In what appears to be another step in a crazy series of events, the state test from the week of October 12th indicates we are BELOW the state guideline for cyanobacteria (aka blue green algae). As mentioned previously, we need to be below the state guideline for 2 consecutive tests in order to officially lift the advisory that has kept the lake closed this summer.

 

Complicating this is that the state appears to have run out of money again. The City is anxious to get that second low reading. Thus they are looking for options to keep running the tests until this goal is met.

 

Here is the communication from Mass Department of Public Health from last week: 

 

"A water sample was collected at Shore Park on Indian Lake today by MassDEP. Their analysis showed cyanobacteria levels of 57,000 cells/ml, below the MDPH guideline level of 70,000 cells/ml. The microcystin toxin was not tested for.

 

According to MDPH guidelines, samples collected a week apart with levels below the guidelines are required before the advisory should be lifted. This result could be considered the first low sample. I am not sure if MassDEP will be able to sample again."  

 

 

As many of you know, there are a handful of us that have been working to fill the giant shoes of Herb Adams on a weekly basis now that he is working a little closer to home rather than in the public spaces he has taken care of for so long. For those who didn't notice in Herb's day, there was rarely a leaf to touch the ground at Morgan Park, Hapgood Brooks Memorial or Frostholm Memorial for more than a minute before our friend would scoop it up. While it's quite impossible for us to keep up at this level, if anyone would like to help with this at any time, we have plenty of rakes and two backpack blowers. There is also quite a bit of trash to be picked up and trimming to be done at Morgan Park. Great community service projects! Email [email protected] if you would like to help but need tools. Otherwise, join in as your time permits.