EDITORIAL

The mean green of Warwick Pond

Posted 9/17/15

Green has become mean. There’s really no other way to describe Warwick Pond water. The water is opaque and the color of what would be considered highly prized jade.

This is not an entirely new …

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EDITORIAL

The mean green of Warwick Pond

Posted

Green has become mean. There’s really no other way to describe Warwick Pond water. The water is opaque and the color of what would be considered highly prized jade.

This is not an entirely new condition for the pond, according to Department of Environmental Management authorities, although there has never been a pond algae bloom as brilliant as the one this summer. On Aug. 18, DEM and the Department of Health identified the condition as a blue-green algae bloom – a cyanobacteria bloom – and advised neither people nor pets to come in contact with the water. Cyanobacteria can be toxic and the source of rashes if it comes in contact with the skin or cramps and vomiting if consumed.

In this instance, DEM has determined the bloom is non-toxic, which is comforting.

But the condition of the pond has raised concerns and a fair level of speculation over what caused it. Thanks to the efforts of pond resident Phil D’Erole, DEM, Health and URI Watershed Council representatives appeared on a panel discussion at the Warwick Public Library on Sept. 1. While the Rhode Island Airport Corporation has completed or is in the process of finishing three major projects within the pond watershed, they were not identified as responsible for the algae bloom or were ruled out as a contributing factor.

What people learned is that blue-green algae blooms are common in several Rhode Island ponds depending on weather conditions. The blooms need lots of sunlight and warm weather, conditions we can’t control. The third ingredient needed is nutrients, which we can control to some degree. What could be deduced, since this is the most severe bloom in memory, is that the pond received a dose of nutrients this year.

It would seem there is “no smoking gun” or single source.

That, we are pleased to report, has not dissuaded efforts to remedy the situation. Mayor Scott Avedisian, Ward 3 Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson, DEM Director Janet Coit and others toured the pond on Monday. The mayor and the councilwoman will be in contact with pond associations across the state to learn what actions they have taken to avert or minimize algae blooms. D’Erole is looking to list measures pond neighbors as well as the city and the airport could take to reduce the flow of nutrients into the pond.

As testimony at the library indicated, turning around pond conditions could take years. Nonetheless, it is encouraging that the pond is being recognized as a valuable environmental and recreational resource.

Actions thus far are positive efforts to correcting the “mean green” of Warwick Pond. They need to continue.

Comments

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  • Justanidiot

    Sure, it is not the airport. They do no wrong.

    Thursday, September 17, 2015 Report this

  • falina

    Fertilizer . Pretty obvious.

    Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Report this

  • Waprovencal

    Justanidiot, please reread this quote: "they were not identified as responsible for the algae bloom or were ruled out as a contributing factor." I believe there may have been a typo and it should have read "...bloom or not ruled...". I, along with others, would like to see any evidence you have to show the airport is responsible. You might want to read the article again and pay attention to where it states that it is a natural phenomenon.

    Falina, nutrients and fertilizer are not the same. Nutrients are found in fertilizer as well as plants, animals, decomposing plants and soil.

    Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Report this

  • falina

    Ya think lol? Lots of nutrients at the new ball fields . Fertilizer too. Fertilizer is a huge problem. Ask Save the Bay. There's a bigger price to having a "perfect" lawn.

    Thursday, September 24, 2015 Report this