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POMPTON LAKES - Lake task force seeks to limit algae growth
(by Leslie Scott - Staff Writer - September 03, 2008)
POMPTON LAKES - Driving along scenic Lakeside Avenue, one can see the visual appeal of Pompton Lake being spoiled by the unsightly algae floating on top of it.
In the warm months, algae flourish on this body of water. Since early this summer, the Lake Restoration Task Force had been working to start a program that would kill the algae from the lake.
The group has been successful at finding a contractor that specializes in removing algae from water and finding a donor willing to contribute half of the $30,000 cost of this project.
Borough Administrator Vito Gadaleta said finalizing the contract between the borough and the donor – DuPont, a former borough explosives factory – has been the holdup.
Once this contract is complete, Gadaleta explained, the borough would discuss with the contractor, Aquatic Technologies of Branchville, when the chemical should be deposited into the lake.
“We couldn’t go forward unless we had a check from DuPont,” said Mayor Katie Cole.
Even though the summer days are drawing to a close, completing this chemical process so late is said to hold benefits far into next spring.
“From what I understand, anything they do this year will still benefit next year,” said Pompton Pride member Jeff Lipman.
This process is one that should be repeated regularly. Cole said continuing this is something the borough will have to look into.
“This can be quite costly. We are looking to see if there were other ways of naturally controlling the algae other than putting chemicals in there every year,” said Cole.
On Pompton Day residents will have an opportunity to discuss lake maintenance and find out what they can do to help keep the lake clean.
“We are setting up a table and we are actually handing out organic fertilizer samples and fliers about the lake,” said Lipman.
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