LAKE ELLIS WATERSHED
Lake Ellis Watershed Survey Update
Lake Ellis Watershed Survey Update
On March 10, 2020, the Athol Department of Planning & Development held a community meeting to discuss the Lake Ellis Watershed Survey. Days later, the focus of the Commonwealth turned to COVID-19 and the progress of many projects slowed significantly. One of the issues that was not addressed was the MassDEP review and response to the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), approval of which is required before Athol can move forward with the tasks in its work plan.
With that in mind, we do want to update residents, abutters and users with an update of where we stand today and tentative next steps. We are also soliciting input on the condition of the lake and observations about the presence of aquatic vegetation.
The project still has not received final approval from the state which is needed before sampling can begin. (Originally scheduled to begin in May 2020.)
The engineers expect final approval shortly and a projected start date in late June or early July.
The Town will schedule a Zoom meeting with residents to provide an update once final approval is received from the state. Residents who don’t have computer access can call in. Documents will be available in advance on the Town Website or can be emailed upon request.
In the meantime, it would be helpful if residents, users and abutters would respond to the following three questions:
Are you using Lake Ellis for recreational or other purposes? If so, How: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your observations on the condition of the Lake and the prevalence/types of aquatic vegetation? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What would you consider the urgent action items ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Responses can be emailed to mcginnj@sweinc.com or mailed to Planning Director Eric R. Smith, Department of Planning and Development, 584 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331. The letters can also be dropped off at the dropbox outside Town Hall. Photos can be emailed or texted to 508-572-9113.