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NEWS: Lost Lake Environmental Issues: No Easy Fix, No Simple Solution

Clear definition of the environmental problem facing the Lost Lake area continues to be addressed by the Lost Lake Sewer Committee with recognition that there is not a simple solution, but rather a number of issues that are separate and beyond solution by installing just a municipal sewer. What started out as a public health issue with potentially failing or leaking septic systems has gone beyond to include environmental issues with the high concentrations of phosphorous found in the body of water that, in fact, does not come from the lake septic systems.

Lost Lake resident Alex Woodle told the Committee that he originally thought installing a municipal sewer for that area was "the best solution, but I was wrong." He stressed that alternative sewer systems could be the answer. "The biggest problem was the $12M (cost for the sewer installation) and the sewer was just not affordable. There was a lot of pressure to get the zero percent loan."

Woodle pointed out that the "lake has a life cycle," adding that the Groton Lakes Association (GLA) has been very aggressive in eliminating non-native weeds, and handling treatment and management of this project.

He also said that the GLA has an education outreach for shoreline residents to address erosion and stormwater management, and provide helpful information on appropriate plantings to mitigate some of the problem. He stressed, "We need to do something here. We've turned some things around and we need to keep going. We will continue to work with residents on erosion and storm water management."

Sewer Committee and Board of Health member Dr. Susan Horowitz noted, "Sewering the lake by itself will not solve the problem...We need to solve the public health and environmental issues." She added that this is also the opinion of Ira Grossman, Nashoba Associated Boards of Health agent, who, she said, also believes that the sewer is not the answer, but cited the need to address runoff from the Martins Pond Brook and use of fertilizers.

"The way to do this not a single way. It is a composite...it is not to talk sewer but an amelioration for this area of town," she said, adding that there is a program through the town for loans to assist people who need to replace their septic system. Anyone interested in this program should contact Groton Board of Health.

Committee Chairman Jack Petropoulos pointed out that the committee did have a lot of information and needs to determine where to go next. One suggestion was anonymous testing of private wells for any potential contamination, but he also pushed for more ideas and thoughts on moving the committee's charge forward in order to make recommendations to Selectmen.

Groton Herald

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