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October 28, 2004
(State House) – Officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and an environmental consultant told a meeting of local, state and federal officials on Wednesday that the Milford Pond restoration project could get underway as early as 2006 if necessary permits, plans and funding are secured. Rep. Marie J. Parente, D-Milford, hosted the meeting of local, state and federal officials at her State House office in response to a request by Selectman Dino DeBartolomeis. Other Milford officials present at the meeting were Milford Town Engineer Michael Santora, Milford Finance Committee member Robert Andreano, and Louis Parente (no relation) who serves on the Milford Capital Improvement Committee. Michael R. Tuttle, Project Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District, told meeting participants that he is awaiting approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to publish a 30-day public notice of the project. After the public comment period, a formal report would follow in December, with project planning and specifications beginning in February, 2005. Project plans would be finalized in December, 2005 and bids for construction could be solicited as early as Spring of 2006. Construction would take two years and involves dredging 45 acres of Milford Pond to a depth of up to 12 feet. Approximately 400,000 tons of material would be removed and a new system of catch basins installed to prevent silt or contaminants from re-entering the pond. The resulting deeper water would also prevent weed-like plants from growing in the pond by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the bottom. Currently the shallow water depth and decaying vegetation produce offensive smells that have affected the local residential neighborhood. Officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection told participants that the project would be subject to DEP reviews of the water quality, possible impact on neighboring environmental features, and the peat and other “spoils” created by dredging the pond. They offered to hold pre-permitting meetings with local officials to discuss issues associated with the project. DEP Worcester Regional Director Martin Suuberg said there may be regulatory issues, however, “We don’t necessarily see any ‘show-stoppers’,” he said. Eugene Cavanaugh of the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation told local officials that funding for the estimated $8 million project remains an issue, and there may be very limited state funds available. Tuttle said that the “206” program (Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration) used to fund the 65 percent federal share of the project cost has a limit of $45 million per year nationwide, and cautioned that Milford Pond might not be considered a high priority because it is not a primary source of drinking water. The Milford Water Company does use an aquifer under the pond as part of the town’s water supply. Rep. Parente said she would pursue funding for the local share of the project in an upcoming bond bill. Parente chairs the committee which reviews state borrowing bills. She also pointed out that other federal agencies might be able to contribute funds, and said Congressman Richard Neal’s ability to secure funding for a previous study of the pond shows he is a valuable resource. “He is a ranking Democratic member of Congress, and has been responsive to Milford’s needs,” said Parente. “Congressman Neal was instrumental in obtaining federal funding for a study, and I know he will work hard to obtain more money to finish the job,” she added. The town would have to contribute a portion of the cost, however that share could either be appropriated in one lump sum or spread out over the life of the project. Local officials said they would review the town’s financing alternatives for consideration by a future Town Meeting. The town currently has $72,000 remaining in an existing account set up to address the Milford Pond issue, according to Selectman DeBartolomeis. Additional money would be needed as soon as early 2005 in order to move the project forward. Harry Jones and Thomas Jenkins from Baystate Environmental Consultants, Inc. said their company remains ready to do preliminary work to secure necessary permits and government approvals for the project. The company prepared a study of the pond for the town of Milford. Rep. Parente called the meeting extremely productive, and said the participants recognized the importance of the project. “Milford Pond is located near the headwaters of the Charles River, so any improvements we can make to it will benefit local residents and contribute to the river’s health downstream,” she said. Rep. Parente serves the 10th Worcester District, comprising the towns of Hopedale, Mendon and Milford.
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