The BALA Environmental Committee is charged with maintaining the Lake’s pristine water quality. Working hand and hand with the Sturbridge Conservation Committee and the Sturbridge Lakes Advisory Committee, the Environmental Committee partakes in the annual lake water testing program.
Water Clarity, water temperature, pH, Nitrogen, Phosphor and several other samplings are taken at two locations on the lake. These samples are recorded and are analyzed by an independent lab. The current year results are then compared against historical data as part of our effort to monitor the effects of growth and use on the Lake.
The Committee also oversees the contractual responsibilities of the chosen lake management company providing our weed mitigation program.
The Environmental Committee also monitors other sources of lake contamination such as, ground water run off from surrounding properties, and the importation of invasive weed species from visiting boats using our Public Landing.
All said, the Environmental Committee is at the heart of the BALA mission.
Massachusetts State Fertilizer Regulations:
Under Massachusetts 330 CMR 31.00 and GL 128 § 65A, here are the key rules for non-agricultural lawns:
- Phosphorus‑Only If Needed:
- Phosphorus fertilizer is allowed only if a soil test (no older than 3 years) shows it’s needed, or you’re establishing/renovating a lawn (only in the first season).
- Seasonal Ban:
- No fertilizer application from December 1 to March 1, or on frozen, snow‑covered, saturated, or flood‑prone soils.
- Waterbody Setbacks:
- 20 ft for broadcast spreaders
- 10 ft for drop/targeted spreaders
- Prohibited on Impervious Surfaces:
- No application on driveways, sidewalks, etc. Any spills must be cleaned up and disposed of properly.
- Soil Testing & Record‑Keeping:
- Soil tests valid for 3 years and required for phosphorus use. Professional applicators must keep records (product, date, area, rates, soil test, etc.) for 3 years.
- Retailer Signage:
- Stores must clearly separate phosphorus fertilizers and display warning signs about runoff risks.
- Penalties:
- Violations can result in fines: $250 (1st), $500 (2nd), $1,000/day (subsequent).
Town of Sturbridge Regulations:
Per the Sturbridge Wetlands Bylaw/Conservation Commission (via Code 360 & town regs PDFs):
- No fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, salts, etc., within 200 ft of any resource area (wetlands, lakes, streams), unless applied by a Massachusetts state-licensed applicator.
- While not mandatory, the Town recommends maintaining buffer zones or natural vegetation to help filter runoff.
Best Practices (Echoing Both State & Local Guidance):
- Don’t use Fertilizer at all. But if you choose to… Use phosphorus-free fertilizers unless a soil test says it’s needed.
- Avoid frozen/saturated/snow-covered ground or heavy-rain forecasts.
- Observe 10–20 ft setbacks and 200 ft buffer zones near water.
- Maintain or restore natural buffers along the shoreline.
- Clean up spills immediately on hard surfaces.
- Use carefully—only as needed based on testing and turf health.
Filamentous algae are a type of algae characterized by their long, thread-like (filamentous) structures. These algae grow in chains or mats and are commonly found in freshwater environments like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Here’s a quick overview:
Scientific Classification & Types:
• Kingdom: Protista
• Common genera: Spirogyra, Cladophora, Oscillatoria, Anabaena (some cyanobacteria also form filaments)
Characteristics:
• Appear as green, stringy, hair-like masses in water
• Can float freely or attach to rocks, plants, or sediment
• Often referred to as “pond scum” or “moss” in casual terms
• Some species are green algae (Chlorophyta), others may be blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria)
Ecological Role:
• Provide oxygen through photosynthesis
• Serve as food and habitat for aquatic insects and small organisms
Problems When Overgrown:
• Can lead to oxygen depletion at night (algae consume oxygen then)
• Cause fish kills during die-offs (algae decomposing uses up oxygen)
• Aesthetic and recreational nuisance (clogs filters, fishing lines, swimming areas)
Control & Management:
• Nutrient control: Limit phosphorus and nitrogen runoff (e.g., from fertilizers)
• Mechanical removal: Raking or skimming large mats
• Biological control: Grass carp or beneficial microbes in some settings
• Algaecides: Copper-based or peroxide-based treatments—must be used carefully to avoid harming aquatic life
The causation (or causes) of filamentous algae growth is typically linked to a combination of nutrient enrichment, sunlight, and stagnant water. Here’s a breakdown of the primary factors that lead to filamentous algae blooms:
1. Nutrient Pollution (Eutrophication)
• Excess nitrogen and phosphorus are the biggest contributors.
• Sources include:
• Fertilizer runoff from lawns, farms, and golf courses
• Leaking septic systems
• Animal waste
• Stormwater runoff
• These nutrients over-enrich the water, acting like fertilizer for the algae.
2. Sunlight
• Filamentous algae thrive in shallow, clear waters where sunlight can easily penetrate.
• Sunlight drives photosynthesis, fueling rapid algae growth.
3. Warm, Stagnant Water
• Algae grow faster in warm temperatures, especially late spring through summer.
• Slow-moving or still water allows algae to form mats without being disrupted by current.
4. Lack of Competition
• If there are few submerged aquatic plants (due to herbicide use, poor water conditions, etc.), algae take over that ecological niche.
5. Imbalance in Aquatic Ecosystem
• Low populations of herbivorous fish or invertebrates that normally graze on algae can allow unchecked growth.
• Absence of natural biological controls can contribute to overgrowth.
6. Organic Matter Accumulation
• Decomposing leaves, grass clippings, and other organic debris on the pond bottom release nutrients and feed algae.
Summary:
Filamentous algae blooms are usually caused by too many nutrients (especially phosphorus and nitrogen), warm stagnant water, ample sunlight, and an unbalanced aquatic ecosystem.
Here’s what causes nutrient buildup in ponds, lakes, and streams:
1. Fertilizer Runoff
• Lawn, garden, and agricultural fertilizers are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus.
• Rain or irrigation washes excess fertilizer into nearby water bodies.
• Even “organic” fertilizers can contribute nutrients if overused.
2. Septic System Leaks or Failing Sewage
• Improperly maintained or aging septic systems can leak nitrogen and phosphorus.
• Untreated sewage or poorly managed wastewater contributes directly to nutrient loading.
3. Animal Waste
• Manure from farms, pastures, and pet waste contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
• When it’s not properly managed, rain can wash it into local water systems.
4. Stormwater Runoff
• Rainwater running off streets, roofs, and parking lots collects nutrients from:
• Lawns
• Gardens
• Pet waste
• Road debris
• This nutrient-rich runoff drains into storm sewers and eventually into ponds and streams.
5. Organic Matter Decomposition
• Dead leaves, grass clippings, and other plant debris that fall or are blown into water break down and release nutrients.
• Nutrient cycling from the bottom sediments (especially in older ponds) is common.
6. Household Products
• Some detergents and soaps (especially older or unregulated ones) contain phosphates.
• Washing cars or cleaning outdoors can rinse these into storm drains.
7. Livestock Access to Water Bodies
• When cows, horses, or other animals wade into or defecate near streams or ponds, they directly deposit nutrients into the water.
Summary:
Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus come mainly from fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste, stormwater runoff, decomposing organic matter, and some household products. These sources, especially when unmanaged, fuel algae growth.
Check out how our dues benefit Big Alum – Solitude Lake Management 2018 lake quality report: Big Alum 2018 Post Treatment Report
The Sturbridge Lake Advisory Committee 2018 report: Sturbridge Great Ponds 2018 Report Card
Report – Winter Fish Kill: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife March 2019 Report
REPORT: Green up your lawn & not the lake Green Up Your Lawn-Not the Lake
NOTIFICATION: July 16, 2024 weed treatment: 7-16-24 Big Alum Sign
Road drainage presentation – Tom Clark Big Alum Lake Watershed presentation 2019