QUALIFICATIONS FOR

RFQ/RFP #3-2021 Quonnipaug Management Plan Town of Guilford, CT March 16, 2021 // ESS Proposal 17776

© 2021 ESS Group, Inc. Environmental Consulting & Engineering Services | www.essgroup.com |

March 16, 2021

Mr. Matthew Hoey, III First Selectman Office of the First Selectman, 2nd Floor 31 Park Street Guilford, 06437

Re: Request for Qualifications and Proposals for Lake Quonnipaug, Gilford, CT RFQ/RFP #3-2021 ESS Proposal No. 17776

Dear Mr. Hoey:

ESS Group, Inc. (ESS) is pleased to provide this proposal to the Town of Guilford in response to the Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQ/P) for Lake Quonnipaug. We have organized our response to include all of the requested information in your RFQ/P.

ESS routinely works with lake associations, state agencies, waters suppliers and municipalities such as yours to advise on lake management actions that maintain or improve on in-lake conditions using a variety of management approaches. Our approach to lake management is based on science and our recommendations will be tailored to meet the needs of the lake and the community based on the latest understanding of the science while working within the financial constraints of the town. ESS believes that we will set ourselves apart from the competition in the following ways:

1. The size and diverse capabilities of our company allow us to provide a highly qualified and experienced project staff, including two Certified Lake Managers (CLM), as well as other scientists and engineers to help prioritize actions for moving forward to solve management issues. 2. We have experience with every type of lake or reservoir in southern New England including in southern Connecticut. 3. ESS’s Project Manager for this work will be Carl Nielsen, a CLM with over 30 years of experience managing lakes in the region and with a long history of working as the “limnologist (lake scientist) of record” for the Town of Guilford at the Guilford Commons site. This familiarity with the Town and local experience will be an asset to the project. 4. Carl will be joined on this team by Matt Ladewig, also a CLM. Matt has worked with Carl for over 12 years at ESS and they have worked on numerous lakes in Connecticut over that time. 5. Lastly, ESS does not apply herbicides or nutrient inactivation products, we do not design sewer systems, we do not perform any construction activities, we do not sell or install aeration systems, nor do we own weed management or dredging equipment. We are solely a science and permitting company. Therefore, we can provide the Town with a truly unbiased evaluation of the best management options for Lake Quonnipaug.

Town of Guilford – Lake Quonnipaug March 16, 2021

Although the work envisioned for this project will be conducted by several staff from ESS’s two northeastern offices (Waltham, MA and East Providence, RI), Carl Nielsen, a Connecticut resident, will serve as the lead scientist and principal point of contact for ESS on this project. Mr. Nielsen can be reached at the following:

ESS Group, Inc. 10 Hemingway Drive East Providence, RI 02915 Office: 401-330-1224 Mobile: 401-524-5108 (preferred) Email: [email protected]

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this response to the Town of Guilford’s RFQ/P. Please do not hesitate to contact Carl Nielsen at (401) 524-5108 with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

ESS GROUP, INC.

Carl Nielsen, CLM Director of Water Resources

Attachments: ESS Proposal

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 QUALIFICATIONS ...... 1 2.0 PROJECT TEAM ...... 2 3.0 EXPERIENCE & CLIENT REFERENCES ...... 3 Aquarion Water Company, Aquatic Macrophyte Surveys of and Reservoirs ...... 3 Quaboag/Quacumquasit Lake Association (QQLA) – Sturbridge, MA ...... 4 Memorial Restoration – Walpole, MA ...... 4 White Pond & Warner’s Pond Watershed Management Plans – Concord, MA ...... 4 Water Resources Authority (MWRA) Aquatic Macrophyte Survey and Management Recommendations for Ten Reservoirs ...... 5 4.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES ...... 5 Task A. Review of Prior Studies and Data ...... 5 Task B. Summary of Site Resources...... 6 Task C. Recommendations for Monitoring Lake Water Quality ...... 6 Task D. Recommendations for Management of Non-Native/Invasive Species ...... 6 Task E. Recommendations for Southern Section of Lake and Dam ...... 7 Task F. Recommendations for Watershed Management ...... 7 Task G. Text, Tables, and Maps ...... 8 Task H. Lake Management Report and Five-year Implementation Strategy ...... 8 5.0 SCHEDULE AND WORKLOAD ...... 8 6.0 ASSUMPTIONS ...... 9 7.0 COSTS ...... 9

APPENDIX A: REQUIRED FORMS APPENDIX B: KEY PERSONNEL RESUMES

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1.0 QUALIFICATIONS ESS is a locally based mid-size, full-service environmental consulting and engineering firm with extensive experience in aquatic resource management that has been in operation since 1979 and under the current ownership since 1997. Our team of lake managers, aquatic ecologists, fisheries biologists, geologists and engineers in our Waltham, Massachusetts and East Providence, Rhode Island offices excels at conducting accurate analyses and developing solutions to vegetation and water quality issues that will provide both immediate results and holistic, long-term success.

ESS completes multiple lake management plans for southern New England water bodies every year. We regularly work with state agencies, municipalities, and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) on lake and watershed studies to locate pollutant sources, develop nutrient budgets, and prepare appropriate management strategies to meet ecological, recreational, and water quality goals specific to each water body. Our experience ranges from small mill impoundments to large drinking water reservoirs. As such, we approach each lake and pond with a respect for the uniqueness of the water body and its watershed.

ESS is distinguished from our competitors by having two Certified Lake Managers on staff. Our reports are prepared by a Certified Lake Manager, ensuring that you receive high-quality deliverables and expert, custom-tailored management recommendations every time. Carl Nielsen, the proposed project manager for this work, is a Certified Lake Manager, a Fisheries Manager, a Connecticut resident, and has been working for the past 10 years in the Town of Guilford at Guilford Common’s Spinning Mill Brook site as the “Limnologist of Record”. Carl has been with ESS working on water resource projects since 1998. Carl is ideally suited to help the Town of Guilford move forward with effective solutions for the lake.

Lastly, ESS does not apply herbicides or nutrient inactivation products, we do not design sewer systems, we do not perform any construction activities, we do not sell or install aeration systems, nor do we own weed management or dredging equipment. Therefore, we can provide the Town of Guilford with a truly unbiased assessment of work performed to date and a sound evaluation of management options that will work in the future.

Organization Name ESS Group, Inc. Incorporation State Delaware Incorporation Year 1997 Chief Executive – Name/Title Charles J. Natale, Jr., President & CEO Telephone 781-419-7701 Email [email protected] Headquarters Street Address 404 Wyman Street, Suite 375 Headquarters City/State/Zip Waltham, MA 02451 Lead Point of Contact for Quote – Name/Title Carl Nielsen, VP Water Resources Telephone 401-330-1224 Email [email protected] Street Address 10 Hemingway Drive, 2nd Floor City/State/Zip East Providence, RI 02915

Town of Guilford – Lake Quonnipaug March 16, 2021

2.0 PROJECT TEAM For this project, ESS envisions the need for a range of scientific expertise. The ESS team proposed here specializes in lake and watershed assessment and management and routinely permits, designs, and oversees lake improvement and restoration projects of all kinds. The ESS team has been developing Lake and Watershed Management Plans for over 22 years.

The key personnel identified to provide these services for the Lake Quonnipaug project are listed below; detailed resumes for each are also attached to this proposal in Appendix B. Please note that additional qualified senior, technical and support staff are available to assist with this project should expanded capacity be required to meet project goals. Their resumes are available upon request.

Carl Nielsen, CLM – Limnologist & Primary Point of Contact: Mr. Nielsen has over 30 years of experience in the assessment and evaluation of lake and pond ecosystems. He has worked extensively in identifying and understanding the ecology of most aquatic organisms including aquatic plants, algae, zooplankton, aquatic invertebrates, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. By understanding the ecological needs of an aquatic system, Mr. Nielsen is able to tailor management recommendations and mitigation strategies that are appropriate and help to develop community consensus. Mr. Nielsen is actively involved in the restoration of aquatic systems and has worked to improve water quality and aquatic habitat conditions in numerous lake and river systems throughout New England. As part of these efforts, Mr. Nielsen regularly uses water quality data collected to develop customized scientific watershed models to assist in locating sources of pollution and to evaluate the potential effectiveness of a variety of watershed management strategies including storm water improvements, sewering, dredging, sediment management, biological controls or other alternative approaches. Mr. Nielsen has designed and permitted a wide range of aquatic plant management programs including the use of nearly every known approach including herbicides, harvesting techniques, biological controls (carp, weevils, enzymes, etc.), drawdown, dredging, and aeration.

On this project, Mr. Nielsen will serve as the lead scientist and limnologist responsible for evaluating all existing information, studies, and data, providing expert guidance on design and execution of any future field program and in the development of the lake and watershed management plans.

Matt Ladewig, CLM – Limnologist and Fisheries Biologist: Mr. Ladewig is a Certified Lake Manager and ecologist with more than 16 years of experience in the monitoring, modeling, and management of aquatic ecosystems. He is directly involved in field work, laboratory work, data analysis, modeling, reporting, and permitting phases of lake management projects and has studied over 75 lakes and ponds to date. Mr. Ladewig is proficient in the taxonomy of a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial organisms and is a certified aquatic macroinvertebrate taxonomist through the Society for Freshwater Science. He has conducted rare species surveys for several aquatic species, including aquatic plants, freshwater mussels, dragonflies, and damselflies.

On this project, Mr. Ladewig will serve the Town by working with Mr. Nielsen to provide additional analysis of past studies, compile new data, and offer appropriate management recommendations for the lake.

Scott DeHainaut – Senior Data and Graphics Manager: Scott DeHainaut is a recognized expert in GIS with more than 30 years of diverse training and experience in geospatial data management, analysis, and system design. This includes more than a decade developing GIS and data management systems at the

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municipal and county levels, and almost two decades supporting the use of GIS for environmental restoration and management. Mr. DeHainaut’s expertise has an emphasis on ESRI applications and includes advanced spatial analysis, database management, GIS/CAD integration, visual impact assessments and simulations, and multimedia graphics presentations. Additionally, he brings experience in the development of client web portals and data collection using mobile platforms, as well as fluency in several programming languages which he leverages for data automation, integration, and analyses.

On this project, Mr. DeHainaut will serve as Senior Data and Graphics Manager. He will also oversee GIS analysis and figure production.

Morgan Proko – Environmental Scientist: Ms. Proko has been with ESS for over 4 years working almost exclusively on assessments of aquatic systems. Morgan has worked to implement a range of field and reporting duties including aquatic plant mapping, water quality assessment, and other field data collection. For this project, Morgan will aid in the preparation of data tables and graphics for the final report.

3.0 EXPERIENCE & CLIENT REFERENCES ESS’s experience in lake and pond management is a key differentiator from our competition. We regularly work with diverse user groups to identify concerns and goals, build consensus toward a prioritized management action plan, and continue to provide support in locating funding, obtaining permits, and implementing the recommended actions.

In this section, we highlight selected recent or current projects that are similar in many ways to the requested Scope of Work. Reference contact information is provided for each of the clients/projects detailed on the following page. Examples of our work products are included electronically on the CD-ROM.

Aquarion Water Company, Aquatic Macrophyte Surveys of Ponds and Reservoirs ESS has worked with Aquarion Water Company for over 15 years, but most recently we have been conducting an extensive watershed wide assessment of the Mianus River and North Stamford Reservoir watershed systems. As part of these assessments, ESS was asked to map aquatic plants within twelve of the larger ponds and reservoirs in the region in order to identify potential threats from non-native species and to make recommendations for controlling their spread. ESS is now working with Aquarion to design a suitable 5-year management plan for each system where non-natives were found. ESS has been asked to look at an additional six reservoirs in 2021 for this Name: Ingrid Jacobs, PE Title: Manager/Water Resources same purpose. Organization: Aquarion Water Phone: 203-362-8119 Email: [email protected]

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Quaboag/Quacumquasit Lake Association (QQLA) – Sturbridge, MA ESS developed a comprehensive Vegetation Management Action Plan for the QQLA over 12 years ago to manage milfoil and fanwort. Over this time, ESS has worked annually with QQLA and Solitude Lake Management to customize weed control efforts through a range of options including herbicides, harvesting, benthic barriers, hand pulling, diver assisted hand harvesting, and biological controls. Over time, ESS has been able to reduce non-native growth in Quacumquasit Pond from over 35 acres at the start to less than 1 acre in total now. ESS designed this program, permitted the work, and oversees all Name: Don Taft Title: President contractor work at this 225-acre waterbody. As part of this Organization: QQLA project, ESS attended multiple meetings with committee Phone: 508-274-9492 members and conducted training for hand harvesting. Email: [email protected]

Memorial Pond Restoration – Walpole, MA ESS assisted the Town of Walpole and the Walpole Ponds Management Committee in evaluating Memorial Pond and developing a long-term management plan for its preservation. ESS conducted field investigations to develop conceptual engineering designs and cost estimates for moving forward with permitting a restoration program at the pond. Permits were granted for the dredging of over 14,000 cubic yards of sediment. This work was completed under direct supervision by ESS. ESS has since worked with the town to implement a Name: Landis Hershey shoreline vegetation restoration planting program at the site. Title: Conservation Agent Organization: Town of Walpole Conservation Commission White Pond & Warner’s Pond Watershed Management Phone: 508.660.7253 Plans – Concord, MA Email: [email protected] ESS has completed two lake management plans for the Town of Concord including the 56-acre Warner’s Pond and the 40- acre White Pond. These projects involved design and implementation of a comprehensive sampling program to address concern over perceived declines in water quality and emerging threats to each of the ponds’ health including invasive plant species, loss of fish habitat, etc. The results from these efforts were used to complete a watershed management plan with Name: Delia Kaye prioritized short- and long- Title: Natural Resources Director term recommendations. Organization: Concord Division of Natural Resources ESS is now assisting the Phone: 978.318.3285 town with the Email: [email protected] implementation of these recommendations.

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Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) Aquatic Macrophyte Survey and Management Recommendations for Ten Reservoirs ESS provided aquatic macrophyte and bathymetry mapping services in the ten-reservoir system managed by MWRA and the MA DCR. The final report provided MWRA with a prioritized list of recommended management and monitoring actions for each reservoir. The system-wide surveys were conducted in 2010 and again in 2013 and annually since then through 2020. Each year Name: John Gregoire ESS makes recommendations to Title: Reservoir Operations Manager manage the non-native vegetation Organization: MWRA Phone: 508.424.3608 without the use of any herbicides in Email: [email protected] these drinking water reservoirs.

4.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES ESS has reviewed several of the prior available reports identified in the RFQ/P in preparation for this bid. There is a large amount of existing and readily available information covering many of the critical physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the lake and its watershed. We will be able to use these data combined with additional data we propose to collect to evaluate the lake’s current condition and to provide recommendations for the long-term management of the lake. Our recommendations for the lake and watershed will be based on the needs of the stakeholders but also on what is practical, affordable, and most importantly what is ecologically appropriate and sustainable over the long-term.

The scope of work proposed by ESS below follows the outline of the Town’s RFQ/P to facilitate review. Based on the information requested in the RFQ/P, ESS believes that we will be able to adequately assess the physical, chemical, and biological features of Lake Quonnipaug at a sufficient level of detail to provide sound management recommendations for protecting and improving the lake.

Task A. Review of Prior Studies and Data The basis for much of our work on this project will be the work previously done by others, which we feel is thorough and, at least for the plant mapping, up to date. The most recent plant surveys by CAES will be extremely valuable and will not need to be repeated by ESS for us to make our management recommendations. Any additional data collection needs by ESS, such as water or sediment quality, will be part of our recommendations in our 5-Year Implementation Strategy.

Existing Data Review: ESS will use the range of readily available data and reports to create a summary of the lake’s historical and current condition. Data will be gathered during our initial kick-off meeting as well as separately during a file review. We will use previous reports identified by the Town along with available GIS data layers to describe and summarize recreational use, community use, and ecological conditions over the years as well as the system as it exists today. Aerial images from today as well as historic aerial images available for the area may also be used to show how the lake and its watershed may have changed over the years, perhaps in response to watershed development, ongoing lake management actions or even climate change.

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Deliverables: ESS will provide the Town with a summary narrative regarding the lake that will describe public access, surrounding land use within the watershed, watershed changes over time, and past and current lake activities. ESS will describe prior lake management efforts and their relative success.

Task B. Summary of Site Resources Site Resources: ESS will review the current weed control efforts and most recent vegetation surveys to assess whether these are the most appropriate approaches for the future. We will evaluate all options and will use existing data, our own surveys of the lake and consider the impact of prior management attempts to develop recommendations for managing, removing, or otherwise controlling the spread of existing or potential invasive species at Lake Quonnipaug.

As part of our assessment, ESS will:

 Review water quality data available to us.

 Review previous plant mapping by CAES and build new GIS map layers as a basis for recommendations on non-native species control.

 Compile a list of known and expected wildlife resources at the lake including any special species of concern or endangered species.

 Prepare a watershed map in the form of several GIS layers that will include topography, land use categories, soils information, and sub-drainage basins within the larger watershed.

Deliverables: ESS will prepare a narrative describing the above resources within the watershed along with a detailed summary of how these resources may impact management options that would be appropriate. If additional field sampling is required, ESS will make a recommendation to the Town and be willing to perform the required sampling during the summer months.

Task C. Recommendations for Monitoring Lake Water Quality ESS will make recommendations for present and future water quality monitoring based on the previous studies and on our analysis of the watershed and in-lake resources determined under Task B. Recommendations will include appropriate frequency, locations, depths, and individual water quality parameters that should be assessed each year. If additional monitoring is required, ESS will make recommendations to the Town and we will be prepared to provide this sampling and analysis during the summer of 2021 if necessary.

Task D. Recommendations for Management of Non- Native/Invasive Species Our management recommendations for non-native or invasive species will consider the range of options available and will be recommended based on the amount of invasive species present and the level of control desired. ESS will consider hand-harvesting, mechanical harvesting, diver hand- harvesting, diver assisted suction harvesting (DASH), drawdown, a variety of possible herbicide

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applications, a variety of biological or natural alternative controls, and the no-action alternative. We understand that some or all of these may have been considered previously, but perhaps having a fresh look at these will be advantageous. ESS will identify potential permitting constraints, and work to design a conceptual program to allow us to determine the costs and potential benefits of each approach as well as to identify potential risks so that stakeholders can understand the true value of each an approach.

Task E. Recommendations for Southern Section of Lake and Dam ESS has extensive experience with the management of in-lake sediment for the purpose of deepening a waterbody through dredging. ESS has performed dredging feasibility assessments for over 40 waterbodies in southern New England and have been responsible for designing and permitting over ten in the past five years. We even have worked in Connecticut to evaluate sediment removal for the sale of gravel in two ponds located in Burlington, Connecticut and understand how such a project would need to be permitted and what a project of this nature would cost to implement. More recently, ESS has assisted Aquarion with evaluating a dredging project in their Mianus River water supply reservoir.

For this project, ESS will review prior studies regarding sediment removal from the southern section of the lake and provide the Town with a realistic assessment of what may be appropriate and what would be a reasonable cost estimate for sediment removal and disposal. ESS can also provide a realistic estimate for the costs that may be offset by any sale of material removed from the lake.

In addition to the feasibility and cost implications, ESS will provide an assessment of the nature of the short- term impacts and potential long-term benefits to the fish and wildlife resources within the lake from such a project.

Deliverables: ESS will prepare a narrative summarizing prior assessments of the southern section regarding sediment removal. Our narrative will include the value of such an extensive project to the ecology of the lake and its future management as well as the ecological and financial costs of this approach. ESS will summarize the next steps including additional sediment testing, engineering design, and permitting for the approach should it be deemed feasible.

Task F. Recommendations for Watershed Management ESS routinely develops strategies for improving the water quality that enters a lake using a variety of watershed management approaches. A key to understanding which approaches are most appropriate and the degree to which these must be implemented is to understand the nutrient budget for the lake. A nutrient budget is a tool based on modeling of the lake and its watershed that can predict how much nutrient (phosphorus and nitrogen) a lake is receiving from its watershed and from internal recycling of its nutrients from bottom sediments. Once this is understood, the model can be used to predict how much nutrient a particular lake can process before it begins to suffer from excessive nutrient loading (aka eutrophication). Then ESS will be able to tailor watershed management actions to the level of nutrient reduction that may be required to ensure good water quality and clarity.

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Deliverables: ESS will prepare a nutrient budget model for Lake Quonnipaug based on the previously collected data and reports.

Task G. Text, Tables, and Maps Our Lake Management Report and Five-year Implementation Strategy will include tables summarizing previous studies, data, and our findings along with associated text to describe our analysis and recommendations. The report will also include custom graphics, aerial imagery, and GIS date presentations. These will be provided as described under Tasks A through F above.

Deliverables: If the town would like, ESS would be willing to share draft data and figures we compile as they are completed.

Task H. Lake Management Report and Five-year Implementation Strategy The Lake Management Report and Five-year implementation strategy we will prepare will be presented in draft format for review by the Town and interested stakeholders. ESS will submit the draft as a hard copy and in electronic format specified by the Guilford Conservation Commission by September 30. 2021. Upon receipt of feedback, ESS will make any necessary changes to the document and submit a final plan by October 30, 2021 assuming that the Town returns their comments to us within two weeks of our draft submittal.

Mr. Nielsen will prepare a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation to summarize our study, its findings and the recommendations made for improving Lake Quonnipaug following the submittal of our Draft Report.

Deliverables:

• One electronic copy of a draft final report for review and comment by the Town.

• Electronic copy of the final project presentation.

• Presentation by ESS to interested stakeholders (virtual meeting).

• One electronic copy of the final report that incorporates the Town revisions, if any.

5.0 SCHEDULE AND WORKLOAD ESS is prepared to begin work on this scope of work immediately upon execution of a contract with the Town. We do not have any current workload commitments that would prevent us from meeting this proposed schedule. The kick-off meeting and desktop portion of this project may proceed at any time, once written authorization is received. The proposed timeline is presented in the table below.

Task April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct.

A. Data Review and Kick-off X B. Site Resource Assessment X X X

C. Recommendations for Water Quality X Sampling D. Recommendations for Management of X X Non-native weeds Concept Designs

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E. Recommendations for Southern Section X X and Dam F. Recommendations for Watershed X X Management G. Test, Tables and Maps X X X F. Lake Management Report and Five-year X X X Implementation Strategy plus Presentation

ESS will keep the Town apprised of significant findings throughout the project. ESS is not responsible for delays in performance caused by circumstances beyond our control, or which could not have reasonably been anticipated or prevented.

6.0 ASSUMPTIONS The proposed compensation described in this proposal is predicated on the Scope of Work described above and the following assumptions:

• Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, meetings will be held remotely in teleconference or videoconference format.

• To reduce costs and impacts to the environment associated with paper deliverables, ESS deliverables will be provided in PDF format unless otherwise noted. 7.0 COSTS ESS is providing costs under separate sealed cover. Costs include all anticipated expenses for travel, report production, and communication/mailing fees.

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Appendix A

Required Forms

Appendix B

Key Personnel Resumes

CARL D. NIELSEN, CLM Vice President and Director of Water Resources

Qualifications Experience ESS Group, Inc.:1998 to Mr. Nielsen has over 30 years of experience in the assessment and present evaluation of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Mr. Nielsen has worked Years of Prior Related extensively in identifying and understanding the ecology of most aquatic Experience: 8 organisms including aquatic plants, algae, zooplankton, aquatic Education invertebrates, corals, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Mr. Nielsen is also MS, Fisheries and Wildlife, actively involved in the restoration of aquatic systems and has worked to University of Missouri - improve water quality and aquatic habitat conditions in numerous lake and Columbia, 1994 river systems throughout New England. As part of these efforts, Mr. BA, Biology, Colgate Nielsen regularly uses water quality data collected to develop customized University, 1990 scientific watershed models to assist in locating sources of pollution and to Tufts University, Water evaluate the potential effectiveness of a variety of watershed management Quality Modeling for strategies. Mr. Nielsen has been Senior Project Scientist for more than 200 TMDLs, 40-hr. Workshop, 2001 aquatic resource studies which have been performed for numerous clients including: federal, state and local governments, municipal water districts, Professional local lake and watershed associations, industrial facilities, property Registrations and Affiliations developers, major corporations, utilities, golf courses, ski areas, and North American Lake airports. Management Society – Certified Lake Manager Representative Project Experience (CLM) Wilcox & Barton, Inc. – Water Quality and Biomonitoring Surveys and New England Chapter – Ongoing Monitoring Reporting to Inland Wetlands Commission in North American Lake Support of Major Retail Development – Guilford, CT: Mr. Nielsen was Management Society responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive Northeast Aquatic Plant biomonitoring program in Spinning Mill Brook adjacent to the construction Management Society site for a 155,000 square foot retail development. Work has performed for NAUI Open Water SCUBA two-baseline years of assessment and five post-construction years and is Diver Certification likely to continue annually throughout the operation of the proposed American Heart development. The project was designed to ensure that the stream system Association – CPR and was not impacted by the operation of the on-site wastewater treatment First Aid system with a groundwater discharge that had potential to negatively impact the brook. Monitoring includes fishery assessment, detailed habitat assessments, water quality measurements, benthic macroinvertebrate community analysis, and periphyton (attached algae) monitoring. Mr. Nielsen has made several presentations to the Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission as part of this effort. Woodridge Lake Property Owners Association – Diagnostic/Feasibility Study – Goshen, CT: Mr. Nielsen provided field assessment of water quality and the aquatic plant community as part of a diagnostic/feasibility study of Woodridge Lake and its watershed in Goshen, Connecticut. The project was designed to evaluate existing conditions as a basis for management decisions. Management recommendations included a harvesting program tailored to the specific growth and reproduction cycles of the plant species creating nuisance conditions within the lake. Builders Concrete East, LLC – Bathymetry and Sediment Evaluation of Lake Como, Burlington, CT: Project manager and lead scientist for a pre-dredging feasibility assessment of a 15-acre lake in Burlington, Connecticut. As part of this study, ESS evaluated the flow and hydrodynamic characteristics of the pond’s watershed to determine flows during peak flow periods and how these may impact dredging construction and the ability to dewater the system. ESS worked with Design Professionals, Inc. to develop engineering plans for the dredge project and coordinated efforts for permitting through the local Inland Wetlands Commission, CTDEEP and the USACE.

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Aquarion Water Company – Reservoir and Watershed Assessment for the Mianus River System – Greenwich and North Stamford, CT. Mr. Nielsen designed and oversees an ongoing study of the Mianus River and North Stamford watershed systems for Aquarion Water. The work has included aquatic plant mapping of six pond and reservoir systems in the watershed along with assessment of 18 stream locations. The program was designed to evaluate these sites quarterly for one year and analysis has included detailed flow measurements, aquatic plant mapping, extensive water quality assessment, sediment quality assessment, and the establishment of remote long-term flow monitoring locations. Work is ongoing, but two interim presentations have been made to date to communicate initial findings of the study. Aquarion Water Company – Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Six Connecticut Reservoirs. Southwestern CT. Mr. Nielsen was the project manager for an assessment of six pond and reservoir systems in southwestern Connecticut that are located within the watersheds managed by Aquarion Water. These assessments were done to locate non-native aquatic plant species that could pose a threat to these waterbodies and was the first time in many years that these systems were assessed in such detail. ESS found several non-native species including Hydrilla verticillata, a species that is relatively new to Connecticut and extremely aggressive. Mr. Nielsen has worked with Aquarion to develop recommendations for control. In addition, Mr. Nielsen has been asked to conduct similar assessments for Aquarion at six additional waterbodies in the state in 2021. MassDCR – Harold Parker State Forest Aquatic Plant Management, 2018: Mr. Nielsen has designed and overseen a program to restore open water habitat at Field and Collins Ponds within Harold Parker State Forest through the management of non-native aquatic vegetation. Mr. Nielsen and the ESS team evaluated the ponds, designed a program with local input to manage the non-native weeds, and then obtained permits for this work. Aquatic plants were initially controlled through a hand harvesting program carried out by volunteers and then subsequently through herbicide application. The goal of the program is to use herbicides to get non-native species in the pond under control so that hand-harvesting can be used to reduce or eliminate the need for herbicide over time. This multi-year program is now in its fourth year of a six year program funded by the State. All work is overseen and managed by Mr. Nielsen. Town of Concord - White Pond Limnological Investigation – Concord, MA: Mr. Nielsen was the Project Manager and lead scientist for a year-long study of this 50 acre kettle pond. The goal of the study was to identify sources of nutrients to the pond that were likely contributing to algal blooms and threatening water quality. ESS studied the pond to model hydrologic and nutrient inputs, utilized innovative sheet-flow stormwater sampling devices, and assessed groundwater inputs with seepage meters. Additional work focused on an extensive analysis of the history of the pond and development within its watershed. The report prepared now serves as the basis for the long-term protection and improvement of the system. Providence Water Supply Board – Limnological Studies of Moswansicut, Barden, and Westconnaug Reservoirs – Scituate and Foster, RI: Principal Director as Scientist for a limnological investigation at Moswanicut, Barden and Westconnaug reservoirs in the Providence Water Supply system. ESS conducted watershed assessments, water quality surveys, groundwater seepage surveys, bathymetric mapping, sediment sampling, biological surveys, and aquatic macrophyte mapping for all three reservoirs and issued separate reports on each. The objective of the studies was to characterize the current trophic status, identify the probability of “turning,” and provide specific management recommendations to maintain or improve the water quality of each reservoir. ESS is continuing to work with Providence Water to manage water quality at these and other reservoirs within the system. Town of Weymouth – Whitman’s Pond Vegetation Management Action Plan – Weymouth, MA: Sr. project manager for a comprehensive Vegetation Management Action Plan for the Whitman’s Pond Working Group, a town-appointed committee charged with task of identifying a restoration strategy for the 190-acre pond. Although Whitman’s Pond suffers from excessive growth of invasive plants,

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sedimentation, and water quality impairments, it supports a significant run of anadromous alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), provides diverse recreational opportunities for the public, and serves as a backup water supply for the town. The Vegetation Management Action Plan was developed to address the problems in Whitman’s Pond while being protective of the multiple resources it provides to a diverse group of stakeholders. Bathymetric and sediment isopach mapping, biological surveys (plants, fish, birds, and invertebrates), sediment sampling, water quality sampling, and hydrologic assessments were conducted to support the development of the Vegetation Management Action Plan. The final plan was presented to the town at a public meeting and is currently being implemented. Quaboag and Quacumquasit Lake Association – Quaboag and Quacumquasit Long Term Management Plan Development and Implementation – Brookfield, East Brookfield, and Sturbridge, MA: Mr. Nielsen worked with QQLA to develop a comprehensive Long Term Management Plan for the Quaboag and Quacumquasit lake system. The plan included efforts to improve water quality, reduce algal growth, and manage rooted weed growth. As part of these efforts, an extensive public education component was developed and advanced by Mr. Nielsen through the QQLA organization and with the three town Conservation Commissions. This multi-year project has successfully reduced non-native plants in one of the ponds from over 35 acres to under 1 acre through the use of herbicides and hand harvesting. Vespera, Inc., Darrow Pond Baseline Assessment – Nutrient Modeling and Long-Term Management Plan – East Lyme, CT: Responsible for design and implementation of a pond study to establish baseline conditions at a pond in East Lyme, CT that was downgradient of an innovative Low Impact Development (LID) consisting of over 1,200 acres and 600 individual residences. Mr. Nielsen was responsible for modeling the benefits of LID vs. standard design runoff management practices and making additional recommendations for further enhancing the projects ability to infiltrate runoff and treat pollutants. The project is still currently in the permitting process. Northeast Retail Management Co. LLC, – Nutrient and Stormwater Loading Analysis for Inland Wetlands Commission – East Hampton, CT: Responsible for designing a storm water management plan to make a proposed 3 acre development site net-neutral with regard to phosphorus load to Lake Pocatopaug in pre- and post-development site conditions. This was achieved through the use of a custom-designed stormwater infiltrations system with multiple removal processes built into the stormwater “treatment train”. The project received approval from the Inland Wetlands Commission. Town of Norton – Diagnostic and Feasibility Assessment for Management of Lake Winnecunnet – Norton, MA: Mr. Nielsen was responsible for conducting an assessment of Lake Winnecunnet and its watershed which are located within a Massachusetts ACEC (Area of Critical Environmental Concern). The deep-water habitat associated with the lake is threatened by the invasive and exotic plant Cabomba caroliniana (fanwort) which has spread throughout the lake to the detriment of native plants and potentially native fauna. The need to manage this situation while protecting the potentially rare or threatened species that exist within the lake required extensive survey of the lake shoreline, the major tributaries to the lake ( and Mulberry Meadow Brook), and the lake outlet (Snake River). Mr. Nielsen conducted a survey of freshwater mussels, aquatic macroinvertebrates, minnows and young-of- the-year fish, aquatic and semi-aquatic plants, reptiles, and amphibians. Based on these detailed surveys, Mr. Nielsen developed a comprehensive lake and watershed management plan for the Town which is now being implemented by a contractor and overseen annually by ESS. Town of Westford – Baseline Characterization, Drawdown Feasibility Assessment, and Long-term Monitoring Program for Nabnasset Lake – Westford, MA: Mr. Nielsen is serving as Project Manager and lead scientist in an investigation of the baseline characteristics of Nabnasset Lake and a hydrologically-linked wetland system known as Shipley Swamp. The purpose of the investigations was to determine the nature of impacts that could be anticipated as a result of a proposed winter lake drawdown for the purpose of controlling nuisance aquatic plants. As part of the baseline assessments, Mr. Nielsen

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established numerous plant monitoring plots within the wetland, biological monitoring stations within the wetland and lake, and established aquatic plant transects within the lake. These stations are currently being monitored annually to determine the response to drawdown (if any) to allow for immediate management actions to be taken as necessary to prevent significant damage from occurring to the ecosystem. Mr. Nielsen also prepared and filed a Notice of Intent for the control of nuisance aquatic plants at Nabnasset Lake by lake drawdown. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation – Diagnostic/Feasibility Assessment – , Otis, MA: Mr. Nielsen designed and conducted an investigation of Big Pond and its watershed to gather baseline information on water quality, stormwater quality, macroinvertebrate community composition, aquatic and wetland plants, fish, and wildlife. Mr. Nielsen made recommendations for monitoring and preserving the ecological integrity of this relatively healthy aquatic system. Town of Hinsdale – Diagnostic/Feasibility Assessment of Ashmere Lake and Plunkett Reservoir – Hinsdale, MA: The Hinsdale lakes are located in a Massachusetts ACEC (area of critical environmental concern). Mr. Nielsen designed and carried out an assessment of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of these lakes which included water quality assessment, fish and wildlife evaluations, rare/threatened/endangered species investigations, and wetland plant assessments. The work served as the basis for making recommendations for controlling nuisance aquatic vegetation within the lakes while minimizing the potential to cause adverse effects on sensitive or rare species common to the ACEC and their watersheds. Aquarion Water Company – Biological Survey in Response to Fish Kill – Easton, CT: ESS responded quickly to design and conduct a biological (fish and macroinvertebrates) assessment of numerous sites upstream and downstream of a reported chlorine spill downstream of a water supply reservoir managed by Aquarion Water Company. Work was initiated immediately following reports of a fish kill in order to characterize the true nature of impacts to Mill River and to develop an appropriate remedial response. Results seem to indicate that the effects of the spill on the macroinvertebrate community was minimal and that a natural recovery of the stream would be expected within a very short period of time. ESS recommended that baseline macroinvertebrate data be collected for other key streams within the watershed so that any future problems within the water supplier’s watershed could be easily evaluated. Aquarion Water Company – Fish and Fish Habitat Survey – Kent, CT: ESS responded to design and conduct a biological (fish and macroinvertebrates) assessment of sites upstream and downstream of a release of sediment from an impoundment in the water supply drainage system managed by Aquarion Water Company. The sediment was released as a result of construction activities associated with a dam removal project and the sediment was believed to have impacted one of the few native trout spawning habitats in Connecticut. Mr. Nielsen characterized the true nature of impacts and developed an appropriate remedial response. The scope of work was coordinated directly with CTDEP fishery staff. Town of Wrentham – Multi-Lake Diagnostic/Feasibility Assessment – Wrentham, MA: Responsible for designing and conducting an assessment of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of Lake Pearl, Lake Archer and Mirror Lake in Wrentham, Massachusetts in order to determine the cause of lake eutrophication. A key concern was the potential for the groundwater entering these lakes to be contaminated by septic systems within their watersheds. The investigation focused on answering this question through the use of seepage meters (to measure groundwater quantity) and littoral interstitial porewater sampling (to measure groundwater quality). Results from this study were used to evaluate the potential benefits of installing sewer lines through portions of the watershed. Town of Wayland – Biological Assessment of Heard and Mill Ponds – Wayland, MA: Designed and implemented a diagnostic/feasibility assessment of Heard and Mill Ponds in Wayland, Massachusetts for the purpose of determining effective treatment methods for the control of nuisance aquatic weed growth,

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and in particular the exotic species water chestnut (Trappa natans). Methods of treatment will rely on mechanical harvesting within key areas of the ponds to ensure that the natural plant community will not be disrupted and can continue to provide valuable habitat to fish and wildlife. Association – Drawdown Feasibility Assessment – Winchendon Springs, MA and Rindge, NH: Conducted a feasibility assessment of Lake Monomonac to ascertain the potential effectiveness of lake drawdown as a method for controlling the nuisance aquatic weed variable leaf milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum). Based on the potential impacts of drawdown on the surrounding wetlands and the relatively small area of actual plant infestation, drawdown was not recommended as an appropriate control method at the time. Town of Ayer – Diagnostic Feasibility Assessment of Spectacle Pond – Ayer and Littleton, MA: Designed and Implemented a diagnostic/feasibility assessment of Spectacle Pond in Littleton, Massachusetts for the purpose of determining effective treatment methods for the control of nuisance aquatic weed growth, and in particular the exotic species fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana). Two possible methods of treatment were recommended. One feasible method was chemical treatment of the pond with flouridone at a dose specific to the control of fanwort. This precision approach will ensure that the natural plant community will not be disrupted and will continue to provide valuable habitat to fish and wildlife. As second, non-chemical alternative that was recommended was to control nuisance plant beds through the use of hydro-raking equipment in selected areas. Town of Dartmouth – Nuisance Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan – Lake Noquochoke, Dartmouth, MA: Conducted an assessment of the physical, chemical, and biological conditions within each of the five basins of Lake Noqochoke and the associated watershed for the purposes of recommending measures for controlling excessive aquatic plant growth. Recommendations for plant control were tailored specifically to meet the needs and goals for each of the lake’s five basins. Recommendations included herbicides, hydro-raking, and dredging, as well as measures for improving factors within the watershed which have been affecting conditions within the lake. City of New Haven, – Impact Assessment of a Proposed Water Diversion from the Mill River – New Haven, CT: Provided third party review of a report entitled “Lake Whitney Water Treatment Plant Environmental Evaluation”, dated January 1999. This report was prepared by an environmental study team contracted to the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority to evaluate potential impacts and propose mitigation associated with the withdrawal of up to 15 million gallons per day of water from Lake Whitney. The area of evaluation included the Mill River system below Eli Whitney Dam, much of which flows through East Rock Park, a significant resource located in an urbanized area of New Haven. The third party evaluation was prompted in response to concern by the City of New Haven and members of the community over decreased flows and reduced water quality in Mill River below the Eli Whitney Dam. AES Enterprise – Aquatic Habitat Impact Assessment – New Britain and Southington, CT: Downstream resources associated with the New Britain Water Supply System were evaluated by Mr. Nielsen as part of a water diversion permit application for a proposed power generating plant in the Town of Southington, Connecticut. Mr. Nielsen designed studies to determine impacts associated with the withdrawal of four million gallons per day (gpd) of water for evaporative cooling and ultimately the discharge of over 100,000 gpd of cooling water back into the Quinnipiac River. Fish, aquatic invertebrates, water chemistry and habitat were assessed to determine means by which the water supply system could be operated to deliver the required volume of water while minimizing environmental impacts associated with the project. Major Property Developer – Biomonitoring – Waterbury, CT: Conducted the biological assessment of areas upstream and within a segment of relocated stream channel. The artificially created habitat within the stream channel was allowed to be recolonized for a one-year period prior to investigation. Habitat,

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water quality, macroinvertebrate and fish data were collected within each stream 100 meter segment to quantify differences between stream reaches. Differences were detected between the macroinvertebrate communities collected from each stream segment; however, no differences were observed between the fish communities collected from each stream segment. Recommendations were made to further enhance habitat with specific consideration being given to improving macroinvertebrate habitat. Town of Wilton – Biomonitoring – Wilton, CT: Project manager for an ongoing macroinvertebrate monitoring program for two urban streams in southwestern Connecticut. Macroinvertebrates have been collected semi-annually for more than five years in Silvermine River and Comstock Brook, establishing an excellent baseline data set from which to evaluate any future impacts to this area as a result of ongoing development. Presentations Ladewig, M.D. and C.D. Nielsen. Is Your Pond’s Algal Bloom Harmful? Observations of Blue-green Algae in Southern New England. Massachusetts Congress of Lake and Pond Associations Winter Workshop. January 2013. Worcester, MA. Nielsen, C.D. and M.D. Ladewig. Use of Limno-barriers as a Tool to Assist in the Control of Small or Early Stage Invasive Weed Beds. New England Chapter of the North American Lake Management Society, 2011 Annual Meeting. June 2011. Kingston, RI. Ladewig, M.D. and C.D. Nielsen. The Ups and Downs of Winter Lake Drawdown as Part of a Long-term Invasive Weed Control Program in a Massachusetts Lake. New England Association of Environmental Biologists 34th Annual Meeting. March 2010. Newport, RI. Nielsen, C.D. and M.D. Ladewig. Boating Channel Pilot Study: Feasibility versus Acceptance. North American Lake Management Society 29th Annual Symposium. November 2009. Hartford, CT. Nielsen, C.D. and M.D. Ladewig. The Next Aquatic Invaders? Invasive Didymo and Water Fleas in the Berkshires. Berkshires Aquatic Invasive Species Forum. November 2009. Pittsfield, MA. Nielsen, C.D. Lake Management and the 319 Grant: How to Make Your Grant Application Rise Above the Rest. January 27th, 2007. Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Coalition of Lakes and Ponds. Nielsen, C.D. DNA Ribotyping as a Tool for Bacterial Source Tracking: A Narraganset Bay Watershed Case Study. April 2003. New England Association of Environmental Biologists Annual Conference. Nielsen, C. D. How to Develop and Implement a Lake and Watershed Management Program. December 2002. Town of Walpole Lakes and Ponds Committee.

Nielsen, C. D. The watershed non-point source pollution assessment, a modeling approach. April 2001. New England Association of Environmental Biologists Annual Conference.

Nielsen, C. D. Water Quality and Sediment Quality within the Watershed. March 2001. 2nd Annual Deerfield River Watershed Conference.

Nielsen, C. D. Innovative watershed study design – Techniques for locating sources of non-point source pollution. April 2000. Environmental Protection Agency – Region 1.

Nielsen, C. D. An investigation of the sources of non-point source pollution affecting water quality within the lower watershed. March 2000. 6th Annual Westfield River Symposium.

Nielsen, C. D. Impaired Waters. April 1999. 5th Annual Westfield River Symposium.

MATTHEW D. LADEWIG, CLM Senior Scientist

Qualifications Experience ESS Group, Inc.: 2006 to Mr. Ladewig is a Certified Lake Manager and ecologist with 18 years of present experience in the monitoring, modeling, and management of aquatic Years of Prior Related ecosystems. He has completed studies on over 75 lakes and ponds for a Experience: 3 variety of clients, including water suppliers, state and municipal Education governments, lake associations, and private landowners. Mr. Ladewig has MS, Aquatic Resource also developed and implemented numerous surface water sampling, Ecology and Management, sediment testing, and biomonitoring programs for a wide variety of water University of Michigan, 2006 resource projects. BA, Physical Geography, Representative Project Experience University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2000 Aquarion Water Company – Reservoir and Watershed Assessment for the Mianus River System – Greenwich and North Stamford, CT. Professional Provides technical guidance to project team for comprehensive Certifications North American Lake assessment of the Mianus and North Stamford watersheds. The work has Management Society – included aquatic plant mapping of six pond and reservoir systems in the Certified Lake Manager watershed along with assessment of 18 stream locations. The program Society for Freshwater was designed to evaluate these sites quarterly for one year and analysis Science – Chironomidae has included detailed flow measurements, aquatic plant mapping, and Eastern EPT extensive water quality assessment, sediment quality assessment, and the Taxonomist establishment of remote long-term flow monitoring locations. Work is Alum for Phosphorus ongoing, but two interim presentations have been made to date to Control in Lakes and communicate initial findings of the study. Ponds, 8-hour Workshop (2017) Aquarion Water Company – Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Six 40-hour OSHA Connecticut Reservoirs. Southwestern CT. Provided technical guidance HAZWOPER Training and to project team for aquatic plant surveys at six pond and reservoir systems 8-hour Supervisor in southwestern Connecticut managed by Aquarion Water. These Refreshers (through May assessments were done to locate non-native aquatic plant species that 13, 2017) could pose a threat to these waterbodies and was the first time in many Boat Massachusetts Boat years that these systems were assessed in such detail. Safety Certification 8-hour Offshore Water Confidential Client, Stream and Pond Monitoring Program. Guilford, Survival Certification CT. Completes habitat assessment, water quality sampling and biomonitoring at three sites along a brook onsite, as well as plant and SafeGulf Marine Safety Certification bathymetry mapping of a small pond. The program is being used to track trends in sedimentation, water quality, and biological community as part of Affiliations a before-after/control-impact (BACI) monitoring program. Rhode Island Environmental Monitoring Builders Concrete East, LLC, Bathymetry and Sediment Evaluation of Collaborative – Appointed Conducted bathymetry and sediment Member (2013 to present) Lake Como. Burlington, CT. isopach surveys of Lake Como as part of a dredging feasibility project. Collected, photographed, and described sediment samples from the lake and conducted an aquatic plant survey to document extent of exotic Eurasian milfoil. Drafted the final report discussing sediment physical and chemical characteristics and detailing the likely permitting pathways and associated costs for the project to move forward. Town of Weymouth, Whitman’s Pond Vegetation Management Action Plan and Management Strategy. Weymouth, MA. Completed a comprehensive Vegetation Management Action Plan to restore this 190-acre pond. Although Whitman’s Pond suffers from excessive growth of invasive plants, sedimentation, and water quality impairments, it supports a significant run of anadromous alewife (Alosa

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pseudoharengus), provides diverse recreational opportunities for the public, and serves as a backup water supply for the town. The Plan was developed to address the problems in Whitman’s Pond while being protective of the multiple resources it provides to a diverse group of stakeholders. Bathymetric and sediment isopach mapping, biological surveys (plants, fish, birds, and invertebrates), sediment sampling, water quality sampling, and hydrologic assessments were conducted to support the development of the Vegetation Management Action Plan. The final plan was presented to the town at a public meeting. The original plan was approved in 2013. ESS is currently working with the Town to develop a streamlined plan of action for management of the pond over the next five-year period. C. Webb and Associates, LLC., Darrow Pond Baseline Assessment. East Lyme, CT. As part of a baseline assessment, provided quality control and taxonomic identification for macroinvertebrate samples collected from tributaries and the outlet of Darrow Pond. Also conducted baseline water quality data collection in parallel sampling effort with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). City of New Haven, Monitoring Report Review for Water Diversion from the Mill River. New Haven, CT. Conducted third party review of annual environmental monitoring reports concerning the Lake Whitney Water Treatment Plant. This included meeting with members of the Environmental Study Team to evaluate the monitoring program on an annual basis. The reports generated by the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority monitored the impacts associated with the withdrawal of up to 15 million gallons per day of water from Lake Whitney. The third party evaluation was prompted in response to concern by the City of New Haven and members of the community over decreased flows and reduced water quality in Mill River below the Eli Whitney Dam. Towns of Windsor, Enfield, Rocky Hill, Vernon, Windsor, and Windsor Locks – MS4 and Industrial Stormwater Compliance, Multiple Municipalities in CT. Manages the annual MS4 and quarterly industrial stormwater monitoring efforts on behalf of multiple Public Works divisions, including Water Pollution Control, Highway, Building and Grounds, and Solid Waste. All field sampling and laboratory analyses are reported to the Town for the required annual filing with CTDEEP. Providence Water Supply Board, Limnological Studies of Moswansicut, Barden, and Westconnaug Reservoirs. Scituate and Foster, RI. Conducted watershed assessments, water quality surveys, groundwater seepage surveys, bathymetric mapping, sediment sampling, biological surveys, and aquatic macrophyte mapping for three reservoirs in the City of Providence’s public water supply. The objective of the studies was to characterize the current trophic status, identify the probability of “turning,” and provide specific management recommendations to maintain or improve the water quality of each reservoir. Town of Westford – Assessment, Permitting, and Oversight of Lake Management Activities in Multiple Lakes and Ponds, Westford, MA. Completed comprehensive assessments of five previously unstudied lakes and ponds managed by the Town of Westford. The results of the study were used to develop a five-year management plan for each water body, which was presented at a public meeting, as well as subsequent permitting efforts. Currently oversees ongoing implementation as part of this multi- year lake management program to control aquatic invasive species. Town of Norton – Assessment, Permitting, and Oversight of Lake Management Activities in Four Water Bodies, Norton, MA. Completed comprehensive assessment and permitting of lake management plans for , , Chartley Pond, and Barrowsville Pond. The four ponds suffered from substantial infestations of exotic aquatic plants, including water chestnut, fanwort, Eurasian milfoil, swollen bladderwort, and variable-leaf milfoil. Management programs for each pond were successfully permitted and ESS oversees the ongoing implementation efforts at each pond. Winnecunnet Pond presented a significant management challenge, given its location within state-listed freshwater mussel habitat. The first granular fluridone treatment in Massachusetts state-listed freshwater mussel habitat was approved for Winnecunnet Pond and successfully implemented as a pilot project. SCOTT DEHAINAUT SPATIAL DATA MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Experience Qualifications ESS Group: 2016 to present Scott DeHainaut is a recognized expert in Geographic Information Years of Prior Related Systems (GIS) with more than 30 years of diverse training and experience Experience: 30 in geospatial data management, analysis, and system design. This includes more than a decade developing GIS and data management Education systems at the municipal and county levels, and almost 2 decades BS, Geography, Southern Illinois University supporting the use of GIS for environmental restoration and management. Mr. DeHainaut’s expertise has an emphasis on ESRI applications and Applications & Software includes advanced spatial analysis, database management, GIS/CAD ArcMap integration, visual impact assessments and simulations, and multimedia ArcCatalog graphics presentations. Additionally, he brings experience in the 3D/Spatial Analyst AutoCAD development of client web portals and data collection using mobile SQL Server platforms, as well as fluency in several programming languages which he Google (Earth, Maps, API) leverages for data automation, integration, and analyses. At ESS, Mr. Javascript DeHainaut leads the company’s technology advancement initiatives Access, Oracle, SQL Server HTML related to collecting and sharing georeferenced data, customized Python programming for analysis of complex multidimensional data sets, and the VBA integration of data with graphics and visual presentations.

Representative Project Experience Providence Water Supply Board – Limnological Assessment of Scituate Reservoir: At 5.3 square miles in size Scituate Reservoir is the largest inland in the State of Rhode Island and provides water to nearly 60% of the state’s residents. Mr. DeHainaut helped develop the numerous GIS products and supporting datasets used in the assessment including detailed watershed analysis and a complex bathymetric analysis that incorporated both historic and current depth data. Clear River Energy, LLC – Burrillville, Rhode Island: His involvement on this project included a variety of applications of GIS technology associated with environmental impacts and mitigation. He developed and performed numerous complex spatial analysis of wetland and riverine environments, and also introduced and supported the use of tablet-based technology that brought GIS into the field and significantly improved the options and efficiency of data capture. Davis Liquid Waste Superfund Site, Smithfield Rhode Island: After acquiring and organizing a large collection of geology, hydrology, environmental, and infrastructure data he used GIS, CAD, and data management processes to develop a complex interactive 3-dimensional model to visualize the site’s surface and subsurface environments. Winthrop Beach, MA: For this dune vegetation mapping project he developed a unique integration of technologies that included form-based data collection on field tablets, and automated validation and report generation of the field data in almost real time. The results of this effort were significantly improved efficiency, quality, and turnaround time of the project’s final products. US Wind – Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Project – Outer Continental Shelf, MD & Indian River Bay, DE: Providing GIS support for a navigational risk assessment for the proposed development of a 750 MW offshore wind farm with an electrical interconnection at the Indian River Substation in Delaware. Additionally, providing services to support compliance with environmental conditions of the proposed Construction and Operation Plan (COP) and OCS lease during project construction and operations.

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North Bergen Liberty Generating Interconnection – North Bergen, NJ and New York City, NY: Providing GIS support for the proposed 6.5-mile 345 kV submarine electric transmission line across the Hudson River. Poseidon Transmission Company, LLC - Poseidon Transmission Project, Licensing and Permitting – New York to New Jersey: Provided GIS support for the proposed 80-mile transmission line project from Huntington, NY to South Brunswick, NJ, that involves both upland and submarine project segments. Responsible for GIS mapping associated with Topography, Local Streets, Alternative Cable Routes, Land Cover Designations, Soils, Potential Areas of Contamination, Wetlands, Critical Habitats, FEMA Flood Hazard Areas, Benthic and Shellfish Resources and Navigation. Silver Run Electric, LLC – Silver Run Project – Odessa, DE to Lower Alloways Creek Township, NJ: Provided GIS support for the proposed Submarine Cable crossing of the Delaware River approximately 3-miles in length and an overland segment in Delaware approximately two miles in length. Nature Conservancy – Nasketucket Bay Oyster Reef Restoration – Fairhaven, MA: Providing 3D analysis and visualization of the oyster reef restoration in Nasketucket Bay. ESS is preparing annual reports for 2016 and 2017 that portray reef distribution and depth, as well as summarizes and analyzes oyster distribution, growth rate, and survival data. The oyster reef restoration project is creating a permanent placement of eastern oysters on approximately one acre of sub-tidal sea floor. This will create a complex benthic habitat, improve water quality, and enhance the harvestable population of oysters for the public fishery in this embayment. AFCEC Joint Base Cape Cod – Environmental Remediation Program – MA: GIS Manager and Functional Lead GIS/CAD/Graphics responsible for developing, maintaining, and extending GIS in support of the environmental remediation effort of the Air Force JBCC Program. Developed 3D terrain and subsurface models, as well as worked with engineers and other scientists to produce animations and unique graphic products to visualize the JBCC remediation effort. As the Group Functional Lead, he managed job efforts and established consistent standards between disciplines. He also developed numerous database and automation systems used on the JBCC and numerous other programs. Honors and Awards • Recognized as “Exceptional: in the Air Force’s 2011 Evaluation of Contractor Performance on the JBCC Program • Air Force/Department of Energy Medallion for the JBCC Program • Northeast Arc User’s Conference, First Prize, “Tree Screening and Wind Turbine Visibility” • Northeast Arc User’s Conference, First Prize, “Air Force Groundwater Cleanup Progress” • Northeast Arc User’s Conference, First Prize, “3D Visualization of Fuel Spill 28” Poster • American Academy of Environmental Engineers, Grand Prize – Operations/Management Morgan Proko Environmental Scientist

Experience Qualifications ESS Group: 2017 to present Ms. Proko has more than three years of experience conducting field Years of Prior Related investigations and has an BA in Biology, from Merrimack College. Her Experience: 3 technical capabilities include surface water quality monitoring, aquatic Education plant surveys, sediment sampling, and bathymetric mapping as well as BA, Biology macroinvertebrate sampling. As part of ESS’s Water Resources team, Merrimack College, 2020 Ms. Proko performs field work, compiles technical reports, and conducts Certifications data analysis and research. She has supported a variety of projects NASBLA Boating Safety throughout Massachusetts which have included aquatic vegetation Certification surveys, invasive species surveys, working within the context of habitat management or restoration plans, working on state-managed conservation land, and working for Massachusetts state agencies. Representative Experience Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) - Aquatic Invasive Macrophyte Surveys – Statewide, MA: Ms. Proko worked as a field scientist for comprehensive survey of aquatic macrophytes at multiple source and emergency reservoir areas jointly managed by MWRA and the DCR. Ms. Proko was responsible for identification of native and non-native aquatic plants at hundreds of survey points. Tasks included collection of data including baseline water quality, macrophyte community composition, vegetative cover, biomass/volume, and water depth. Town of Worcester – Algae and Cyanobacteria Monitoring for Coes Pond, Indian Lake, and Patch - Worchester MA. During the summers of 2018, 2019, and 2020, Ms. Proko assisted with understanding the ecology of three surface waterbodies the Town of Worcester manages: Coes Pond, Indian Lake, and Patch Reservoir. Ms. Proko collected water samples and other environmental data from the lakes between May and September of 2018 at varying frequencies. The data collected helped to provide a summary of the quantities and types of algae, cyanobacteria, and cyanotoxins that were present in these lakes during the summers of 2018, 2019, and 2020. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) – Harold Parker Field Pond Plant Mapping – Andover, MA: Ms. Proko assisted with mapping the occurrence of aquatic plants at Field Pond to evaluate the extent of invasive milfoil and fanwort growth prior to herbicide application. Town of Worcester – Indian Lake - Worchester MA. Indian lake is a popular recreational lake but suffers from recurring algae blooms that can result in beach closures if not addressed. Ms. Proko was responsible to visit Indian Lake on a weekly basis and make field observations, collect water samples, and report the laboratory data. Town of Wellesley – Phytoplankton and Water Quality Monitoring of Morses Pond – Wellesley, MA. Ms. Proko was responsible for in-lake water quality monitoring at Morses Pond, a 103-acre lake that provides numerous recreational opportunities but suffers from recurring algae blooms that can result in beach closures if not addressed. During the summer of 2017 Ms. Proko independently collected samples on a weekly basis. Also responsible for alerting the project manager when water quality conditions approached public health criteria, allowing the client to appropriately adjust their management program.

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Providence Water Supply Board – Limnological Studies of Five Reservoirs – Scituate, RI: Ms. Proko has assisted with regular water quality sampling within the Scituate reservoir between during 2017 and 2018. Ms. Proko also mapped the occurrence of aquatic plants throughout the reservoir, participated in sediment sample collection, and zooplankton collection. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation – Marshfield Ponds Hydrilla Management Surveys – Marshfield, MA: Conducted pre- and post-treatment aquatic vegetation surveys at Magoun, Oakman, Hatch, and Mounce Ponds to evaluate the effectiveness of herbicide treatments in decreasing the abundance of the invasive water weed Hydrilla. Town of Plymouth – Bartlett Pond Monitoring Program – Plymouth, MA: ESS was tasked to work with the town of Plymouth to address environmental eutrophication and harmful bacteriological concerns in the White Horse Beach/Bartlett Pond area as well as understand the Bartlett Pond ecosystem and potential pathogen and contaminant exposures that may impact population health. Ms. Proko assisted with biological observations, including aquatic plants, as well as the collection of water quality measurements and samples during the summer months. Ms. Proko also deployed and maintained data loggers in pond as well as the inlet and outlet of the pond. Aquarion Water Company – Watershed Assessments and Reservoir Mapping – Various Locations, CT. Field crew leader for multiple projects, including the assessment of reservoir and stream water quality and biological conditions in the Mianus and North Stamford watersheds, as well as aquatic plant mapping in multiple reservoirs located in southwestern Connecticut. As part of this work, Ms. Proko conducts water quality sampling, dry weather and stormwater stream sampling, measures stream flow, collects logger data and regularly coordinates with Aquarion staff to ensure successful completion of field program efforts. Providence Water Supply Board – Watershed Field Sampling and Analysis – Scituate, RI. Responsible for collecting and filtering water samples on a quarterly basis of seven sites within the Scituate Reservoir watershed as well as two samples at the P.J. Holton Water Purification Plant. Town of Norton – Implementation of Management Programs for Four Water Bodies, Norton, MA. Responsible for annual pre- and post-treatment aquatic plant mapping at Winnecunnet Pond, Norton Reservoir, and Chartley Pond in the town of Norton. The three ponds suffer from substantial infestations of exotic aquatic plants, including water chestnut, fanwort, Eurasian milfoil, and variable-leaf milfoil. Management programs for each pond were successfully permitted and implementation is currently underway. Winnecunnet Pond presented a significant management challenge, given its location within a designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern and state-listed freshwater mussel habitat, as well as the rapid flushing rate of the pond. The first granular fluridone treatment in Massachusetts state-listed freshwater mussel habitat was approved for Winnecunnet Pond and has been successfully implemented to date.