Newsletter 6

By Melinda Taursi, Candlewood Lake Authority

Septic systems, aquatic invasive plants, environmental legislation – all of this and more was discussed at this year’s CFL conference, held on October 21 at the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station in New Haven. This year’s event was especially informative, with presentations by representatives of various groups involved in the management and protection of Connecticut’s lakes.

One such program was given by Dennis Greci of the CT Department of Environmental Protection, and focused on new approaches to dealing with failing septic systems in communities. Since faulty systems can lead to a host of both public health and environmental problems, it is important to address them effectively, and Mr. Greci’s discussion of involving the municipalities in community solutions is one such method. Both Mr. Greci and Bruce Fletcher (a Board member of the CFL) spoke at length about alternative technologies in wastewater management, specifically in the area of septic systems.

The conference focus moved from wastewater to stormwater, with presentations from Nisha Patel, also from the CT DEP and Dr. Jack Clausen of the University of Connecticut. Ms. Patel used the NEMO (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials) presentation to outline some of the information and management practices in the 2004 Stormwater Quality Manual. Dr. Clausen discussed the results of the Jordan Cove Project. This new housing development in Waterford, Connecticut, was used to measure the effects of alternative methods of stormwater control on the quantity and quality of runoff, and Dr. Clausen discussed both the successes and failures of the various technologies used (such as rain gardens, new types of paving, etc.).

Lastly, two presentations were made on aquatic invasive plants (AVPs) in the State’s lakes. The first was by researchers Greg Bugby, Michelle Marko and Roslyn Selsky from the CT Agriculture Experiment Station. Their talks provided information on the types and locations of AVPs in the State, as well as updates on possible biological controls (the milfoil weevil) and website enhancements see http://www.caes.state.ct.us/AquaticPlants/index.htm). Continuing in the invasive aquatic plant theme, Tom McGowan of the CFL discussed new legislation that would aid the state in both controlling and preventing outbreaks of nuisance invasive plants in the lakes. Mr. McGowan urged the conference attendees to contact their legislatures to solicit support for a full time position in the CT DEP to coordinate invasive plant activities in Connecticut.

Overall, this year’s CFL conference was highly informative in a number of different areas. Although each of the presentations differed in its focus, the underlying message was the same: actions must be taken at a variety of levels to protect the State’s lakes. Our sincerest thanks go to the CFL and its president George Knoecklein, for another informative and enjoyable event.