kevin Geraghty, with the board's agreement, expressed their opposition to the attempt by Manchaug River Corp. to breach the dam along with their support of what the town's attorneys and the Conservation Commission are doing in the matter.

Mr. Smith said they have retained George X. Pucci of Kopelman & Paige to represent the town.

"It's a dramatic turn of events, a not-so-veiled threat by the company. Their interest is not the environment or dam safety. They are interested in divesting their responsibility." he said. "I think they're in for a war with the community and the state."


Good choice of quotes, Ms. Vecchione! And well said Mr. Smith and Mr. Geraghty!

Remember readers that you can see for yourself the meetings of our Sutton and Douglas Selectman and Conservation Commission at the towns' websites.

Here's the link to Sutton's award winning website:

http://www.suttonma.org/Pages/index

On the left side of the home page, click Sutton TV online to view the meeting. On the right, click for the Board's decision and how to submit testimony.

And yes, I did noticed that the dam owner is incorrectly listed as Manchaug River Corp. ... but I kind of like it!
But for the record, the dam owner is Manchaug Reservoir Corp. c/o Interface Flooring Systems of Atlanta Georgia.



This morning's photo taken by a new MPA photographer, thank you!

Do you think this bird species, the Cormorant, would continue to live at Manchaug Pond if it is reduced by 180 acres to a shallow, eutrophic swamp?

The Value of Water: MPA Speaks on Behalf of Manchaug Pond

MPA President David Schmidt present the "NO BREACH" position of the Manchaug Pond Association at state MEPA meeting.

Meeting of MEPA (Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act)
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Environmental Notification Form # 14435
July 7, 2009, 3:30 p.m., Sutton Town Hall




TESTIMONY OF THE MANCHAUG POND ASSOCIATION
David Schmidt, President

Thank you for this opportunity to speak on behalf of Manchaug Pond. My name is David Schmidt, I am President of the Manchaug Pond Association. This organization was formed over 40 years ago to promote the welfare and correct use of Manchaug and its watershed. My family has owned a summer cottage on Manchaug since 1938 along with many of the other 120 property owners. In addition to our members, many enjoy this 380 acre lake through the public access boat ramp, the campgrounds, the YMCA day camp for inner city kids, as well as those who view from the historic Waters Farm. We will be sumbitting written testimony based on the observations and experiences of living with this Great Pond as our backyard. We strongly oppose this project and foresee many issues and hardships caused by its action.

Today we respectfully ask that the scope of the MEPA process consider:

First - the impacts to Manchaug Pond and the bordering ecosystem: to our private wells; our two coldwater tributaries and native brook trout fisheries; to the 4 vernal pools and the bordering critical habitat area; to the wetlands, coves and bank and the significant 380 acreage under the water, habitat to fisheries and other wildlife; to public access; and to the strides we are making with the current s. 319 DEP storm water grant; and to our non-chemical control of invasive aquatic species.

and Secondly - to the downstream users and ecosystems of the Mumford and Blackstone River systems. Manchaug Reservoir is the headwaters of the Mumford River. It is the largest reservoir on the river system and with Whitin Reservoir contributes the major portion of the flow of the river. Downstream impacts include those to Stevens and the many other smaller ponds but more dramatic are those to the major water users: the Whitinsville Water Company, the Douglas Waste Water Treatment Plant, the Milford Power Plant, and the soon to be Alternatives Unlimited hydroelectric plant.

While the Manchaug Pond dam has served the mill industry safely for 130 years, it must not be discarded. Today this rich water resource provides a more important role. Its water storage capability provides the flow for drinking water and waste water treatment, for life in the river system, and an environmental habitat to many diverse wildlife species. Manchaug Pond is needed now more than ever, especially in light of today's environmental pressures and the valley's build-out potential. In closing, we challenge the dam owner to recognize the value of Manchaug Reservoir to the community and to the Commonwealth, and to work creatively and in partnership to preserve Manchaug Pond and the Mumford River system. Thank you for your consideration.


The MPA as well as many other local and state boards and agencies will be submitting detailed comments about the concerns for this latest proposal of the dam owner - Manchaug Reservoir Corp. c/o Interface, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia


Speaking in support of Manchaug Pond this day, with many grave concerns over this project:
Rep. Jennifer Callahan, Sutton resident and District Representative
Rep. Paul Kujawski, District Representative for Douglas
James Smith, Sutton Town Administrator
George Pucci, Attorney, Kopelman and Paige, representing Town of Sutton and SCC
Mark Briggs, Chairman Sutton Conservation Commission (SCC)
David Schmidt, President, Manchaug Pond Association
Jeffrey Roelofs, Attorney, Law office of Jeffrey L. Roelofs, for Lake Manchaug Camping
Robert Nunnemacher, Assessor, Sutton Board of Assessors
Kevin Geraghty, Member, Sutton Board of Selectman
Jack Sheehan, Member, Sutton Conservation Commission
Peter Coffin, Coordinator, Blackstone River Coalition


Also addressing the dam owner:
Richard Lindstrom, Sutton Resident, asked for information on the old Indian dam.


In attendance:
A extensive list of Sutton and Douglas town officials; many property owners from Manchaug, Stevens Pond and along the Mumford River, Sutton residents; leaders and members of organizations from Manchaug Pond Association, Mass Audubon, Blackstone River Coalition, Blackstone River Watershed Association, MA Congress of Lakes and Ponds, Whitin Reservoir Watershed District, and the Mass Bass Federation; and representatives from state agencies from Mass Department of Environmental Protection, Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation, Mass Department of Fish and Game, etc., etc.

Consider putting your thoughts and concerns about the removal of the Manchaug dam, the reduction of Manchaug Pond from 380 acres to 201, the elimination of Torrey Road from Parker to Holt Road, the loss of the boat ramp, and the loss of access from the shoreline properties, the impact to the environment upstream, downstream and along the river...

put it on paper, in writing and

send to:

Secretary Ian A. Bowles
EOEA, Attn: MEPA Office
William Gage, EOEA No. 14435
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114

http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/secondlevelpages/submittingcomments.htm
Deadline for submission is July 14th.

Telegram Reports on State Meeting Where NO Support for Breach Strongly Voiced!

The reporter of the following Worcester Telegram article, Ruth Vecchione, is seated in the center of the photo to the left of MPA President Dave Schmidt.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Dam breach comments mostly critical
MEPA official conducts meeting with residents of Sutton, Douglas



David Schmidt, president of the Manchaug Pond Association, lists the reasons the Manchaug Pond Dam should remain in place. (T&G Staff/JIM COLLINS)

By Ruth Vecchione CORRESPONDENT

SUTTON — Despite torrential rain and the threat of severe thunderstorms, more than 60 Sutton and Douglas residents, state and local officials packed the selectmen’s meeting room yesterday afternoon for the state-held meeting on Manchaug Reservoir Corp.’s petition to breach the Manchaug Pond Dam.

William Gage of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office heard opinions from local officials and residents yesterday afternoon on the environmental impact of the proposed breaching. (Mr. Gage will continue to accept comments on environmental impact in writing until Tuesday at the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114.)

The Manchaug Reservoir Corp.no longer operates in Massachusetts and doesn’t need the power the dam once provided. The 350-acre pond is in both Sutton and Douglas, has 125 lakefront homes and is used for boating and fishing.

Wendy Porter of Manchaug Reservoir Corp. outlined the pluses and minuses identified by her company.

She emphasized restoration of the natural pond and ecosystems as benefits to breaching the dam. She identified the loss of underwater habitat, a decrease of 174 acres of the pond’s footprint and the loss of 9,147 linear feet of banking as the adverse impacts.

State Rep. Jennifer M. Callahan, D-Sutton, called the proposal ludicrous. “It’s an oxymoron to say we’re restoring the great pond by draining it,” she said.

She said it’s amazing that the company would be willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on breaching the dam without substantive negotiations beyond coming before the Conservation Commission.

Town Administrator James A. Smith said he knew of no discussions regarding acquisition of the dam since he came to Sutton two years ago.

Ms. Porter maintained that the Manchaug Reservoir Corp. had sought out the Manchaug Pond Association, the towns of Sutton and Douglas, the Whitin Watershed District and one campground owner about assuming ownership of the dam.

“In 2004, we were afforded a meeting with the town of Douglas. We were not afforded a meeting here. We were told the town of Sutton was not interested,” she said.

She said no one has put a price tag on the dam, but the company was open to negotiating. “We have received no offers,” she said.

Town Counsel George X. Pucci of Kopelman & Paige and Peter Coffin of the Blackstone River Coalition expressed concern about the downstream impact of removing the dam.

Where Manchaug Reservoir Corp. said the dam “no longer serves the purpose for which it was built,” Mr. Coffin said the flows are still used downstream both for sewage treatment and wildlife habitat. There has not been a natural flow in the Blackstone Valley for 200 years, he said.

Mr. Pucci said that if the dam was breached there would be no ability to store flood water, which would harm Stevens Pond directly below and then Manchaug Village residents beyond that.

“The only benefit would be the economic interest of the proponent,” he said.

Representing the owners of Lake Manchaug Campground, lawyer Jeffrey L. Roelofs of Newburyport said the company should approach municipalities and state officials with a reasonable proposal if it wants to divest itself of the responsibilities of dam ownership.

“They should be taking the lead on that,” he said. “My comments extend to the local officials.”

Sutton Selectman Kevin Geraghty recognized the company’s business problem and liability issue. But, he said, there’s got to be a better way to achieve its business goal.

“I hope we can get to a point of having discussions,” he said.

Sutton Town Website Announces State Meeting on Manchaug Pond

State to Hold Meeting to Discuss Application
To Breach Manchaug Dam
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
3:30 pm
Sutton Town Hall – Selectmen’s Meeting Room

An Environmental Notification form has been submitted for the “Restoration of Manchaug Pond – Douglas & Sutton” Project. This project requires a mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR). A consultation meeting will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, official and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent of the significance of possible environmental impacts will be welcome.

The meeting will include a brief presentation of the project by the proponent, with periods for questions, answers, and open comment. Additional comments will be welcome in writing prior to July 14, 2009.

Pursuant to the requirements of the American Disabilities Act, this meeting notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions on the meeting may be answered by contacting William Gage of the MEPA staff at 617-626-1025.

For link to MEPA website to read the ENF, see the MPA "For More Information!" section to the right.

Tonight's Meeting Agenda- Douglas Conservation Commission

Douglas Conservation Commission

Douglas Municipal Center
29 Depot Street
Douglas, MA 01516
Main Phone: (508) 476-4000
Fax Number: (508) 476-4012

(Click on the title of this post to be linked to their website)
6/15/2009 - Agenda

Postby mdc » Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:26 am
7:00 PM CONSERVATION BUSINESS
1. Request for a Certificate of Compliance: Gadoury Homes, LLC, 103 Franklin Street
2. Request for a Certificate of Compliance: Douglas Properties, LLC, Hemlock Street

7:20 PM PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED: DOUGLAS CAMP
MEETING ASSOCIATION (NOI)
25 South Street

7:30 PM PUBLIC HEARING: GUARANTEED BUILDERS
AND DEVELOPERS, INC. (NOI)
93 Davis Street

7:45 PM PUBLIC HEARING: MASS. DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
& RECREATION (NOI)
Wallum Lake

8:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED: MUMFORD RIVER
RESERVOIR COMPANY (NOI)
Whitin Reservoir Dam, Northwest Main Street

8:30 PM PUBLIC HEARING: MANCHAUG RESERVOIR CORP
c/o INTERFACE, INC. (NOI)
Torrey Street
*Application Withdrawn

Comments on The Value of Water...

Do you check back on earlier posts to read the comments left by other readers? They can be quite interesting and they allow me to answer questions, going into greater detail. Comments can be anonymous, signed with your name, or a pen name. The original post and the thread of comments below raise quite a few side topics we could explore... read on and stay tuned! Comment if you like...

Here's a thread from "The Value of Water: Part One"

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Writer,
What is your feelings on how this decesion of the Reservoir Watershed is and how this could effect Lake Manchaug? Does this mean the lake is possibly going to face the low levels again and suffer fish and other species loss in the near future?
Thank you for a response.

June 03, 2009 9:47 AM
Corresponding Secretary said...

I do not see the decision of Whitin's district having an effect on Manchaug Pond. The care and preservation of Manchaug Pond is under the watchful eyes of the Manchaug Pond Association, MassDEP, MassWildlife, Mass Office of Boating and Fishing Access, the Sutton Conservation Commission, Douglas Conservation Commission, Senator Moore, Rep. Kujawski and Rep. Callahan and many others.

As we saw last year and this year, Manchaug is being operated separately and differently from its sister reservoir and I would expect that to continue as the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District takes ownership of their dam and as we advocate for Manchaug Pond.

In addition to the health of our lake, the flow downstream for the river's health and use is also important - this is addressed by the Order of Conditions issued by the Sutton Conservation Commission and by Manchaug's updated low-level gate which maintains a constant minimal flow.

Thanks for the question!
June 03, 2009 12:11 PM
Anonymous said...

Why in the world would the Whitin Water District Have any discussion or consideration of land taking on Manchaug Pond? The Sutton Town Selectmen let the Manchaug Pond Water District slip away by the two rejection votes of its formation a couple of years ago. It is now going to be very intresting to see how the management of the two bodies of water will look in the upcomming future, as one now will be landowner managed, and the others future is still quite uncertain. Good luck to all!

June 05, 2009 11:45 AM
Corresponding Secretary said...

You ask, "Why in the world would the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District have any discussion or consideration of land taking on Manchaug Pond?" The primary interest is in the dam and the waterrights that go with the dam.

The value is in the water. Both Manchaug and Whitin feed the Mumford River. Manchaug's water flows through Stevens Pond, down Manchaug Center at the waterfall into Douglas where it joins Whitin's water to flow into Gilboa Pond, and then Lackey Pond. Along the way, the water is used by the wastewater treatment plants of the old Guilford mill (when in use) and the town of Douglas. In the past, the dam owner was required to maintain a minimum 16 cubic foot per second flow which was coordinated evenly between the two ponds.

DEP ordered Manchaug's flashboards in. Whitin's District states they will put their boards in once they have ownership. Steven's is closed up tight below us as they are also low. Maybe the Tucker Pond beaver could send a bit of water downstream! Or maybe the new owner of the mill won't need much water. or Douglas will get more rain than Manchaug Pond has been getting...

Actually, it is no joke and the MPA continues to put a lot of time into the short term-short term goal of keeping the boards in and the long term goal of securing a new owner for the Manchaug Dam. Sutton Selectman did vote twice against a district for Manchaug Pond before all this craziness started. We'll see where our out of the box thinking/campaign takes us when the dust finally settles.

June 07, 2009 10:15 PM
Anonymous said...

Exactly! Just remember that as the Conservation Comissions are concerned with the historic water levels in the ponds they must be concerned with the flows in the river. If anyone thinks the water levels will superceed the minimum river flow I think they will be in for a suprise!Just as the ponds followed the historic rule for water level I think this will also be true for historic flows from from each water body when things are all said and done. Good Luck to all!

The Value of Water: Part one - Vote of the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District

83 yea, 5 nay was the vote last night of the members of the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District to purchase their dam at a cost of $320,000. I am told the Whitin's meeting did NOT include consideration of the Manchaug Pond dam in their land taking.

Here's the report as recorded in the Worcester Telegram this morning:

DOUGLAS — Proprietors of the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District last night voted 83-5 in favor of taking by eminent domain 387 acres that includes the reservoir and the dam.

Interface Fabrics Group, stockholder of the owners of record Mumford River Co. and Hydro Projects, agreed to the land-taking and to grant a deed for all rights to the watershed district for $320,000.

Don J. Virostek told district members last night that if they did not go forward with taking the land, Interface would likely petition the Office of Dam Safety to breach the dam and it would return to being a river as it was in 1840.

He also said that once the purchase and sale agreement is signed, the splash boards controlling the flow of water into the Mumford River would be put in place. (MPA file photo)


The district, established in May 2008, will have the right to enforce trespassing laws. It will also be liable in the event of a dam catastrophe. The liability will be limited to $100,000, as the district is a “municipality within a municipality,” Mr. Virostek explained.

Proprietors will repay a 15-year loan for $320,000 through tax assessments. The first year, the rate will be 62 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, John P. Bombara said.

— Ruth Vecchione

Manchaug Pond on Tonight's Con. Com. Agenda

Manchaug Pond is on the agenda for tonight's Sutton Conservation Commission meeting at 8:30 p.m. We have been told that a representative from Manchaug Reservoir Corp will be attending to request another continuation and explain why it is necessary.

Caught in an Artic Votex

Where have I been?! July 28th was my last blog entry here, snuck in the one on August 2nd and now another dated August 14th! The blog has been in a big void especially with everything going on. The weatherman says we have been in an arctic vortex.... sure!



http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/a010000/a010000/a010005/index.html

http://nsidc.org/arcticmet/patterns/arctic_oscillation.html
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA03448

Sure! I can definitely relate to that! Look at the photo of a whole lane of artic vortexes! But with all this exceptionally rainy season, the dam owner's representative reported the lake had come up only 11 inches by July 30. Two months later with plenty of help from nature, the dam owner missed by a few feet their new "Full" date goal of June 1st.

The weather has been swirling around us bring in storm after storm. But so has life and the issues the MPA is facing on behalf of Manchaug Pond. We are the busiest we have been in years! Save Wednesday evening, September 3rd on your calendar for Manchaug Pond.

Stay tuned and the next post will give you a major update!

MPA Talks With Governor Deval Patrick

Who cares about Manchaug Pond today? Who cares about our low water level? Who cares that some property owners around the lake still can't get their motorboat in the water? Who cares Manchaug had a major fish kill with over 200 dead fish counted in three locations? Who cares that the spring peepers are gone from one of our coves because it is dry? Who cares that the yearly routine maintenance on the dam didn't happen last year and hasn't happen yet this year? Who cares that gate receipts at the state ramp are down as visitors don't like low water, hitting rocks and broken props?

Who cares?

The MPA cares! 100 members strong, with over 40 years of stewardship, the MPA continues telling others why they need to care about Manchaug Pond.

Rep. Kujawski suggested to a couple MPA members who live in his district that they attend the Governor's Town Meeting Tour in Webster to talk about Manchaug Pond.

Rep. Kujawski cares about Manchaug Pond.




Last Wednesday, the MPA came face to face with Governor Deval Patrick!
Right there at Bartlett High School in Webster the MPA spoke for you to the Governor.

Wait! First... tell me what you would say if you had a chance to put one question before our Governor - up close and personal like!? Think a minute... you're at the mic... this is your moment... the floor is all yours.... everyone is quiet and waiting! What would you ask Governor Deval Patrick for Manchaug Pond? Tell us!

The MPA President Dave Schmidt asked the Governor the "big" Manchaug Pond question! and you know...

The Governor already knew about Manchaug Pond. The Governor cares!





Comment below with your question! Tells us what you think the MPA President should have said!

Read about the Governor's tour at http://www.telegram.com/article/20080724/NEWS/807240581/1153/SUBURBS
(The Telegram didn't care about Manchaug Pond and our question but they did care about the Governor visiting our district. :))

(Thanks to MPA 1st Vice President Marty Jo Henry for her photos!)

MPA continues to built sound relationships around town, around the county and around the state and a network of allies for Manchaug Pond.

(Do you want to hear the MPA question?! Let us hear your's first!)

Whitin Reservoir Watershed District in the news

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Whitin Reservoir district gets ready to buy dam

Waterfront property owners pursue control

By Steven H. Foskett Jr. TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
sfoskett@telegram.com


DOUGLAS— Residents who live or own property along Whitin Reservoir are moving along with plans to buy a dam that controls the water level.

The Whitin Reservoir Association recently completed all of the steps necessary to be able to call itself the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District.

The designation allows the group to act in many ways as a municipality; residents who started the push for the designation have made no secret that the main reason for forming the district was to allow them to buy a dam owned by Interface Fabrics, which operated the former Guilford of Maine plant on Gilboa Street until 2006.

The company has been looking to sell off assets in the area. Property owners on the reservoir have said that Interface was a good custodian of the dam, but they were nervous about what type of arrangement might be forced upon them if the ownership of the dam changed hands.

The group received support from selectmen for forming the watershed district, and in the spring the Legislature passed a special act establishing it.

Donald Virostek, a board member of the old association, helped guide it through the process of becoming a district.

He said the association met June 16 to formally establish itself as a watershed district and voted in a management committee. Mr. Virostek said 146 property owners live within the district and the vote to establish the district passed by a vote of 105-5.

Selectman John P. Bombara was elected chairman of the management committee. Larry Bombara, Thomas Anderson, and former Selectman Ronald Forget were also elected to the committee.

Selectmen voted to appoint Selectman Michael Hughes as the town’s representative on the committee. District voters also approved Mr. Virostek’s wife, Joyce Virostek, as district clerk, and Louise Anderson as district treasurer.

Mr. Virostek said the clerk and treasurer positions will be put up for election by the district yearly; he said the management committee positions will be staggered to avoid full turnover after elections.

Now that it is a district, the group will be able to raise money by imposing a tax on residents in the district separate from what residents pay in normal property tax to the town.

At the June 16 meeting, the district voted to appropriate $30,000 for appraisal fees, legal fees, and office expenses associated with a possible purchase of the dam.

John Bombara said he was glad to finally have the watershed district up and running. He said that besides the negotiations with Interface, there are no immediate plans to use the watershed district for anything else, such as raising money to keep invasive plant species out of the lake.

“It took two years to get to where we are,” Mr. Bombara said. “We haven’t discussed doing anything else, and with the plants, it hasn’t been too much of a problem for us here.”

Mr. Virostek said Interface Fabrics owns the land underneath the reservoir in addition to the dam that controls its water level. He said company officials have been cooperative and a lawyer representing the company at the June 16 meeting voted in favor of establishing the district. He said the two sides simply need to agree on a price.

The town has assessed the land at more than $1 million, but Mr. Virostek said that is basically a meaningless number and it’s not really a point of reference in the negotiations. He said Interface realizes the dam is not worth that much.

He said the district hopes to have an appraisal done on the property by the start of the fall and hopes to close on the deal by the end of the fall.

He said the water level is lower than usual this summer. Property owners along Manchaug Pond, which also has dams owned by Interface, are concerned about the water levels being too low. But Mr. Virostek said Whitin Reservoir, at least, is deep enough for recreational boating.

“It is as high as it can go,” Mr. Virostek said.

Whitin Reservoir Watershed District

103 in favor. 5 opposed. It is final: the property owners of Whitin Reservoir voted last night to form a watershed district - their own municipality within a municipality. The meeting took place in the auditorium of the Douglas high School.



Within one hour's time, the property owners had asked and answered questions and fears concerning the district's future, appointed a temporary clerk, amended and adopted by-laws, approved a budget, and elected a Board of Directors for their association which will continue as a social organization.

Specifically, Douglas Selectman Michael Hughes had opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, next a tally of those in attendance was completed to ensure a quorum was present and then swore in the newly elected temporary clerk. Two gentlemen involved in the 2 year effort (we try not to mention too many names on this blog to ensure privacy!) along with a professional moderator versed in Robert's Rules took the group of over 100 through each article, making motions and voting to set the organizational structure of the district.



As invited guests, 4 members of the MPA Board of Directors attended and observed an extremely professional, organized and well run first meeting. Our sincerest congratulations go out to the people of Whitin Reservoir!

The MPA pursued the watershed district initiative in concert with Whitin but needed two town's support which did not happen. The MPA saw a district as a means to give the pond a strong unified voice, simplify administrative tasks associated with our 319 grant, open doors for other grants aimed at land conservation, and position ourselves to act on water level and dam issues in a stronger manner as the majority of the membership saw fit. This district idea came at the recommendation of COLAP, LAPA-West, and other private and Great Ponds which have successfully established watershed districts of their own.

A thunderstorm erupted during the meeting eventually bringing an inch of much needed rain to the very low Manchaug Pond.

Telegram Reports Whitin District

Tuesday evening the Whitin Reservoir Association went before the Douglas Board of Selectman to prepare for the meeting which will formalize their watershed district.

The Board of Selectman set the first meeting of the District for June 16th where a vote of at least 60% of the approximately 140 property owners within the district boundaries is needed to establish the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District.

Read of their continued success for yourself :) http://www.telegram.com/article/20080521/NEWS/805210565

(In case you were wondering ... I did not take this photo. It is a satellite photo provided by the internet.)

MPA Event! Spring Social June 14th

Mark those calendars! Saturday, June 14th at the YMCA Camp Blanchard facility, the MPA is hosting our annual Spring Social where friends and neighbors of Manchaug Pond get together over morning coffee and danish at the start of the season.

This event is just a casual get together to see old friends, catch up on the
latest after our winter hibernation away from the lake. The MPA
President and other officers and members of the Board of Directors will be on hand
to answer questions you might have on the water level, dam and other
issues relating to our lake. Never missing an opportunity, our 319
Grant Coordinator and 1st Vice President, Marty Jo will have our
educational exhibit set up and has asked Donna Williams of the
Blackstone River Coalition to come in and talk with us at 11:00 about
the big picture of our water quality.

Our first social, organized by the Norman's of Area 5, also included a swap where members brought books, puzzles, life jackets and other items they wanted to
give or trade. Your welcome to bring a few items along this year.

Our treasurer will probably have his scissors and a deck of cards for the
50/50 raffle which is always a hit at the Annual Meeting so don't
forget to bring a buck or two or three.

I'll be sure our inventory of MPA shirts and hats are on sale as well.

So mark you calendar, and plan to attend. The coffee is on us!

(Hope
your don't mind me dropping a few names! I usually keep names off the
blog to insure privacy but I do want to give credit!)

What to TaLK About... Districts, Vandals, and Bears! Oh My!

Plenty to talk about this week...

DISTRICT: The Whitin Reservoir group is scheduled to meet tonight with the Town of Douglas Board of Selectman to set the date for the first meeting of the property owners. http://www2.douglasma.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=776 It is at this first meeting that they will formally vote in a Watershed District. After Sutton gave the MPA a no vote, Whitins continued on as they are only in Douglas to file their bill in the state legislature where it was reviewed a couple legislative committees, passed the Senate and the House twice and reviewed and signed by our Governor. Our MPA President has been told that the people of Whitins are totally prepared for this first meeting of the district. The District Clerk of a nearby lake watershed district continues to mentor them in this process.


DAM VANDAL STRIKES a 3rd TIME: Late yesterday, a call was received by the MPA President from the attorney for the dam owner reporting someone had placed sandbags in front of the flashboards the Manchaug Pond dam.
Unknown to me, I had taken this photo in the morning showing not a drop of water flowing through. The dam owner explained the danger of messing with the dam as the force of the water is phenomenal. The police have been notified and a report filed. The sandbags will be removed in the near future as they present a safety problem if the dam needs to be opened quickly. The dam owner will be sending out another letter to property owners in the near future.



BEAR VISITS UXBRIDGE: Today's Telegram reports Uxbridge Police received numerous reports all over town this weekend of a visiting black bear.
A few years ago, a bear visited a bird feeder here on Manchaug Pond over in the Summer Ct./Bigelow Road area. Check out the following website to get tips as to what to do if a bear visits your neighborhood. Mass Wildlife also recommends you take the suet feeders down from April 1 to December.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_bears.htm

Rain brings water level up - still not floating...

Sunday night on beautiful Manchaug Pond...

The rains are bringing up the waterlevel, but some areas of the lake are still high and dry. Our Great Pond is accessible from the Public Access Boat Ramp, just be careful going up the channel and through the old causeway as a couple motors hit rock again this weekend.



As for some of us living on the lake... we are still high and pretty dry. A couple households are enjoying their new found beach and you'll see on the poll they responded that everything is fine. While others are stuck...

My husband is making arrangements for the old 28 footer to go and to replace it with something smaller which he can take out for the winter season and put in when the "tide comes in"! (That's a quote I heard from a campground owner said during our clean-up event. I love it! So true!) My daughters cried that the old boat - 24 years old and still assessed at $7,000! - is leaving as it has a deck on top which they and guests love to canonball off of when we float out in the middle. The lake is too shallow for that now! The pontoons are wet but we are still not floating. I guess I didn't exaggerate when I said we depend on the dam owner...

Congratulations to Whitin Reservoir!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "YIPPEE! Not a drop going over the spillway :)":

We're glad all will soon be in the Water.I live on the douglas res.and have been following the excellent job you've done keeping your residents informed. I wish our web was updated so promply.
enjoy the summer
a neighbor down the lake


Thank you! I am glad you are enjoying the MPA blog over the hill on the Douglas Res. You have a beautiful, quiet lake and I hear the boating and fishing is so much better on your private lake!

As our association's Corresponding Secretary, I started this blog in March of 2006 to offer a means of getting the latest news out quickly and timely - something a hardcopy newsletter can't do. Besides the updates on the water level and water quality, the blog allows a view of the lake to the many seasonal property owners, campers, and day visitors. Others outside our association and community also loved to read of our goals, efforts and achievements as stewards of our water resource. As an informal vehicle for communication, it allows for comments/discussion, polls and the posting of beautiful photos and quips about life on the lake - foxes, eagles, sunsets, etc. Our stat counter tells us we had 1186 visitors so far this month!


But enough about the blog! I should be complimenting YOU and your newly formed association on your great achievement- A WATERSHED DISTRICT!

Tuesday, while Manchaug Pond was cheering the closed dam and new signs at our state ramp, the property owners of Whitin Reservoir took control of their future with the passage of "An Act to establish the WHITIN RESERVOIR WATERSHED DISTRICT!" Yes, their legislation passed! On Tuesday, May 13th, Governor Deval Patrick signed the legislation filed by Senator Richard Moore and Representative Paul Kujawski on their behalf and that of the Town of Douglas. This District will certainly give the property owners and the town of Douglas a strong mechanism to preserve this water resource and put control in the hands of those directly affected and those who know and love it best!

Congratulations! Wish we could boast the same!

Click the title of the post to follow the legislation's passage!

How Do We Get Water in the Pond?

Anonymous said...

Does the lake water level rise from just rain/runoff or does the lake have natural springs that feed the lakes water supply?
May 14, 2008 9:15 AM


Great question! The lake's water level will rise from both rain and runoff from the watershed. Manchaug Pond is NOT fed by natural springs. (info from Lee Lyman of Lycott Environmental, Inc.) We need rain and soon! Can the rain/runoff bring the water level up quickly so residents and visitors can enjoy a safe season on the lake with swimming, boating, etc? Yes, definitely and I'll get some photos of runoff for you, but the MPA Board of Directors continues to work to address the MPA membership's call for a longterm solution to our dam situation. The dam owner has it up for sale, has moved their operation out of the area and is limiting their day-to-day involvement and liability. Also, as summed up nicely by a local official, in looking at the rule curve and regulations we have a "company interpreting in a conservative manner." This week's good news about the flashboards going in and the gate closed is a short term solution... we need to continue to work for the longterm.

If you would like more information about membership in the Manchaug Pond Association or to get more involved please email the corresponding secretary at PhyllisC@digitalrv.net. This year is an election year if you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors (we have a seat available which used to be occupied by a camper :D - think about it!!) or if you are interested in water quality, want to learn aquatic weed identification, land conservation/preservation, endangered species, boating safety, local history, the newsletter, website or have another talent or interest and want to get involved - let us know!

The MPA can also be reached by mail at MPA, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, Massachusetts 01526.