LAKE LIFE TODAY: part 8

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Screenshot taken from the China Lake watershed presentation.

by Elaine Philbrook

Lake Life Today is a series of articles that are hoped will inspire you to see how, by taking just a few steps, you can make a difference and help preserve the quality of water in our lakes for future generations.

These articles have been collected and organized by LakeSmart Director Elaine Philbrook, a member of China Region Lake Alliance (aka “the Alliance”) serving China Lake, Webber Pond, Three Mile Pond, and Three-Cornered Pond. The Alliance would like to thank our partners at Maine Lakes and Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) for information to support this article.

Infiltration Steps

The previous article provided information on how to properly design pathways to benefit the lake. Pathways designed properly will slow the flow of stormwater, giving runoff time to be absorbed into the soil which prevents pollutants from entering our lakes and ponds.

Infiltration Steps is yet another way to slow the flow of stormwater from entering our waterbodies. Infiltration steps can be used where foot traffic is causing erosion to take place, and are used where there is a moderate slope, usually less than 45 degrees. These infiltration steps minimize the potential for erosion and runoff from a footpath that is often used. As a result, infiltration steps prevent excess nutrients, sediments, and other pollutants from entering the lake. Rainwater falling on the infiltration steps ultimately soaks into the ground and is filtered by the soil, trapping unwanted pollutants, and helping improve the overall health of our waterbodies.

Infiltration Steps are built with timbers. Geotextile fabric is anchored into the “bottom” of the step, and then backfilled with crushed stone to slow runoff and allow water to soak into the ground. Existing steps may be retrofitted into infiltration steps in some instances.

Installation:

  • Remove several inches of soil from the location of each step. Dispose of excavated soil in a place where it will not wash into the lake or other resource.
  • Line the bottom and sides of the excavated area with geotextile fabric. This fabric allows water to infiltrate through it and will separate the stone from the underlying soil.
  • Backfill the hole with washed 3⁄4-inch crushed stone (or pea stone) so the tread is level, or it just slightly slopes up to meet the step above. Paving stones can also be set into crushed stone to provide a smooth surface for bare feet-as long as ample crushed stone is exposed to allow infiltration, but there must be adequate spacing between the pavers to allow for the infiltration of stormwater.
  • To firmly secure the wooden framework, drill 1⁄2-inch diameter holes 6 inches from the ends of each timber. Then drive 1⁄2-inch diameter, 18-inch long steel rebar through the holes with a sledgehammer. For gentle slopes, wooden stakes or large rocks can also secure the timbers.

LETTERS: The health of China Lake benefits everyone

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To the editor:

On July 31 there was a public hearing at Town Hall so residents could share their thoughts on the future of the South China Town Landing.

A wide range of opinions were expressed, but the one that stood out for me came from former select board member Joann Austin, who concluded, “We should leave these decisions up to the engineers.” I wholeheartedly agree. Luckily, engineers have already been consulted and reported to the town Manager Becky Hapgood on their findings.

In their report, dated May 2023, the engineers wrote, “Our recommendation for this site is to keep it as a gravel road and make improvements to help eliminate or minimize the run-off to the lake. Although the town would like to see a maintenance free facility [paving], it may not be the best thing for the lake.” Furthermore, the report stated, “We recommend that the town make the site a carry-in site only, and develop nearby off-site parking for the people that will use the site.”

The health of China Lake benefits everyone in the town. Let’s choose the responsible course of action and listen to the experts.

Geoff Hargadon
South China

Page appointed China LPI

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At a short special meeting Thursday, Aug. 3, China select board members appointed Ryan Page the town’s licensed plumbing inspector (LPI).

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Aug. 14. Comments on the South China boat landing are due at the town office by Friday, Aug. 11 (see The Town Line, Aug. 3, p. 3).

PHOTOS: China Community Days enjoys another successful year (2023)

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(contributed photos)

Folks enjoyed the festivities on Saturday night.

14 teams entered the scavenger hunt.

85 cars participated in the car show.

64 children took part in the fishing derby, even though she caught a turtle.

One of the many cardboard boats.

Vendors displayed their wares at the ballfields.

There were 44 teams entered in the cornhole tournament.

 

Residents criticize current South China boat landing

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South China boat launch. (photo by Roland D. Hallee)

by Mary Grow

A long, well-attended, amicable and informative July 31 discussion of the boat landing in South China Village revealed a lot of overlapping issues and a variety of opinions.

Several of the almost two dozen residents who spoke criticized the present landing, at the foot of the dirt road named Town Landing Road that runs from Village Street to the lake. The area is full of mud and accumulated leaves; vehicles get stuck in the road, or damage nearby trees as they try to maneuver with limited room; there is inadequate space to park; and run-off down the road is polluting China Lake.

The last point was emphasized repeatedly, on environmental and economic grounds – China Lake is an asset to the town in both respects.

South China fire chief Richard Morse pointed out that the problem is not new. The landing has been full of mud and leaves the 50 years he’s been in town, he said. In 2007, he thought town officials had agreed to engineer the road to divert run-off.

Select board chairman Wayne Chadwick agreed there had been pollution-control measures, like plunge-pools, installed; but the town failed to maintain them “and they’re gone.”

Opinions on improving the situation varied widely. Three options are closing the landing completely; limiting use to carry-in canoes and kayaks (and swimming); or improving the area for use by all boaters, including owners of large party boats that one person said are already being launched there.

Speakers pointed out that China Lake has two other landings, in the west basin at East Vassalboro and off the causeway outside China Village at the head of the east basin. Completely closing the South China landing was not a popular idea, however – two speakers said it would be “a shame.”

The July 31 China public discussion was intended to inform select board members; no action was expected and none was taken. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood welcomes additional comments, written or emailed, submitted by Friday, Aug. 11.

Several people, including some who now put their motorboats into the lake from the landing, recommended limiting access to hand-carried canoes and kayaks. The advantages they cited included fewer large vehicles both on Town Landing Road and in the village, less need for parking and more compatibility with swimming.

Morse was among those who considered it unfair to make residents of southern China drive to East Vassalboro or China Village to put their powerboats in the lake. He and others who agreed the landing should be open to all types of boats suggested ways to limit pollution from the access road; recommended continuing not to publicize the landing so it wouldn’t get as overbusy as the one at the north end of the lake; and talked about the driving distance from southern China to either other lake access point.

South China resident Robert Fischer’s emailed comments suggested doing something about the “prop-killing rock” not far off-shore.

If the landing is to remain open to all boaters, the next question was the road. People referred to an engineering study done this spring and to still-uncertain boundaries of the town-owned land as they discussed parking and especially whether to pave the road.

The majority said not to pave. Among them were China Region Lakes Alliance executive director Scott Pierz and Fire Road 54 resident Wayne Clark. Clark called a paved roadway “a runway for the water to go right into the lake.”

Alternatives like what Pierz called “crushed ledge,” used in camp road rehabilitation projects, or permeable pavers were recommended.

The lone proponent of paving was Chadwick, who argued that “Dirt needs constant maintenance” or pollution will not be abated. He recommended paving sloped toward the ditch on each side with a hump at the bottom to finish diverting water. A paved road, unlike a dirt one, won’t develop ruts channeling run-off into the lake, he added.

A related issue was access to the lake for the South China volunteer fire department. When select board member Janet Preston asked Morse, who is fire chief, how often the department used the landing, Morse replied, “Whenever there’s a fire down there.” So far, he said, he can remember only one instance.

Morse said the ideal situation for his department would be installation of a dry hydrant, a major undertaking because the hydrant would need access to water under the ice in winter and shallow water extends far from shore.

Two people asked about fire department access at Jones Brook (or Turtle Brook), which goes under Village Street a short distance west of the landing. Morse said his department would consider any options.

Three points garnered near-unanimous support:

  • Something effective needs to be done soon to improve the landing, in order to protect water quality and give boaters and nearby residents a more pleasant experience;
  • Whatever is done will need to be maintained; and
  • Improving the landing and maintaining the improvements will cost money.

Greene said the China Lake Association has applied for a state grant for work at the landing. He checked before the meeting and grant awards have not yet been announced.

Select board members will continue discussion of the issue at future meetings.

China Historical Society seeks to improve use of old town house

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by Mary Grow

At the July 31 China select board meeting, the China Historical Society (CHS) took another step toward reestablishing itself after a period of inactivity, getting support, though not full formal approval, for continued and improved use of the old town house.

Society president Scott McCormac said the organization leased the main floor of the building across the driveway from the town office years ago, and contributed money toward repairs. Now, the group would like to reaffirm the lease, and to arrange more and better storage space in the basement.

Treasurer Joann Austin has made sure The Town Line newspaper management has no problem with sharing its basement headquarters.

Select board members and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood wanted to make sure there were no insurance issues with a charitable organization storing property in and inviting visitors to a town-owned building. Board members also questioned whether the furnace in the basement is properly insulated from the rest of the premises.

Board members voted unanimously to support the CHS’s continued use of the main floor, and to look into the insurance and furnace issues.

McCormac and Austin said CHS has its own bank account and post office box and about 20 members. The July 13 public discussion of local history in the China Baptist Church drew about 50 people, McCormac said.

McCormac said the CHS intends to fund any storage improvements, like dehumidifying part of the basement, with its own funds – although, he added, if select board members chose to add town money, it would be accepted with thanks.

In other business July 31, board members approved several appointments:

  • As China’s new animal control officer, Joshua Barnes, of China;
  • For a renewed three-year term on the Appeals Board, Robert Fischer;
  • As codes enforcement officer, to succeed Nicholas French, Hapgood;
  • As China’s continuing representative to the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments General Assembly, select board member Janet Preston.

Travis Mitchell, of Mitchell’s Property Management, in Vassalboro, was the only bidder for repairs to the town office building, old town house and garage, Hapgood said. She asked for more time to review the scope of the work with Mitchell and Director of Public Services Shawn Reed. Select board members postponed action to their Aug. 14 meeting, and agreed the proposed contract can be amended to extend deadlines for finishing the work if necessary.

Kennebec County Deputy Sheriff Ivano Stefanizzi urged residents to report anything that seems suspicious to the sheriff’s office. And, he said, anyone who accidentally hits 911 on a phone should stay on the line to explain and apologize, because calls are located automatically and an unexplained one will bring a law enforcement officer to the door.

He offered two other pieces of advice:

  • Beware of scams, on line and in person.
  • When driving, do not speed, and watch out for other drivers who ignore that advice. KSO has issued many tickets recently, he said.

Resident Fred Wiand brought to board members’ attention the proposed LS Power transmission line. (See the July 27 issue of The Town Line, p. 1.) If developed as planned, he said, it will go through his Wing Road property in southeastern China.

Wiand advocated an underground line using existing power line rights-of-way. Board member Preston said she heard at least one state department recommends using existing routes. Board member Jeanne Marquis said town officials should continue to monitor LS Power plans.

Hapgood reminded those present that Causeway Street at the north end of China Lake’s east basin will be closed for China Community Days events Saturday, Aug. 5, from 3 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 6, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Complete Community Days schedules are available on the website, china.govoffice.com, under China Community Days in the left-hand column, and at the town office and other public places.

The China select board’s August meetings are currently scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, and Monday, Aug. 28.

China Lake Assn. members hear about water quality

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by Jonathan Strieff

Nearly 80 community members gathered in the China Primary School gymnasium on July 29 for the annual China Lakes Association meeting. After a welcome and networking breakfast catered by Sunrise Bagels, CLA president, Stephen Greene, introduced three guest speakers from the Department of Environmental Protection, Ecological Instincts, and the Kennebec Water District to speak to the current health of China Lake.

The overall message was that, while water quality has greatly improved in recent years, China Lake remains an “impaired” body of water, supporting nuisance algae blooms, and with the deepest parts of the lake continually reaching an anoxic (oxygen deprived) state inhospitable to aquatic life. “There’s lots of work,” Greene said in his opening remarks, “all of you can do to make a difference, ensuring the sustainability of the watershed for the next generation, and spreading the serious message about the improvements needed to protect our very very beautiful lake.”

The keynote address was delivered by Wendy Garland, director of Maine DEP. She began her presentation by referring to the infamous status of “China Lake Syndrome,” a broad term for persistent nuisance algae blooms resulting from high levels of phosphorus entering the lake due to rapid shoreline development. The internal cycling of phosphorus in the watershed from has led to the sharp decline in both water clarity and the cold water fishery. The internal phosphorus load, having accumulated in the lakebed sediment from decades of runoff and erosion, is primarily responsible for the algae blooms and is being targeted for inactivation in the 2022-2031 China Lake Watershed-Based Management Plan. The effectiveness of the plan depends on reducing the external phosphorus load entering the lake annually through nonpoint source pollution.

According to the WBMP, internal phosphorus inactivation can be achieved using alum, or non dissolved aluminum, to bind the elements in the surface sediments and make them less susceptible to release. Garland identified grant funding for the project available from section 319 of the Clean Water Act and LD 164, An Act to Fund Lake Restoration and Protection.” Unfortunately, before its passage, LD 164 was scaled back from $2.5 million to $200,000.

“No one at DEP is currently allowed to speak in public without mentioning PFAS,” Garland joked towards the end of her presentation.

Levels of PFAS, a class of “forever chemicals” known to cause serious health problems, were found to be high enough in tissue samples from small mouth bass, large mouth bass, and perch caught in China Lake for DEP to revise its guidelines, from consuming no more than two meals of caught fish per month down to one per month.

In closing, Garland offered an inspirational message to those present, to help redefine China Lake Syndrome as a positive example of how collaborative efforts from dedicated stakeholders can restore water quality to previously impaired lakes and streams.

Next, Jen Jesperson, of Ecological Instincts, an environmental consulting firm responsible for the WBMP presented a an update from the first year of the plan’s implementation. Jesperson articulated that the goal of ending algae blooms was still a long way off, but not impossible. Water clarity in 80 percent of the lake stands at less than two meters deep. More than 60 percent of the lake is considered anoxic, with dissolved oxygen levels at or near zero parts per million.

The goals of the WBMP are to reduce phosphorus levels from 17 parts per billion to 13 ppb in the west basin and 10 ppb in the east basin by 2031. The alum treatment scheduled for 2026 will do a lot to reach these goals but much still depends on controlling the external phosphorus load entering the watershed.

The final guest speaker was Robert Bickford, the water quality manager of the Kennebec Water District. Bickford reiterated many of the earlier points about the current health of the China Lake watershed and offered detailed technical information about the ongoing water quality monitoring performed by KWD.

The gathering also heard from CLA director, Bill Powell about the annual loon count, elected new officers and directors, and received the financial report from CLA treasurer Natasha Littlefield.

Those interested in learning more about the WBMP or about proactive measures to help mitigate erosion and runoff pollution in the lake can visit www.chinalakeassociation.org or www.lakes.me.

Golden Agers enjoy cruise of Moosehead Lake

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Photo courtesy of Sheldon Goodine

On Friday, July 21, 2023, 17 members of the China area “Golden Agers” traveled to Greenville for a cruise on Moosehead Lake. It was a most enjoyable day with good food, good camaraderie, good fun and educational. They were given some history about the lake and the early settlers of the area. It just left them wanting to learn more. The next adventure will be to Cabbage Island for a clambake later in August. More fun ahead, come join them!

Photo courtesy of Sheldon Goodine

Photo courtesy of Sheldon Goodine

Photo courtesy of Sheldon Goodine

Erskine wrestling phenom looking to the future

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Wynn Pooler, in white, in action as one of the representatives from Maine at the Maine-Nebraska Wrestling Exchange. (contributed photo)

Wynn Pooler finished his sophomore year at Erskine Academy, in South China, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, ranked second in his class. During the 2023 Maine wrestling season, he re­peated as KVAC, Southern Maine Re­gional, and State Champ­ion – at 113 pounds (up from 106 pounds as a freshman), becoming the first two-time state champion in Erskine Academy Wrestling history.

Nationally, Wynn was named a Scholar All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). He was also named a First Team Academic All-American by the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA), the only student-athlete from Maine to achieve first team honors, while two swimmers from Ells­worth achieved second team recognition. This was the second consecutive year Wynn was named an NHSCA Academic All-American.

Due to his academic and athletic successes, Wynn received an opportunity to continue his high school education at The Hill School, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. This fall he will join fellow Maine wrestler Cole Albert, of Lincoln, at Hill, where he will have access to some of the finest resources, facilities, and coaches in the country; a notable difference from Maine high schools where wrestling is often overlooked or takes a back seat to other sports, even amongst athletic directors and the MPA.

From June 22 – July 3, Wynn, along with 18 other standout Maine wrestlers, represented Maine in the Maine-Nebraska Wrestling Exchange. They traveled to four different regions of Nebraska where they wrestled some of the best from that state. At each stop, they stayed with host families and experienced the local culture. On July 14 – 15 he had the opportunity to attend a camp in Veazie, where he had the chance to train with three Princeton University wrestlers, one of whom was three-time NCAA All-American, Quincy Monday. It was the third camp he’s attended since the school year ended as he prepares to make the transition to national prep wrestling.

Wynn aspires to graduate near the top of his class at Hill and become a High School All-American before moving on to wrestle in college.

LETTERS: Thanks to Karen

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To the editor:

Karen Hatch

Dear Karen (Hatch),

The music, activities and dancing at the grange are something special. Cribbage at the town office gets folks together. Our library provides a myriad of opportunities for all ages. Activities at the Mill or school or in the parks are beginning to happen. A notable benefit is, it has gotten us all out of our covid clam shells and into the brighter world of Maine in the summer and looking out for your neighbors. Thank you for being the catalyst for many of the events described above. Your joyful endeavors are just dandy and most certainly getting us all out and about is good for promoting the fine community spirit that has been part of Vassalboro for some time.

We are very grateful for all you have accomplished.

Regards from Bernie and Jody Welch (Vassalboro grange master)