Goodrich – An effort will be made to eradicate the algae at the southern end of the 30-acre village Mill Pond.
Derek Brookshire, president and owner of the Swartz Creek-based Aquatic Nuisance Plant Control, attended the April 14 village meeting to make a presentation concerning the ongoing problem at the south end of the pond.
‘We have been treating the north end of the pond, approximately seven to nine acres, at a cost of $3,800 once a year. That’s because the north end of the pond is deep enough to treat the algae,? said Brookshire. ‘I don’t think treating the algae at the south end is necessary. It’s too shallow to treat effectively. Plus, state law prohibits us from treating the entire pond.?
Resident Don Emch, who lives on the pond, said he is frustrated by having to look at the algae in his backyard. ‘It’s been since 1999 that we have had issues with the Mill Pond algae. We pay extra taxes to live on the pond and we want to see a pond, not a swamp.?
The two treatments at the south end of the pond by Brookshire will be $250 each in July.
‘Considering the north end of the pond gets a one time treatment of $3,800, the numbers just don’t add up for us at the south end,? said Emch. ‘But then most of the councilmembers are long-time residents on the Mill Pond and they live on the north end.?
However, Emch said since this is the first time the council has made a concerted effort to fix the problem, he will wait to see what happens, but plans on doing his own research concerning the treatments.
‘In my mind, the whole thing is an experiment. I don’t know if using copper sulfate is the way to go, so I am going to do my own research and present that information at another council meeting,? said Emch. ‘This is a good faith effort and in all fairness, I have to work this idea. It is the farthest we have gotten in a long time. At least I have their ear now.?
Village Council President Ed York said he is hopeful. ‘We are trying to look at it, this might also be a possible health concern.?