Tuesday, April 9, 2013
It's almost that time of year again.
You may have been nervous that algae maintenance might mean higher fees at Stevens Pond this summer. But rest easy. Selectmen approved rates for the pond for this summer, and the fees will remain the same as last year. North Andover Youth Services Director Rick Gorman spoke at the Board of Selectmen meeting and called for rates to remain the same, to keep the pond affordable for families. The rates are as follows: The pond will be open from June 20 to August 28, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Last summer, the pond was closed due to algae build-up. Selectmen recently approved a plan to try to fix and maintain the pond's algae levels.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The pond was closed most of last summer due to bacteria.
Selectmen unanimously voted to approve recommendations regarding Stevens Pond treatment. After meeting with environmental management consultants, Division of Public Works Director Bruce Thibodeau recommended treating the pond with a low dose of aluminum to Last summer, Stevens Pond was closed suddenly because of blue-green algae, and it remained closed for most of the season. The problem, experts said recently, had to do with bacteria enjoying too much food. Blue-green algae thrives on phosphorus, and high levels of phosphorus in the pond allowed the algae to grow and bacteria levels to skyrocket. "Early treatment of aluminum will help to strip the algae of of the water column," Thibodeau said. "Then we'll continue to monitor it, and …
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Selectmen and the town manager will consider options for the popular summer destination.
There was a public meeting Wednesday night regarding the closing of Stevens Pond last summer due to bacteria. The problem, experts said, had to do with bacteria enjoying too much food. Blue-green algae thrives on phosphorus, and high levels of phosphorus in the pond allowed the algae to grow and bacteria levels to skyrocket. Last summer was unusually dry and warm, which also may have added to the problem. "It's really the result of the right conditions coming together," said Keith Gazaille, senior biologist with Aquatic Control Technology. So what can the town do about it? Gazaille and fellow ACT biologist Erika Haug presented several options for dealing with the algae. The company surveyed the vegetation of the area and collected water …
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Many were hoping the popular swimming spot would reopen this week.
Many residents heard some bad news via reverse 911 message Friday. "Due to continuing high levels of algae infestation, the Town Beach at Stevens Pond will remain closed for the remainder of the summer. The Town regrets this unfortunate but necessary decision." That's right. Stevens Pond won't be opening back up this summer. A high level of cyanobacteria ("blue algae") forced the pond's closure several weeks ago and residents waited patiently for the bacteria levels to decline. And a decline did happen a couple weeks ago. But not for long. The stubborn cyanobacteria is forcing officials to give up on the pond for this year. Reimbursement checks for season passes and swimming lessons were mailed last week. For more information, call North …
Monday, August 6, 2012
The pond has been closed due to bacteria.
Stevens Pond closed last month due to bacteria infestation, and residents have been patiently waiting for the green light to jump back in. Meanwhile many are wondering if they will be refunded for their season passes. The answer is yes. "Please be advised, the town is providing full reimbursements to those residents who purchased a season pass as well as those who purchased Session 2 swimming lessons," Youth & Recreation Services wrote in a statement on the town Web site. The water is tested weekly for bacteria. In a sign of good news, last week the water tested below limit for bacteria (about half the limit). The water must test below limit for two weeks before the pond can reopen. Another sample will be taken today. "According to MDPH …
Friday, July 13, 2012
Swimmers could be dangerous.
If you were planning to cool off today with a nice refreshing dip in Stevens Pond, think again. The pond has become engulfed in hazardous bacteria, and so the pond is closed to swimming. "Due to concern over high levels of blue-green algae, Stevens Pond has been closed until further notice," Health Director Susan Sawyer wrote in a statement. "This precautionary measure has been taken as some algae blooms produce toxins that may be harmful to humans and pets." The pond is closed through Friday, and possibly longer -- it will be closed until the algae clears to safe levels. Officials sample the ponds weekly and this week discovered a high level of cyanobacteria -- which can make people sick and can kill pets -- in Stevens Pond. Check back …
marie hill
6:39 pm on Wednesday, April 10, 2013
whew! so glad there isn't a price raise. more ›