For the last 20 years, Long Pond in Marstons Mills has been slowly degrading. The pond has grown greener and greener with an ever increasing density of bluegreen algae suspended in the water column. Each year the algae reaches its zenith in the late summer. But for the last few years, the green hue has shown up earlier. Now the pond is saturated in July, producing cyanobacteria algae blooms abundant enough to threaten the health of people and lives of pets who ingest it. An aggravating factor is climate change and the warming of the planet. Our region is a hotspot, according to scientists, so we can expect warming in Long Pond to continue, and algae loves heat and sunlight.
Unfortunately, we can't just kill all the cyanobacteria or eradicate all the algae. This would kill the pond and all its life. What we can do is try to decrease the algae to safe levels by reducing the nutrients that have fed this ever-increasing threat to the pond. This is complicated, expensive, and will take time. Scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the issue, and tech companies around the world are applying that knowledge with new devices and techniques. Cyanobacteria pollution is a huge and growing problem in the U.S. and around the world.
So we are not alone. Cape Cod in recent years has been plagued by cyanobacteria, and now Barnstable is facing the threat in numerous ponds. The Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the Cape's most venerable advocate of our natural resources, has targeted cyanobacteria as one of its major initiatives. The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition is also addressing this problem, with a focus on alternative septic systems and other initiatives to reduce inputs into our ponds.
Unfortunately, we can't just kill all the cyanobacteria or eradicate all the algae. This would kill the pond and all its life. What we can do is try to decrease the algae to safe levels by reducing the nutrients that have fed this ever-increasing threat to the pond. This is complicated, expensive, and will take time. Scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the issue, and tech companies around the world are applying that knowledge with new devices and techniques. Cyanobacteria pollution is a huge and growing problem in the U.S. and around the world.
So we are not alone. Cape Cod in recent years has been plagued by cyanobacteria, and now Barnstable is facing the threat in numerous ponds. The Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the Cape's most venerable advocate of our natural resources, has targeted cyanobacteria as one of its major initiatives. The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition is also addressing this problem, with a focus on alternative septic systems and other initiatives to reduce inputs into our ponds.
Phosphates and Fertilizers
Phosphorus is the main nutrient which people worry about for freshwater. Based on the State law referenced below, fertilizer companies have removed phosphorus from their products, except for lawn starter formulas.
Nonetheless, nitrogen is also harmful for fresh water, because the toxic species of Cyanobacteria become dominate when nitrogen and phosphorous are both abundant.
State law Section 65A: Limitation on the purchase and application of phosphorus containing fertilizer; additional regulations for the limitation of non-point source pollution from plant nutrients.
(a) No person shall purchase and apply or authorize any person, by way of service contract or other arrangement, to apply in the commonwealth any phosphorus containing fertilizer on lawn or non-agricultural turf, except when:
(1) a soil test indicates that additional phosphorus is needed for growth of that lawn or non-agricultural turf; or
(2) the phosphorus fertilizer is confirmed to be used for establishing a new lawn or new non-agricultural turf area.
(b) The department shall promulgate regulations to implement subsection (a) and may, consistent with subsection (a) and in consultation with the department of environmental protection, develop additional regulations designed to limit non-point source pollution from plant nutrients including, but not limited to, phosphorous and nitrogen. Such regulations may require retailers of phosphorus containing fertilizer to display such fertilizers separately and post signs specifying when and where phosphorus containing fertilizer may be applied.
(c) Regulations promulgated under this section shall be designed to maximize credits provided to municipalities by the United States Environmental Protection Agency relative to stormwater discharge and similar permits, which the Environmental Protection Agency may require of municipalities.
(d) Violations of any regulations promulgated under this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsection (k) of section 2.
The town also has by-laws that about fertilizers.
https://www.ecode360.com/29942593
Chapter 78 town code
Additional fertilizer links:
https://www.capecodextension.org/aghort/fertilizer/
http://www.greencape.org/lawn_garden.html
Green Cape has lots of great information including a section called "Lawn Sense"
"WHY ARE PONDS AND ESTUARIES SUFFERING FROM OVERGROWTH OF PLANTS? YOUR LAWN ISN’T HELPING!
Some commercial fertilizers contain FIVE TIMES more nitrogen than your lawn needs. The GreenCAPE Fertilizer Table compares conventional lawn care products with organic products. Read labels on your products carefully. Notice the difference between amounts of nitrogen from a biological source and a chemical source. Commercial fertilizers adjust pesticide components as weeds and insects become resistant over time so the products listed may not be current for next year. Chemical fertilizers have the same ingredients no matter where they are sold. Your Cape Cod lawn does not have the same needs as a lawn in Alaska, or Georgia. Sandy soil drains differently than clay soil. Also, remember we live on top of our water supply and it cannot be fixed once it's compromised. The nitrogen problem that every town is discussing is very real. By giving up chemical fertilizers, we can reduce nitrogen runoff by 10% or more annually. Isn't it worth it? "
Cape Cod Initiatives
APCC monitors a number of ponds, including Long Pond Marstons Mills
To see their interactive pond maps and check the status of our pond during the summer:
https://www.apcc.org/cyano/
Barnstable Clean Water Coalition is working on these problems. Among its initiatives is participation in the Ponds and Lakes Stewardship Program (PALS) that includes our pond. PALS was a sponsor of the 2001 study that produced the Pond and Lake Atlas with monitoring overseen by UMass Dartmouth's SMAST program.
The Cape Cod Commission Water Quality Plan of 2015 showed that 80% of the Cape's fresh water pollution comes from septic systems and recommended, "permitting the use of alternative systems, including denitrifying septic systems." Its PALS Pond and Lake Atlas of 2003 forecast many of the problems we have today before they were widely visible. The major culprits: development, septic systems, and road runoff. The commission is involved with various pond and water quality projects.
The Mass. Alternative Septic System Test Center of Barnstable County is working on various ways to handle septic waste for homes and communities that would reduce pond and ground water pollution.
The Science
www.mass.gov/info-details/microcystis-and-anabaena-algae-blooms
www.cdc.gov/habs/general.html
www.epa.gov/cyanohabs
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guidelines-for-cyanobacteria-in-freshwater-recreational-water-bodies
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/identifying-cyanobacterial-blooms-and-scums-photographs-of-blooms-and-scums
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/harmful-algae-blooms-in-freshwater-bodies
https://www.mass.gov/lists/algae-information
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20190919/Toxic-algae-may-be-more-harmful-for-people-with-pre-existing-liver-disease.aspx
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200212/Study-provides-evidence-of-aerosol-exposure-to-microcystins-among-coastal-residents.aspx
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110217/Researchers-find-blue-green-algae-may-be-responsible-for-producing-estrogen-like-compound-in-water.aspx
Other communities face similar threats
https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2019_algal_blooms/map/
https://www.cleveland.com/news/2020/04/toxic-algae-also-threatens-ohios-inland-lakes-waterways.html
https://www.camaspostrecord.com/news/2020/apr/10/blue-green-algae-advisories-issued-at-lacamas-round-lakes-in-camas/
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/08/13/cyanobacteria-blue-green-algae-blooms-massachusetts-dogs/
https://www.opb.org/news/article/washington-state-battle-ground-lake-algae-bloom-march-2020/
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israelis-find-the-secret-to-killing-deadly-algae-blooms-1.8594856
https://www.news-press.com/story/tech/science/environment/2020/02/21/multifaceted-algae-toxin-study-launched-florida-department-health-funds/4741906002/
https://www.njherald.com/news/20200216/mayor-makes-plans-to-head-off-algal-bloom-potential
https://cbs12.com/news/local/more-monitors-to-be-deployed-in-indian-river-lagoon-in-fight-against-toxic-algae
https://www.wptv.com/news/protecting-paradise/toxic-blue-green-algae-reported-along-lake-okeechobee
https://www.recordnet.com/news/20190807/presence-of-blue-green-algae-in-san-joaquin-river-threat-to-humans-animals
https://weather.com/news/news/2019-07-08-mississippi-closes-21-beaches-because-of-blue-green-algae-bloom
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/here-are-toxic-algae-hot-spots-at-popular-dmv-recreational-areas/65-68a1122f-b1a4-47ee-adec-2025eab39de6
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Phosphorus is the main nutrient which people worry about for freshwater. Based on the State law referenced below, fertilizer companies have removed phosphorus from their products, except for lawn starter formulas.
Nonetheless, nitrogen is also harmful for fresh water, because the toxic species of Cyanobacteria become dominate when nitrogen and phosphorous are both abundant.
State law Section 65A: Limitation on the purchase and application of phosphorus containing fertilizer; additional regulations for the limitation of non-point source pollution from plant nutrients.
(a) No person shall purchase and apply or authorize any person, by way of service contract or other arrangement, to apply in the commonwealth any phosphorus containing fertilizer on lawn or non-agricultural turf, except when:
(1) a soil test indicates that additional phosphorus is needed for growth of that lawn or non-agricultural turf; or
(2) the phosphorus fertilizer is confirmed to be used for establishing a new lawn or new non-agricultural turf area.
(b) The department shall promulgate regulations to implement subsection (a) and may, consistent with subsection (a) and in consultation with the department of environmental protection, develop additional regulations designed to limit non-point source pollution from plant nutrients including, but not limited to, phosphorous and nitrogen. Such regulations may require retailers of phosphorus containing fertilizer to display such fertilizers separately and post signs specifying when and where phosphorus containing fertilizer may be applied.
(c) Regulations promulgated under this section shall be designed to maximize credits provided to municipalities by the United States Environmental Protection Agency relative to stormwater discharge and similar permits, which the Environmental Protection Agency may require of municipalities.
(d) Violations of any regulations promulgated under this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsection (k) of section 2.
The town also has by-laws that about fertilizers.
https://www.ecode360.com/29942593
Chapter 78 town code
Additional fertilizer links:
https://www.capecodextension.org/aghort/fertilizer/
http://www.greencape.org/lawn_garden.html
Green Cape has lots of great information including a section called "Lawn Sense"
"WHY ARE PONDS AND ESTUARIES SUFFERING FROM OVERGROWTH OF PLANTS? YOUR LAWN ISN’T HELPING!
Some commercial fertilizers contain FIVE TIMES more nitrogen than your lawn needs. The GreenCAPE Fertilizer Table compares conventional lawn care products with organic products. Read labels on your products carefully. Notice the difference between amounts of nitrogen from a biological source and a chemical source. Commercial fertilizers adjust pesticide components as weeds and insects become resistant over time so the products listed may not be current for next year. Chemical fertilizers have the same ingredients no matter where they are sold. Your Cape Cod lawn does not have the same needs as a lawn in Alaska, or Georgia. Sandy soil drains differently than clay soil. Also, remember we live on top of our water supply and it cannot be fixed once it's compromised. The nitrogen problem that every town is discussing is very real. By giving up chemical fertilizers, we can reduce nitrogen runoff by 10% or more annually. Isn't it worth it? "
Cape Cod Initiatives
APCC monitors a number of ponds, including Long Pond Marstons Mills
To see their interactive pond maps and check the status of our pond during the summer:
https://www.apcc.org/cyano/
Barnstable Clean Water Coalition is working on these problems. Among its initiatives is participation in the Ponds and Lakes Stewardship Program (PALS) that includes our pond. PALS was a sponsor of the 2001 study that produced the Pond and Lake Atlas with monitoring overseen by UMass Dartmouth's SMAST program.
The Cape Cod Commission Water Quality Plan of 2015 showed that 80% of the Cape's fresh water pollution comes from septic systems and recommended, "permitting the use of alternative systems, including denitrifying septic systems." Its PALS Pond and Lake Atlas of 2003 forecast many of the problems we have today before they were widely visible. The major culprits: development, septic systems, and road runoff. The commission is involved with various pond and water quality projects.
The Mass. Alternative Septic System Test Center of Barnstable County is working on various ways to handle septic waste for homes and communities that would reduce pond and ground water pollution.
The Science
www.mass.gov/info-details/microcystis-and-anabaena-algae-blooms
www.cdc.gov/habs/general.html
www.epa.gov/cyanohabs
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guidelines-for-cyanobacteria-in-freshwater-recreational-water-bodies
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/identifying-cyanobacterial-blooms-and-scums-photographs-of-blooms-and-scums
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/harmful-algae-blooms-in-freshwater-bodies
https://www.mass.gov/lists/algae-information
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20190919/Toxic-algae-may-be-more-harmful-for-people-with-pre-existing-liver-disease.aspx
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200212/Study-provides-evidence-of-aerosol-exposure-to-microcystins-among-coastal-residents.aspx
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110217/Researchers-find-blue-green-algae-may-be-responsible-for-producing-estrogen-like-compound-in-water.aspx
Other communities face similar threats
https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2019_algal_blooms/map/
https://www.cleveland.com/news/2020/04/toxic-algae-also-threatens-ohios-inland-lakes-waterways.html
https://www.camaspostrecord.com/news/2020/apr/10/blue-green-algae-advisories-issued-at-lacamas-round-lakes-in-camas/
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/08/13/cyanobacteria-blue-green-algae-blooms-massachusetts-dogs/
https://www.opb.org/news/article/washington-state-battle-ground-lake-algae-bloom-march-2020/
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israelis-find-the-secret-to-killing-deadly-algae-blooms-1.8594856
https://www.news-press.com/story/tech/science/environment/2020/02/21/multifaceted-algae-toxin-study-launched-florida-department-health-funds/4741906002/
https://www.njherald.com/news/20200216/mayor-makes-plans-to-head-off-algal-bloom-potential
https://cbs12.com/news/local/more-monitors-to-be-deployed-in-indian-river-lagoon-in-fight-against-toxic-algae
https://www.wptv.com/news/protecting-paradise/toxic-blue-green-algae-reported-along-lake-okeechobee
https://www.recordnet.com/news/20190807/presence-of-blue-green-algae-in-san-joaquin-river-threat-to-humans-animals
https://weather.com/news/news/2019-07-08-mississippi-closes-21-beaches-because-of-blue-green-algae-bloom
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/here-are-toxic-algae-hot-spots-at-popular-dmv-recreational-areas/65-68a1122f-b1a4-47ee-adec-2025eab39de6
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