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Lake Pocotopaug Lake and Watershed Restoration Evaluation ...

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The estimated phosphorus loading was as follows:61% from the watershed (791 lbs/yr)35% from the atmosphere (455 lbs/yr)4 % from waterfowl (43 lbs/yr)The phosphorus export value predicted for the future was 1,817 lbs/yr, resulting in aspring in-lake mean TP concentration of 31 ug/L. Predicted water transparency was 0.6meters. Values in this report were used in ENSR calculations <strong>and</strong> for comparisonpurposes.Taxes <strong>and</strong> Water QualityThe “Taxes <strong>and</strong> Water Quality” report pointed out that taxpayers with large quantities ofundeveloped l<strong>and</strong> (> 15 ac) were paying substantially more (72% more) in taxes thanprior to 1991. The concern is that this increase would promote the development of openspace l<strong>and</strong>. Potential future development will substantially increase phosphorus loadingto <strong>Lake</strong> <strong>Pocotopaug</strong>. An assessment of the applicability of the Open Space Provision ofthe Public Act 490 was made. The Open Space Provision, which is an optionalcomponent of the Public Act 490, would provide tax relief to open space l<strong>and</strong>owners asdefined in a the planning commissions “Plan of Development”. Modification of thecurrent “Plan of Development” to include additional open space in <strong>Lake</strong> <strong>Pocotopaug</strong>’swatershed to be eligible for tax relief was recommended by the AHLAC, with hopes thatthis would discourage the development of open space.<strong>Lake</strong> <strong>Pocotopaug</strong> Management RecommendationsThe <strong>Lake</strong> <strong>Pocotopaug</strong> Management Recommendation report was prepared to “1),reduce current inputs of eutrophication causing material to the lake, <strong>and</strong> 2), minimizefuture increases from future l<strong>and</strong> use changes in the lake basin.” Three basicrecommendations were outlined:1. Develop a <strong>Lake</strong> Advisory Committee devoted to develop <strong>and</strong> implementwater quality improvement programs,2. Reduce nutrient <strong>and</strong> sediment inputs from the watershed through bestmanagement practices <strong>and</strong> reduce internal nutrient recycling, <strong>and</strong>3. Develop <strong>and</strong> implement l<strong>and</strong> use controls to reduce nutrient <strong>and</strong> sedimentinputsEach of these recommendations was described in detail within the report. ENSR agreeswith their recommendations.<strong>Lake</strong> <strong>Pocotopaug</strong> <strong>Restoration</strong> <strong>Evaluation</strong> 9May 2002

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