1. Floating Treatment Wetlands
Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) or islands are artificial platforms filled with aquatic plants which sit on the pond’s surface. The plant roots spread through the floating islands and down into the water creating dense columns of roots with lots of surface area. FTWs mimic natural wetlands. They improve water quality by assimilating and removing excess phosphorus that fuel cyanobacteria growth while providing a valuable ecological habitat for a variety of beneficial species. The plants are harvested after 1-3 years, permanently removing phosphorus from the pond. New plants are then added to the platforms and the process begins again.
The Town of Barnstable plans to install 600 sq.ft. of FTWs at the northern end of the pond as a pilot study to determine the extent of phosphorus removal of FTWs. Phosphorus removal effectiveness is known to vary from 0.1 kg to 1.8 kg per 100 sq.ft. of FTW.
2. Sewers
The Town of Barnstable has begun to implement it’s 30-year comprehensive wastewater management plan by installing sewers, beginning at the eastern end of the town. Our neighborhood is projected to be sewered in 20-30 years. Thus, this is a long-term solution.
3. Stormwater Improvements
In 2020, Friends of Long Pond brought to the Town's attention five storm drains which were funneling storm water runoff from the roads through underground pipes into Long Pond. The Town allocated $300,000 to replace these problematic drains, and the work was completed in the spring of 2021.
Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) or islands are artificial platforms filled with aquatic plants which sit on the pond’s surface. The plant roots spread through the floating islands and down into the water creating dense columns of roots with lots of surface area. FTWs mimic natural wetlands. They improve water quality by assimilating and removing excess phosphorus that fuel cyanobacteria growth while providing a valuable ecological habitat for a variety of beneficial species. The plants are harvested after 1-3 years, permanently removing phosphorus from the pond. New plants are then added to the platforms and the process begins again.
The Town of Barnstable plans to install 600 sq.ft. of FTWs at the northern end of the pond as a pilot study to determine the extent of phosphorus removal of FTWs. Phosphorus removal effectiveness is known to vary from 0.1 kg to 1.8 kg per 100 sq.ft. of FTW.
2. Sewers
The Town of Barnstable has begun to implement it’s 30-year comprehensive wastewater management plan by installing sewers, beginning at the eastern end of the town. Our neighborhood is projected to be sewered in 20-30 years. Thus, this is a long-term solution.
3. Stormwater Improvements
In 2020, Friends of Long Pond brought to the Town's attention five storm drains which were funneling storm water runoff from the roads through underground pipes into Long Pond. The Town allocated $300,000 to replace these problematic drains, and the work was completed in the spring of 2021.
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