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 lives of people and animals all the way into fall. 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. Here's what they have to say:
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. Here's what they have to say:
Cyanobacteria are commonly found in the phytoplankton community of aquatic ecosystems. They form the base of the food web of freshwater ponds and streams that flow into coastal estuaries and the ocean. The presence of cyanobacteria is natural and important!
However, overabundant cyanobacterial growth (called blooms) and their release of dangerous amounts of cyanotoxins appear to be occurring more frequently. This is due to warming global temperatures and excessive nutrients in our ponds.
This excessive growth of cyanobacteria and formation of blooms degrades habitats and damages the environment. Exposure to cyanotoxins can have serious health implications for wildlife, humans, and pets.
Source: Association to Preserve Cape Cod
Phosphates and Fertilizers
According to Karen Malkus of the Barnstable Board of Health:
I would not recommend any fertilizers, if people want to have a healthy pond.
I know some people think lawns are important, so they have to decide their priorities.
I DO recommend colonial "harmony mix" grass seed from Lavoie horticulture, if people want a native, drought resistant species that can grow without fertilizers once established.
https://lavoiehorticulture.com/seed-products/
Also available at Agway.
Phosphorus is the main nutrient which people worry about for freshwater. Based on the State law below -fertilizer companies have removed phosphorus from their products, except for lawn starter formulas.
Nonetheless, nitrogen is also terrible 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
Section 65A. (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
Here is an excerpt:
(1) Noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not apply fertilizer during or immediately prior to heavy rainfall, such as but not limited to thunderstorms, hurricanes, or northeastern storms, or when the soil is saturated due to intense or extended rainfall;
(2) Noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not apply fertilizer or compost between November 12 and the following March 31;
(3) Noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not apply, spill, or deposit fertilizer on any impervious surface and fail to remove the applied, spilled, or deposited fertilizer immediately (and in which case the applicator shall then either contain, dispose of legally or apply the fertilizer as allowed), and shall not apply, spill or deposit fertilizer in a manner that allows fertilizer to enter into storm drains;
(4) Unless the Town's existing laws and regulations, including its Wetland Ordinance or Regulations, contain a stricter standard or other enforcement or approval mechanism such as through the Town's Conservation Commission, which shall control, noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not apply fertilizer closer than 100 feet to any water body, or within the Zone I of a public drinking water well unless permission is obtained through the enforcement authority set out in § 78-6D(1) herein allowing such activity;
(5) A noncertified fertilizer applicator shall not apply fertilizer that contains phosphorus, unless a soil test taken not more than three years before the proposed fertilizer application indicates that additional phosphorus is needed for growth of that turf, or unless establishing new turf or reestablishing or repairing turf after substantial damage or land disturbance, in which case the application shall be in compliance with the BMP;
(6) A single application of fertilizer that contains nitrogen shall not exceed 1.0 pounds of actual nitrogen per thousand square feet, shall consist of at least 20% slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (NOTE: This represents the minimum percentage: use of higher SRN content is generally preferable, especially on sandy root zones, during stress and pre-stress periods, and when there are fewer annual applications of nitrogen made to a lawn.) and the annual rate shall not exceed 3.2 pounds of actual nitrogen per thousand square feet. Single applications shall be done at intervals of no less than four weeks until the annual maximum is reached;
(7) The fertilizer application requirements of this § 78-5B shall apply with the same limitations to combination products, i.e., amount of nitrogen applied, vicinity of water bodies, etc;(8) Noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not deposit grass clippings, leaves, or any other vegetative debris into or within 50 feet of water bodies, retention and detention areas, drainage ditches or stormwater drains, or onto impervious surfaces, such as, but not limited to, roadways and sidewalks, except during scheduled clean-up programs
Here are other good 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"
Here is is just one quote:
"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
The 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
However, overabundant cyanobacterial growth (called blooms) and their release of dangerous amounts of cyanotoxins appear to be occurring more frequently. This is due to warming global temperatures and excessive nutrients in our ponds.
This excessive growth of cyanobacteria and formation of blooms degrades habitats and damages the environment. Exposure to cyanotoxins can have serious health implications for wildlife, humans, and pets.
Source: Association to Preserve Cape Cod
Phosphates and Fertilizers
According to Karen Malkus of the Barnstable Board of Health:
I would not recommend any fertilizers, if people want to have a healthy pond.
I know some people think lawns are important, so they have to decide their priorities.
I DO recommend colonial "harmony mix" grass seed from Lavoie horticulture, if people want a native, drought resistant species that can grow without fertilizers once established.
https://lavoiehorticulture.com/seed-products/
Also available at Agway.
Phosphorus is the main nutrient which people worry about for freshwater. Based on the State law below -fertilizer companies have removed phosphorus from their products, except for lawn starter formulas.
Nonetheless, nitrogen is also terrible 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
Section 65A. (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
Here is an excerpt:
(1) Noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not apply fertilizer during or immediately prior to heavy rainfall, such as but not limited to thunderstorms, hurricanes, or northeastern storms, or when the soil is saturated due to intense or extended rainfall;
(2) Noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not apply fertilizer or compost between November 12 and the following March 31;
(3) Noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not apply, spill, or deposit fertilizer on any impervious surface and fail to remove the applied, spilled, or deposited fertilizer immediately (and in which case the applicator shall then either contain, dispose of legally or apply the fertilizer as allowed), and shall not apply, spill or deposit fertilizer in a manner that allows fertilizer to enter into storm drains;
(4) Unless the Town's existing laws and regulations, including its Wetland Ordinance or Regulations, contain a stricter standard or other enforcement or approval mechanism such as through the Town's Conservation Commission, which shall control, noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not apply fertilizer closer than 100 feet to any water body, or within the Zone I of a public drinking water well unless permission is obtained through the enforcement authority set out in § 78-6D(1) herein allowing such activity;
(5) A noncertified fertilizer applicator shall not apply fertilizer that contains phosphorus, unless a soil test taken not more than three years before the proposed fertilizer application indicates that additional phosphorus is needed for growth of that turf, or unless establishing new turf or reestablishing or repairing turf after substantial damage or land disturbance, in which case the application shall be in compliance with the BMP;
(6) A single application of fertilizer that contains nitrogen shall not exceed 1.0 pounds of actual nitrogen per thousand square feet, shall consist of at least 20% slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (NOTE: This represents the minimum percentage: use of higher SRN content is generally preferable, especially on sandy root zones, during stress and pre-stress periods, and when there are fewer annual applications of nitrogen made to a lawn.) and the annual rate shall not exceed 3.2 pounds of actual nitrogen per thousand square feet. Single applications shall be done at intervals of no less than four weeks until the annual maximum is reached;
(7) The fertilizer application requirements of this § 78-5B shall apply with the same limitations to combination products, i.e., amount of nitrogen applied, vicinity of water bodies, etc;(8) Noncertified fertilizer applicators shall not deposit grass clippings, leaves, or any other vegetative debris into or within 50 feet of water bodies, retention and detention areas, drainage ditches or stormwater drains, or onto impervious surfaces, such as, but not limited to, roadways and sidewalks, except during scheduled clean-up programs
Here are other good 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"
Here is is just one quote:
"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
The 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