EASTHAM — Two weeks after showing high concentrations of a green filamentous algal bloom, a pair of Eastham ponds remain closed by order of the town’s health dept. Recreational activities at Schoolhouse and Minister’s ponds are prohibited and residents are strongly advised to avoid any contact with or ingestion of the water from either pond. Should contact occur, residents are advised to rinse off immediately.
Routine water samples initially taken on Aug. 15 suggested that both ponds, popular swimming and canoeing sites that lie just west of Eastham Elementary School, posed a risk from cyanobacteria that can be particularly dangerous to children and pets. (See Elspeth Hay’s investigation of cyanobacteria in Cape Cod ponds in the Independent, Aug. 9.)
According to Jane Crowley, Eastham’s director of health and environment, this is the first time that the two adjacent ponds have been closed for a potential health risk, although Molls Pond has suffered from such algal blooms in the past.
Crowley said the town is working with the state Dept. of Health to conduct additional testing to determine if the algae in the ponds does indeed pose a threat to swimmers. She was hopeful, based on the visual evidence, that the algal bloom had passed, but regulations demand that the ponds have two clean bills of health, from samples taken one week apart, before the closures can be lifted.
The cell count and toxin analyses from the first tests were returned on Monday, Aug. 26, and indicated that the waters were below the state threshold for cyanobacteria. A second set of samples was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29, and Crowley hoped to have those results back early the following week.
More information and updates can be found at the town website, eastham-ma.gov, or by calling (508) 240-5900 ext. 3229.
Fishing community raises parking, dredging concerns
A recent survey of the town’s water access points was the topic of a special morning meeting of the Eastham Harbor Planning Committee on Aug. 28, to which members of the town’s fishing community, as well as the general public, were invited.
Representatives of the Woods Hole Group and UMass Boston’s Urban Harbors Institute joined Natural Resources Manager Shana Brogan to present the results of the survey. They asked for feedback on proposed improvements at Collins Landing, Hemenway Landing, Salt Pond Landing, and Rock Harbor.
The small but engaged audience did not hesitate to bring up issues beyond the scope of the survey. High on their list was the lack of dedicated parking spaces for commercial fishermen at town beaches, particularly First Encounter. Other suggestions included building storage space for shellfishing equipment, stronger enforcement of regulations regarding the identification of boats and kayaks, and a reformation of the Shellfish Advisory Committee, which was disbanded in March by the selectmen.
Attendees also wondered why the survey did not address the planned dredging of Nauset Estuary, a project that has caused some friction between Eastham and Orleans. The officials said inclusion of such a divisive issue might distract from the survey’s key recommendations, including needed upgrades to pavement and ramps, and might intrude on the negotiations already under way between the two towns. But all agreed that some mention of the effects of dredging would be appropriate in the final report.
Before adjourning the session, Brogan proposed a follow-up meeting for mid- to late October, after the height of shellfishing season, which she hoped would allow for wider attendance by stakeholders in the local fishing industry. Those present on Wednesday advocated for a weekday meeting in the evening and as much advance notice as possible. As soon as a date has been set, Brogan assured them, the meeting would be posted on the town’s website and emails would be sent out.
To get on the mailing list, or for more information about the survey, call (508) 240-5971 or visit eastham-ma.gov/natural-resources.
Housing lottery reminder
Pre-applications for Eastham’s affordable housing lottery must be sent by U.S. mail and received by Tuesday, Sept. 3 in order to qualify. Pick up a pre-application — in English, en español, or em português — at the Eastham Town Hall or at 140 Brackett Road, or download the forms online at villageatnausetgreen.com. The lottery will take place at the Eastham Elks Lodge at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5.
