Never-ending rain pushes water levels up again
Posted on | June 29, 2009 | No Comments
Another 2.5-inches of rain yesterday and today has raised the water level in the lake and pond nearly 5 inches overnight and it is still rising. The main dam has remained wide open in an effort to keep the rate of rise minimal, but it has not been able to keep up with the heavy runoff. We have received nearly 8 inches of rain since Friday, June 19. I will be meeting with town officials later today to make a determination if it would be safe to open the second lake dam. We have to be careful how much water is released into the river and eventually into downtown Camden.
If you had issues of flooding or other water-related problems last week, be sure to check your properties again today. We are doing everything possible to bring the water levels down to seasonable levels.
NORTON POND WATER QUALITY
Last week’s advisory on swimming and water use at Norton Pond remains in effect. New water tests have been taken and results will be available sometime tomorrow. I will notify everyone as soon as the new test results are available.
NORTON POND BOAT PARADE
If anyone is planning on organizing a 4th of July boat parade on Norton Pond this Saturday please let me know so I can get the word out.
Let’s hope for some sunny weather!
Ken Bailey
Training for watercraft inspection volunteers
Posted on | June 16, 2009 | No Comments
Training for watercraft inspection volunteers
There will be a training session this week for all individuals interested in taking part in MWA’s watercraft inspection program. This program – done at the public boat ramps – runs now through Labor Day Weekend. We have hired a summer intern who will work 16-18 hours per week on a Friday through Sunday schedule. Even with this position, we have a need for volunteers to help with a few weekend hours covering the three active boat ramps. In the past few years, we have inspected over 1,000 watercraft annually in an effort to keep invasive aquatic plants from our waters.
Those of you who helped last year, and are willing to help again, should contact me to obtain your supplies and to set a schedule. You are welcome to attend the training session as a refresher.
The training session will be held Thursday, June 18, 12:00 p.m. at the Bog Bridge (Rt. 105) boat ramp. Please contact me if you are interested in attending this session. If there is enough demand, I will schedule a second session.
*** Note: Our annual meeting is set for 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 14 at Bishopswood camps. Our main program will be a presentation from Avian Haven - a renowned Maine bird rehabilitation center. It is also an opportunity from members to discuss important watershed issues and concerns.
Sincerely,
Ken Bailey
MWA Spring Update
Posted on | May 11, 2009 | No Comments
Fiddleheads and blackflies have arrived in the watershed
The Megunticook Watershed Association’s Spring Newsletter will soon be arriving, but there are some other important items I wanted to bring to your attention.
** Motor Boat Operators: Maine has converted to E-10 or ethanol blended fuels. With this changeover, there are several issues you need to be aware of. This information will hopefully help answer any questions you may have on E-10 and the precautions you should take.
(1) Ethanol attracts and absorbs moisture from the air. A chemical bond is formed between the moisture and the ethanol. This solution is heavier than gas so it will drop to the bottom of your gas tank. This causes two issues. First, this solution does not burn properly so it could cause running issues and/or engine damage. Second, this removes ethanol from the fuel and drops the octane level so the gas will not burn properly.
(2) Ethanol is a powerful solvent. This will wash away any buildup you may have on the inside of your tank. All gas tanks overtime will build up a varnish/gum layer on the surface. Ethanol will wash this off and let this debris go through your fuel system. Ethanol will also breakdown fiberglass fuel tanks and fuel lines that are not alcohol resistant.
(3) This breakdown of E-10 is quicker than straight fuel. The bond between the fuel and ethanol can breakdown in a little as two weeks.
The following are some outboard manufacturer’s recommendations on what you can do to prevent damage.
(1) Add an approved marine fuel treatment each time you buy gas. This is important!
(2) Make sure you have a water/fuel separator and change the filter as recommended. Carry a spare filter if you are taking long trips, especially off shore.
(3) Buy only as much gas as you think you will need. Don’t stockpile for coming weeks or months.
(4) Don’t use any gas left over from last season unless it was adequately treated prior to winter storage.
If you need additional information of have additional questions on ethanol fuels, please check with your dealer or your outboard repair center.
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**Watercraft inspections: MWA is hoping to receive another grant to continue with our watercraft inspection program conducted at boat ramps on Megunticook Lake and Norton Pond. These inspections are aimed of keeping invasive aquatic plants from infesting our waters. If we receive the grant as expected, we will be hiring a summer inspection intern to work for MWA during the summer (approximately from Memorial Day to Labor Day). This position - open to college-age individuals and adults - pays $12 per hour for 16-18 hours per week. The bulk of the working hours are on Friday afternoons and evenings and during the day Saturday and Sunday; the times the boat ramps are at their busiest.
We are also seeking 8-10 volunteer inspectors who can donate 2-4 hours per week to help with this important inspection program. Volunteers have been an important part of this program in recent years. Anyone interested in any of these positions please contact me as soon as possible.
** 39th Annual Maine Lakes Conference: This educational conference – “Nurturing Living Lakes: The Actions You Can Take” – will be held Saturday, June 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine. For more information and to register on line go to: http://www.mainecola.org/conference_2009.htm
**The MWA annual meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at Bishopswood Camp off Route 105 in Hope. We will have a special presentation on Avian Haven – a renowned bird rehabilitation center. We hope to see you there.