On Thursday, May 4, the BPC sponsored "Water Quality: Wastewater Overview 101" at the Brewster Ladies Library. Amy L. von Hone, RS, CHO, Director of the Brewster Health Department, presented a general overview of the Health Department's responsibilities related to the Title 5 Regulations, septic system monitoring, and the proposed 2023 Title 5 revisions. Ms. von Hone also shared a summary of the ongoing water quality monitoring programs in Brewster. A lively question and answer session followed, indicating high interest among the participants on the importance of maintaining the integrity of Brewster's water and keeping abreast of state regulations that will protect our water and its balance within our delicate ecosystems.
Luckily the rain held off making Saturday, April 29 the perfect day for the townwide “Beautify Brewster” cleanup. BPC had the biggest turnout ever, with 38 BPC volunteers participating in the two-hour cleanup that started at the intersection of Satucket and Slough Roads. Due to the large number of volunteers, five new cleanup routes were added. The Department of Natural Resources created very detailed sheets to document the type of trash picked up. The largest item collected was cigarette butts. However, single-use Nip bottles were a close second with 3,144 collected townwide. Tallying these bottles was helpful in the passage of the Single Use Nip Ban Article at the May 1 Town Meeting, making Brewster one of the Cape leaders in this important environmental initiative. BPC thanks all of our eager volunteers for their help in this annual endeavor.
A very interested group of conscientious gardeners attended the BPC's event "Cape-Friendly Landscapes" on April 25 at the Brewster Ladies Library. Kristin Andres, Associate Director for Education for the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC), discussed how our gardens play an important and integral role in the health of the Cape's environment. The attendees heard Ms. Andres explain how what we plant, how we design, and the land practices we employ in our landscapes and gardens all make a difference in supporting pollinators and birds, protecting water quality, and creating beautiful spaces for personal enjoyment. She provided the group with a wealth of information and answered many questions.
Sheep Pond, October 15, 2022 The new APCC report of cyanobacteria test results for 2022 for Brewster Ponds is now available. Brewster Ponds Coalition thanks its more than 50 Citizen Science volunteers who perform this sampling. Through the leadership of APPC, this program has expanded across Cape Cod and testing is now regularly performed by APCC at their labratory providing rapid results and the abilty to quickly warn local Boards of Health and the public of these harmful blooms which can be hazardous to health.
Click here for full report of cyanobacteria results for Brewster Ponds in 2022. Give the gift of a healthy pond and make a difference in 2023. Renew your annual membership now or become a BPC member/donor for the first time.
Watch your mailbox! Ripples 2023 is on the way! This years' highlights include:
PLEASE help us continue our work in 2023:
Thank you! Your support makes a difference for Brewster’s Ponds! The Cyanobacteria "Use Restriction" posted at the town landing at Fisherman's Pond Road and at neighborhood association beaches were REMOVED on November 10. The Brewster Health Department in collaboration with the Brewster Ponds Coalition, lifted the posting following two weeks of monitoring.
The Cyanobacteria algal level dropped to a low risk range per confirmatory test results and field observations. The pond is safe for recreational water activities. This is in accordance with MA Department of Public Health recommended guidelines. Our regular pond monitoring for the season has now ended. We appreciate your support. For additional information: https://www.mass.gov/guides/cyanobacterial-harmful-algal-blooms-cyanohabs-water or Cyanobacteria Monitoring on Cape Cod - Barnstable County (wpengine.com). If you have any questions please contact: Marty Burke - marty.burke@brewsterponds.org The Cyanobacteria Advisories posted at both the Lower Mill Pond Grist Mill and the Lower Mill Pond Beach Association were REMOVED on November 7. The Brewster Health Department in collaboration with the Brewster Ponds Coalition, lifted the posting following five weeks of monitoring.
The Cyanobacteria algal level dropped to a low risk range per confirmatory test results and field observations. The pond is safe for recreational water activities. This is in accordance with MA Department of Public Health recommended guidelines. Our regular pond monitoring for the season has ended. For additional information: https://www.mass.gov/guides/cyanobacterial-harmful-algal-blooms-cyanohabs-water or Cyanobacteria Monitoring on Cape Cod - Barnstable County (wpengine.com). If you have any questions please contact: Marty Burke - marty.burke@brewsterponds.org |
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