Health agents and water quality experts have identified cyanobacteria blooms across Martha’s Vineyard, closing parts of Squibnocket Pond and issuing warnings about the toxic blue-green algae.
A cyanobacteria bloom in Squibnocket Pond has rendered its waters unsafe for both humans and animals, according to an advisory made by the Chilmark board of health.
Signs will go up around Squibnocket Pond reminding residents that the use of pesticides is a violation of town zoning bylaws. The select board agreed this week to add the signs at the request of the board of health.
Health agents and water quality experts have identified cyanobacteria blooms across Martha’s Vineyard, closing parts of Squibnocket Pond and issuing warnings about the toxic blue-green algae.
Dredging has begun at Herring Creek, the shallow run that connects Menemsha and Squibnocket Ponds, marking the final phase of a five-year project.
A two-year effort by a group of Chilmark landowners to use herbicides to combat phragmites in Squibnocket Pond came to an end this week. The Hon. Gordon H. Piper on Monday vacated his own ruling from last January that had found a Chilmark bylaw banning herbicides on the pond was not valid.
A group of riparian owners on Squibnocket Pond pressing for permission to use herbicides to control phragmites found no relief from the Chilmark zoning board of appeals this week.
The board of appeals voted unanimously to uphold a cease and desist order that bars the Squibnocket Pond Organization from using the herbicide Rodeo on the invasive plants.
