Town of Windham Town Offices 8 School Road Windham, Maine Cover Sheet File Number: CD 18-014

Agenda Date: 1/30/2018 Version: 1 Status: Agenda Ready

In Control: Town Council File Type: Discussion Item

Highland Lake Update.

The Council will hear updates on the current state of the scientific understanding of Highland Lake’s condition from Jeff Dennis, of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Don Kretchmer, of DK Water Resource Consulting, LLC from Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

Town of Windham Page 1 Printed on 1/26/2018 Town of Windham Town Offices 8 School Road Windham, Maine Cover Sheet File Number: CD 18-014

Agenda Date: 1/30/2018 Version: 1 Status: Draft

In Control: Town Council File Type: Discussion Item

Highland Lake Update.

Town of Windham Page 1 Printed on 1/25/2018 Highland Lake Summary Jeff Dennis and Linda Bacon Division of Environmental Assessment, Maine DEP September 2017

The following is a brief summary of the water quality history (1974 to 2016) of Highland Lake and of some of the efforts that have been taken to protect and improve that water quality. First there is a brief overview of the process of eutrophication. Next, a timeline is used to chronologically track relevant conditions and events. This is followed by discussions of the progression of water quality conditions in the lake and of the Total Maximum Daily Load Report (TMDL) that was completed in 2003.

Overview of Lake Eutrophication

Biological productivity refers to an ecosystem’s ability to support life. The term eutrophication refers to the progression of a biological system from a lower level of productivity to a higher level of productivity, or, from a lower trophic state to a higher trophic state. Lakes with low levels of productivity are referred to as oligotrophic, and lakes with high levels, eutrophic.

The Statutory Water Classification for Maine lakes, Class GPA, requires a stable or decreasing (improving) trophic state in lakes, and that lakes be free of culturally induced algal blooms that impair their use and enjoyment. In most instances the underlying reason for eutrophication of a system is an increase in the supply of essential nutrients to the system. In Maine lakes, the amount of phosphorus in the lake controls the amount of plant, particularly algae, production in the lake; the algae, as the primary food source in the system, control the amount of zooplankton and fish the system can support. Maine DEP considers late summer as baseline with respect to monitoring lakes for trophic stress.

The phytoplankton community in lakes changes with the seasons, a phenomenon referred to a as seasonal succession. In the spring after ice out phosphorus, silica and other nutrients are mixed into the water column from the bottom. The combination of these nutrients, particularly dissolved silica, and increasing light in the period around the solstice, result in abundant growth of diatoms, a type of algae where the cells are covered with silica (glass) cases. The diatoms “bloom” until they run out of silica, and when they die or crash, they strip the water of some phosphorus. In low productivity and moderate productivity lakes, the spring and early summer diatom bloom is the most productive time of the year – the time when algal densities and nutrients are highest and Secchi transparencies lowest. This is followed by a summer with low productivity and high transparencies. As lakes eutrophy, mechanisms come into play that return phosphorus to the water column after the diatom crash, and the level of algal production in the summer equals or exceeds that of the spring diatom bloom. Figure 1 illustrates the differences in algal succession and trophic characteristics.

Timeline

• 1974 to 76. DEP/USGS study established baseline trophic quality (level of algal production). Mean annual Secchi Disc Transparency (SDT) ranged from 5.7 m to 6.6 m, mean annual Total Phosphorus (TP) ranged from 7.2 ppb to 9.8 ppb.

• 1974 to 1986. Trophic parameters remain relatively stable, with mean SDT generally in the 6.5m to 7.0 m range. Limited Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) profiles show late summer oxygen depletion in the water below the bottom of the warm, well mixed surface layer (epilimnion). During these years, the highest algal production (lowest SDT and highest TP) occurred in the spring due to diatom blooms (an algal species that takes advantage of cool weather and silica recirculating during overturn). This phenomenon is typical of low productivity (oligotrophic) lakes. Highly productivite (eutrophic) lakes generally support cyanobacteria blooms (also known as blue-green algae) during mid to late summer as illustrated in Figure 1.

• 1987 to 1989. Over this three year period, mean SDT drops to a low of 4.0 m in 1989. Unfortunately, there was little to no TP data obtained during this period. It is likely that the increase in trophic level was at least in part a response to the high level of growth in residential development in the watershed during the 1980s.

• 1990. Highland Lake was listed as impaired in the 1990 Integrated Water Quality Report to EPA because of the late summer DO depletion. The reason for the impairment was later changed to include documented trend of increasing trophic state (i.e. increasing levels of algal production) based on the long term trend of decreasing transparency.

• 1990 to 1993. Mean SDT rebounded quickly from the low in 1989 and peaked in 1993 with mean SDT similar to the mid-70s, and highlighted by a maximum 10 m SDT in July. • 1994 to 2010. Average SDT dropped from the 1993 high to establish a new equilibrium condition at approximately 5.0 m, just above the state average. Mean TP appears to be stable around 10 ppb. The new equilibrium trophic condition is notably higher (more algae, lower SDT, higher TP) than in the baseline period in the 1970s and early 1980s and is characterized by generally more intense and quite severe depletion of deep water DO which starts earlier in the summer season. During most of this period, the highest algal production (lowest SDT and highest TP) continued to occur in the spring or fall, not in the summer, a condition typical of both low (oligotrophic) and moderate (mesotrophic) productivity lakes.

• 1997. Cumberland County SWCD working with Highland Lake Association volunteers performed a watershed survey which identified 104 erosion sites (phosphorus sources).

• 1999. Cumberland County SWCD incorporated the watershed survey into the Highland Lake Watershed Management Plan.

• 1999 to 2002. Cumberland County SWCD received and executed a DEP/EPA Nonpoint Source grant (Highland Lake, Phase 1) to install BMPs on both residential and road sites. The Highland Lake Youth Conservation Corps was established under this grant and installed BMPs on 88 sites from 2000 to 2002.

• 2003. DEP completed a required Total Maximum Daily Load Report (TMDL).

• 2004 to 2008. Cumberland County SWCD received and executed a DEP/EPA Nonpoint Source grant (Highland Lake, Phase 2) which addressed export of eroded sediment and phosphorus at 100 residential and road sites.

• 2005. Cumberland County completed an update of the Watershed Management Plan that incorporated all of the required elements of an EPA Watershed Based Plan and identified many new and/or additional sites that needed to be addressed in the watershed.

• 2008 to 2010. Cumberland County SWCD received and executed a DEP/EPA Nonpoint Source grant (Highland Lake, Phase 3) to implement BMPs on many of the sites identified in the updated Management Plan.

• 2010. DEP removed Highland Lake from the list of impaired waters because it had maintained a stable trophic state for more than 10 years, and thus met the statutory water quality criteria of having a stable or decreasing trophic state. • 2007 to 2017. The seasonal timing of algal production shifted first to a condition where productivity appears relatively even throughout the seasons, then to a condition where the most productive period is during the summer months. This latter condition is typical of higher productivity (eutrophic) lakes. During the latter half of this period mean TP rose, reaching 12 ppb in some years.

• 2014 to 2017. Highland Lake develops short term blue green algal blooms that result in SDTs of less than 2.0 m. Based on microscopic analysis at UNH, the blooming alga in at least one of these years is a type of blue green algae that is very small (1.0 to 2.0 microns, referred to a picoplankton) and is mostly solitary cells dispersed throughout the water (as opposed to more typical blue green bloomers that are larger and colonial). The blooms consistently start in the 3rd or 4th week in July and end in 1st or 2nd week in August. They are bracketed by SDTs of 4 m or more. Given the consistency of the timing, appearance and duration of the blooms it is likely all four years were picoplankton blooms.

Understanding the progression of trophic state in Highland Lake

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3 and in the timeline above, Highland Lake appears to have undergone significant eutrophication since 1974 when data was first collected on the lake. Some lakes have a natural trophic cycle that alternates between lower and higher states, but in this case, watershed development likely played and will continue to override any natural cycling. Secchi Disc Transparency is a strong, though indirect, measure of the amount of algae

Figure 2. Mean of Monthly Mean SDT in meters from 1974 to 2016.

Mean Secchi Disc Transparency, May thru October and July thru September 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 74 75 76 7778 79 80 8182 85 86 87 8889 90 91 9293 94 95 96 9798 99 00 0102 03 04 05 0607 08 09 1011 12 13 14 1516

Mean of Monthly Mean SDT, May - Oct (m) Mean of Monthly Mean SDT, July - Sept (m) suspended in the water, called phytoplankton. The more transparent the water column, the less algae present in the lake. Figure 2 shows how average transparency has dropped over the period of record, from around 6.5 to 7 m down to less than 5 m. Figure 3 illustrates average phosphorus concentrations in the lake over the same period. The phosphorus record is less continuous than the Secchi record, but it is still a strong data set which shows the progression of average total phosphorus concentrations from around 8 ppb in the mid-1970s to 10 ppb or more in recent years.

Figure 3. Mean of Monthly Mean TP in ppb from 1974 to 2016 for years with data.

Mean Total Phosphorus, May thru October and July thru September 16

0 74 75 76 88 91 92 98 99 00 01 02 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Mean of Monthly Mean TP, May - Oct (ppb) Mean of Monthly Mean TP, July - Sep (ppb)

As is frequently the case with eutrophying lakes, the change is not smooth and continuous. Highland Lake appears to have moved from a relatively stable low trophic state in the 1970s and early 1980s through a period of transitions with a low in 1989 and a high in 1993 to settle into a new, stable condition from the mid-1990s to 2007. This is followed by a period of increasing trophic state culminating in what is assumed to be picoplankton blooms in 2014 through 2017. Some, though certainly not all, of the variations in this progression of trophic change can be explained by weather. Figure 4 plots average SDT against amount of precipitation in May and June for each year. Years with high rain in the spring are likely to provide more phosphorus to the system at a time when the algae can most take advantage of it as compared to years that have relatively dry springs. Thus, some of the relatively more productive (lower transparency) years align with higher precipitation and vice-versa.

Figure 4. Late Spring Precipitation and Mean SDT.

May - June Precipitation and Mean Secchi Transparency 25 8.0 7.0 20 6.0

15 5.0 4.0 10 3.0 2.0 5 1.0 0 0.0

May - Jun Precip (in) Mean of Monthly Mean SDT, May - Oct (m)

The change in seasonal succession is evident in the Highland Lake data set. In Figure 2, the blue line represents the average Secchi transparency for the period of May through October in each year. The red line represents the average for July through September. When the red line is above the blue line it indicates that the clearest water with the least algae is occurring during the summer months. When the blue line is on top the cloudiest water with the most algae is occurring during the summer. In the relatively stable period in the 1970s and early 1980’s, the difference between the lines is large (in 1979 and 1981 there were no spring readings), with the clearest water in the summer time. As the lake transitions to the stable, but more productive period between 1995 and 2007, the clearest water is still generally in the summer, but the difference is much less. From 2008 to 2011 there is virtually no difference between the average summer transparencies and the spring and fall transparencies. After 2011, the summer becomes the least clear and most productive period, a seasonal succession pattern typical of high productivity lakes. In Figure 3, the phosphorus data suggests the same transition, with summer TP concentrations being lowest in the summer during the early years and highest during the summer in the recent years.

The TMDL

As mentioned in the Timeline, DEP completed a required Total Maximum Daily Load Report (TMDL) on Highland Lake in 2003. The purpose of the report was to determine (1) the phosphorus load that would result in the target in-lake phosphorus condition of 10 ppb and (2) the reduction in current load necessary to achieve and maintain that target concentration. The target lake concentration of 10 ppb was selected because the lake’s phosphorus concentration over the previous decade had been stable at about 10 ppb (mean of 10.1 ppb) and the goal of the TMDL was to maintain this stable trophic condition.

Unfortunately, the TMDL misrepresented the situation. The report used a lake response model to estimate the target load, but a different model, a land use classification and coefficient model, to estimate the current load to the lake. Both of these models have substantial potential error associated with them, particularly the land use based model. Because the land- based model estimated the current load at 441 kg/yr, 53% higher the lake response model’s estimate of the target load, the resulting TMDL indicated that in order to meet the target concentration of 10 ppb the load to the lake would have to be reduced by approximately 30%, despite the fact that the lake was already at the target concentration. Subsequent lake TMDLs on other lakes addressed this problem by using the same model to define the target load and the current load.

A more appropriate TMDL would have recognized that the current load as virtually equivalent to the target load, but, given expected growth in the watershed and associated increases in phosphorus loading to the lake, applied a reasonable margin of safety (a standard part of TMDL calculations) to make room for expected increases in load and recommended actions to lower the current phosphorus load to the lake. The Phosphorus Control Action Plan associated with the 2003 TMDL and the ensuing 2005 updated Watershed Based Plan do just that.

Final Thoughts

With the exception of data collected in 1974 through 1976, the great majority of the Secchi transparency and phosphorus data presented in this summary was collected by the Highland Lake volunteer monitors, particularly Ralph Johnston and Keith Williams. The relatively simple analysis presented here could be enhanced by the addition of some other data sets, particularly chlorophyll, and by a more in depth statistical evaluation, but, given recent events in the town and the watershed, it was deemed better to do a quick analysis with the data that was most available and get the information out where interested parties could use it. Our understanding of the nature of the picoplankton bloom is particularly weak, both in terms of its characterization and of the underlying factors which control it. More study on this front is needed in order to plot the best path forward for Highland Lake.

Don Kretchmer CLM DK Water Resource Consulting LLC 45 Red Brook Circle Wolfeboro, NH 03894

December 17, 2017

Rosie Hartzler and Board of Directors Highland Lake Association Rosie Hartzler

RE: Highland Lake Science Roundtable.

Dear Rosie Hartzler and Board of Directors:

The following summary of the December 1, 2017 Science Roundtable on Highland Lake has been prepared for the board of directors of the Highland Lake Association. Highland Lake is an important resource to the region and well worth the stewardship required to protect it. This represents fulfillment of the first subtask under Task 1 of the proposal submitted by DK Water Resource Consulting LLC on November 1, 2017. Jeff Dennis prepared a summary of historic Highland Lake water quality dated September 20, 2017. Some of the information from that report is included by reference below but the bulk of the report is not repeated. That report should be consulted as background material that laid the groundwork for the Science Roundtable. This summary was presented to the Highland Lake Board of Directors on December 14, 2017.

In recent years, a small species of cyanobacteria (picocyanobacteria or PC) has been observed in Highland Lake. Over the past 4 years, the PC species has reached much higher densities than previously observed. From mid-July to mid-August of 2014 -2017, densities of the PC were sufficient to reduce water transparency from approximately 5 meters before and after this period to 2 meters during this period. Reports of lake users during this period suggest that the lake looks “cloudy.’ This has been characterized as a “bloom.” The nature, origins and control of this “bloom” was the focus of the Science Roundtable discussion.

The PC “bloom” has been characterized as being comprised primarily of a single celled cyanobacteria of the genus Synechoccus. This is the only known “bloom” of this genus in New England although this genus is commonly present in lakes. Identification of the particular species or groups of species comprising the bloom will take additional analysis. DNA fingerprinting was discussed as possible cost effective way to identify the individual species. Bigelow labs has the capability to perform such fingerprinting. During the onset of the “bloom” both chlorophyll a (a measure of the greenness of the water) and total phosphorus (the most critical nutrient in lakes) concentrations were relatively low perhaps suggesting that the PC were obtaining phosphorus from another source. The shallow sediments were suggested as a possibility.

The initial part of the science roundtable was focused on what information was known. This included the following:

1. There is currently a very long and detailed water quality data set available for Highland Lake thanks to the volunteer monitoring team led by Keith Williams. This puts Highland Lake in strong position for identifying and characterizing changes in water quality.

2. Work from Steve Norton of the University of Maine suggests that the deep sediments of highland Lake are currently not a large source of phosphorus due to the amount of aluminum in the soils in the Highland Lake watershed. Aluminum holds onto phosphorus and keeps it in the sediments even when oxygen is depleted in the overlying water (oxygen depletion in deep waters is observed in Highland Lake).

3. Increased development pressure without aggressive phosphorus controls will add additional phosphorus to Highland Lake.

4. The populations of adult and young alewives have increased in recent years due to the re-establishment of the natural run. Adult alewives live in the ocean and run into freshwater lakes and ponds to spawn in the spring to early summer. They then return to salt water over the summer. Young alewives hatch in the lake and grow to approximately 3 inches over the summer and then leave the lake for the ocean in the late summer or early fall. Rosie Hartzler and Board of Directors December 17, 2017 Page 2

5. Highland Lake has experience warmer summers in recent years with a longer growing season.

The second part of the science roundtable identified important pieces of the story that are currently unknown and highlighted a number of questions to be answered. These included:

1. Do the PC pick up phosphorus from the sediment surface and then transport this phosphorus up to the surface layers of the lake?

2. Where are the PC in the water column? We know they are in the surface layers but are they in other layers as well?

3. Do food chain effects make the bloom worse?

a. Is zooplankton grazing on algae (and PC) reduced in the summer?

b. Do alewives transport phosphorus to the lake, make phosphorus available through excretion, reduce zooplankton population?

c. What is the role of other fish species in the lake on the “bloom?”

4. Is warming making the “bloom” worse?

5. Is the “bloom” toxic? If so, under what conditions is it toxic and what toxins are present?

6. What is the species(s) responsible for the “bloom?”

7. What is the current phosphorus budget for Highland Lake? Where is the phosphorus coming from currently and how is that likely to change in the future?

There was considerable discussion of possible scientific reasons for the PC “bloom” on Highland Lake. Many of these hypotheses need to be tested through specific testing and analysis in the coming months and years. It is likely that there are a number of contributing factors to the “bloom.” A combination of the factors will likely need to be addressed to reduce the “bloom.”

1. The PC “bloom” is fueled by phosphorus wither from the water column, the sediments or both.

2. Biological interactions in Highland Lake make the bloom worse or more persistent.

3. Warming has made lake conditions more favorable for blooms.

The final portion of the science roundtable focused on what the next steps were and what needed to be done. These included:

1. Fill gaps in the data that will help understand the factors contributing to the PC “bloom.” To that end, the science group should reconvene to set up monitoring priorities for 2018 and beyond.

2. Control phosphorus. There are no future scenarios where additional phosphorus loading will make the situation better. A goal might be to keep in-lake phosphorus concentrations consistently below 10 ug/l. Reevaluation of the watershed planning efforts from the early 2000’s would be worthwhile to see what is working, what is not working and to inventory new potential sources that did not exist when the plan was developed.

3. Evaluate alewife (and other fish species) impact further.

a. This might include population estimates, timing of migrations and impacts on the zooplankton community. One of the tools that may be helpful is bioenergetics (already being used by University of Southern Maine to answer questions on Highland Lake)

b. Evaluate data from other similar lakes to Highland lake both with and without alewife populations.

4. Apply for grant funding to help pay for future efforts to understand and control the PC “bloom.” One potential source of funding is the Mitchell Center. It is highly recommended that the Highland Lake Association and collaborating researchers apply for funding this year. Rosie Hartzler and Board of Directors December 17, 2017 Page 3

The level of concern and the talent of the board and committees of the Highland Lake Association is not common among lake associations. That coupled with the interest from the academic and regulatory community greatly increases the chances that the origins of this bloom will be determined and the lake association will be able to take the actions necessary to reduce or eliminate it. I applaud your continuing efforts.

I appreciate the opportunity to work with you on this project. Please feel free to contact me at 603-569-4100 (office), at 603-387-0532 (mobile) or via email at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Don Kretchmer CLM Principal DK Water Resources Consulting LLC

DK Water Resource Consulting LLC

DK Water Resource Consulting LLC (DK) was formed in 2013 by Don Kretchmer, a Certified Lake Manager with 30 years of experience in lake and reservoir management. DK provides expertise in aquatic ecology to complex water resource challenges. The guiding philosophy of the company is to provide technically appropriate, cost effective management solutions that are justified by sound science. As an independent consultant, DK brings an unbiased perspective to the evaluation of the full universe of potential lake and watershed solutions. A few highlights relative to Don Kretchmer’s experience are:

• Modeling and watershed-based nutrient budget development for 30 impaired New Hampshire Lakes as a part of the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for those lakes. • Has modeled over 75 lakes nationwide using LLRM and developed numerous improvements and enhancements to the LLRM model. • Recent watershed planning for twelve lakes. • Water quality studies on numerous Maine lakes including several in the vicinity of Highland Lake (Sebago and upstream lakes in the Sebago watershed). • Participated in Highland Lake science forum and reviewed much of the historical data on Highland Lake. Recently presented a summary of current issues relative to Highland Lake to the board of the Highland Lake Association.

Don Kretchmer has successfully completed hundreds of lake and reservoir projects throughout New England and across the country. He is particularly effective at presenting complicated information to regulatory and lay audiences and developing the stakeholder consensus that is essential to moving projects forward through permitting and in the court of public opinion. Having worked as a volunteer water quality chair and watershed planning steering committee member for the Wentworth Watershed Association for the past 18 years, he recognizes the challenges of providing guidance and support that results in usable work products from consultants and contractors.

45 Red Brook Circle Wolfeboro, NH 03894 603-569-4100 (office) DK Water Resource Consulting LLC 603-387-0532 (mobile) [email protected]

Donald W. Kretchmer Principal Water Resource Scientist Technical Specialties

• Watershed and water supply protection • Lake, river and estuarine water quality and flow • Surface water discharges, stormwater and TMDLs • Ecological restoration • Fisheries and aquatic biology

Professional History

• DK Water Resource Consulting LLC: 2013-present • ENSR/AECOM: 2006-2014 • Normandeau Associates, Inc.: 1987-2006 • Alliance Technologies Corp. (TRC): 1986-1987 • University of Wisconsin Center for Limnology: 1985-1986 • Cornell Biological Field Station: 1982-1984 • New York State Resource Information Laboratory: 1981-1982

Education

• M.S. (Water Resources Management) University of Wisconsin-Madison • B.S. (Natural Resources) Cornell University

Registrations and Affiliations

• North American Lake Management Society • Certified Lake Manager, Nation-wide • OSHA 40 hour HAZWOPER Certified • Lake Wentworth Association, Director 2005-2011, Water Quality Chair 2002-2016, Watershed Management Steering Committee 2010-present. • NHDES subcommittee on Lake Water Quality Standards 2009-2012. • NHDES subcommittee on Wetland Water Quality Standards 2012-present

Mr. Kretchmer has over 30 years of experience as a water resource scientist and limnologist, specializing in water quality, aquatic ecology and fisheries. His experience includes aquatic ecosystem restoration and watershed management, nutrient and dissolved oxygen monitoring and modeling in lakes, streams reservoirs and estuaries, instream flow, environmental policy, environmental impact assessment, permitting, natural resource damage assessment, TMDL development and designing and implementing monitoring and restoration plans. He has significant experience in QAPP preparation, data interpretation, public presentation of findings and reporting. He has worked at hundreds of estuarine, lake, reservoir, river and stream sites across the country. Throughout his career he has worked with local and regional groups, State and federal agencies, private industry, utilities, university researchers, advocacy groups and citizens. He is a Certified Lake Manager.

DK Water Resource Consulting LLC Lake and Watershed Management

Horseshoe Pond Stormwater Impact Evaluation, NH. Principal Limnologist. Currently evaluating the impact of changes in stormwater inflow to a small eutrophic urban oxbow lake. The stormwater flows are expected to influence water levels, flushing rate and nutrient loading to the pond. Each of the aspects has the potential to change the productivity (algal and macrophyte growth) in the pond and may require a variety of best management practices to offset those changes that result in a projected decline in water quality.

Weirs Beach Watershed Implementation Plan, NH. Principal Limnologist. Currently evaluating water quality data and estimating nutrient loading to a highly developed sub-watershed of Lake Winnipesaukee. Several highly visible infiltration and detention BMPs are proposed to address local sources of phosphorus to this very popular area of the lake.

Moultonborough Bay Watershed Plan, NH. Principal Limnologist. Evaluated water quality data and estimating nutrient loading to an embayment of Lake Winnipesaukee using a linked watershed/lake model. Model results formed the basis of a watershed plan for the basin. Project included an inventory of sources, potential best management practices and a schedule for implementation of nutrient reduction practices and techniques.

Pleasant Lake Watershed Management Plan, NH. Principal Limnologist. Prepared a watershed management plan for nutrients for Pleasant Lake, a small pristine lake in Southeastern NH using modeling to inform the process. While reduction of existing sources are a component of the plan, preservation of water quality through institutional controls is critical to maintain water quality in the future.

Lake Waukewan/Winona Watershed Plan. NH. Principal Limnologist. Responsible for evaluating current limnological conditions and developing a linked watershed/lake model of a two lake system used for both recreation and water supply. Model was used to predict likely changes in water quality related to installation of watershed BMPs. Other issues included water level control, algal blooms and critical lands protection. Results were presented to stakeholders and the watershed plan has become blueprint for management of the lakes in the future.

Durham Ponds Diagnostic and Restoration Study, NH. Principal Limnologist. Evaluated water quality in three eutrophic freshwater coastal ponds and developed recommendations for restoration measures in the ponds and watersheds. Ponds serve as local resources as well as critical buffers between the city of Durham and Great Bay, a significant coastal resource for New Hampshire. All the ponds have excessive aquatic plant and algal growth. Because of the proximity of the ponds to the estuary, both phosphorus and nitrogen control were accounted for.

Sophie’s Pond Aquatic Plant Management. Developed and implemented a sampling plan for nutrients and aquatic plants in a pond with thick stands of invasive plants and a history of winterkill. Developed a management plan for the pond that was implemented and successful in controlling Eurasian watermilfoil while maintaining a clear water state for the pond.

Great Pond Watershed Study, Ct. Project Limnologist. Evaluated a eutrophic pond located in a developed office park slated for redevelopment. Built a linked watershed-pond model to assess numerous scenarios for development. Ultimately a plan for redevelopment and pond management was chosen that was protective of the pond water quality.

Province Lake Watershed Study, NH. Senior Technical Reviewer. Reviewed watershed and lake modeling to be used to develop a watershed plan for a shallow recreational lake that has experienced periodic cyanobacteria blooms.

Page 2 Donald W. Kretchmer

DK Water Resource Consulting LLC

Black Brook Watershed Plan, NH. Project Manager. Developed a watershed management plan for a subwatershed of Lake Winnisquam, a multi-basin lake with a watershed that encompasses a large portion of the Lakes Region of NH. Project involved modeling Lake Winnisquam, determining watershed loading from Black Brook, developing targets and structural and institutional BMPs to meet the targets. Model can be readily applied to other subwatersheds.

Lake Wentworth Association, Water Quality Lead, NH. As volunteer water quality chair for the association have performed routine water quality monitoring and targeted water quality investigations including water quality impact of invasive plant management techniques for 18 years, supervised interns and volunteers, presented at annual meetings and for school groups and have completed a watershed planning effort that included grant proposals, technical assistance and stakeholder input. Currently working on watershed plan implementation.

Granite Lake Watershed Plan. Directed the preparation of a watershed plan to address known threats to a high quality lake. A recent cyanobacteria bloom was the impetus for the study which included a comprehensive look at all watershed sources as well as potential future sources of nutrients and the potential lake response to those nutrients. Issues included septic systems, water level management, shoreline and watershed development. The final plan included engineered solutions to storm water problems as well as planning recommendations, public education and land preservation.

Ticklenaked Pond Internal Loading and Watershed Investigation, Vt. Led project to evaluate whether pond with internal nutrient loading problem had attained sufficient control of watershed sources of phosphorus to conduct a sediment phosphorus inactivation project. Watershed loading is currently dominated by agricultural sources. Assessment suggested that additional watershed control would greatly enhance the longevity of phosphorus inactivation with aluminum.

Santuit Pond Diagnostic/Feasibility Study, Mashpee, MA. Lead Scientist. Monitored water and watershed quality for a lake on Cape Cod to diagnose the cause of a precipitous decline in water quality. Issues included cranberry bogs, watershed development, cyanobacteria and internal nutrient loading. Solutions evaluated included artificial circulation, nutrient inactivation and watershed management.

City of Delevan, Wisconsin, Delavan Lake Recovery and Management Study, Delevan, Wisconsin. Member of an interdisciplinary team assembled to develop a recovery plan for Delavan Lake, a eutrophic southern Wisconsin lake dominated by rough fish. Responsible for development of management alternatives, assessment of the fisheries and development of a model to predict probable lake responses to reductions in phosphorus loading. Included a thorough review of existing steady-state phosphorus models and application of the most appropriate model(s). Recommendations were implemented by Wisconsin DNR and lake condition greatly improved.

Silver Lake Land Trust, Silver Lake Consultation, NH. Provided training in stormwater sampling, evaluating lake impact and assisting in the development of best management practices for a critical portion of the watershed that includes camp roads, state roads and public access areas.

Pawtuckaway Lake Advisory Committee, Pawtuckaway Lake Consultation, NH. Provided assistance with grant writing and interpretation of water quality data as it relates to fish stocking, water level drawdown and nutrient loading.

Town of Dublin, Dublin Lake Consultations, NH. Looked at alternatives for milfoil prevention and control, non-point source nutrient control alternatives related to a highway right-of-way, road salt impacts and lake limnology.

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DK Water Resource Consulting LLC

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Onondaga Lake Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan, NY. Prepared a plan to compensate the citizens of the Syracuse area and New York State for injury to the natural resources of Onondaga Lake and the associated river downstream. Injury is attributable to releases of hazardous and non-hazardous substances over a century. Restoration projects for natural resource damages are ongoing. Also provided technical assistance in the preparation of a recreation damage assessment for the system.

Squam Lake, Rattlesnake Cove Turbidity Study, NH. The contribution of dredging and land clearing at development site on water quality in Rattlesnake Cove and connected Squam Lake was determined. Project resulted in mitigation of existing turbidity problems to the satisfaction of local officials, state officials, and the developer and development of a plan to avoid future problems.

David Larson, Private Pond Assessment, Ma. Provided expert report for an abutter in an appeal of a comprehensive permit for the development of a 48 unit subdivision adjacent to sensitive wetlands and a pond. Appeal was successful and development did not proceed as proposed.

New Hampshire Office of the Attorney General, State v. Epiphany Farms and Norris Harriman Construction, NH. Provided expert testimony for state attorney general in case involving the destruction of 12 acres of wetland tributary to Lake Wentworth, NH. Case settled with civil penalty and order to restore wetlands.

City of Bristol, Birge Pond Diagnostic/Feasibility Study, Ct. Conducted a watershed and in- lake study to determine the causes of eutrophication of an urban lake and developed a plan to remedy the situation. Pond is centerpiece of city conservation land.

Massachusetts Department of Public Works, Generic Environmental Impact Assessment of Road Salt Use, Ma. Developed a model of lake sensitivity to density induced stratification from road salt accumulation using existing lake database consisting of over 100 lakes in Massachusetts.

Township of Lacey, Lacey Lakes Restoration Study, NJ. Responsible for the diagnosis of the causes of water quality and aquatic ecological problems in four eutrophic, aquatic plant dominated lakes and developing a restoration plan for mitigation of those problems. Included extensive public outreach and coordination with state and local resource agencies.

State of Vermont, Control of Internal Loading in St. Albans Bay, VT. Managed project to look at alternatives for accelerating the recovery of eutrophic St. Albans Bay. External nutrient inputs have been reduced but water quality in the Bay has not improved. Evaluated controlling internal loading through phosphorus inactivation, dredging and mixing as well as other alternatives. Alum treatment was determined to be promising but only after reduction of watershed loading.

City of Lynn, Ma, Sluice, Flax and Floating Bridge Ponds (MA), Lynn, Ma. Responsible for the prediction of the water quality impacts associated with the restoration of three mesoeutrophic lakes. Review of the proposed project resulted in a major reorientation of the restoration effort.

City of Bedford , Ma, Fawn Lake Diagnostic/Feasibility Study, Bedford, Ma. Supervised and planned all limnological sampling, developed nutrient budgets, evaluated lake problems, identified remedial alternatives and evaluated alternative feasibility for Fawn Lake in Bedford, MA. Presented options for rehabilitation at public meetings and incorporated public comments into final report.

St. Pauls School, Turkey Pond Restoration., NH. Collected and evaluated limnological data on four shallow eutrophic ponds with excessive macrophyte growth. Provided recommendations to mitigate problems and enhance recreational use while preserving pond ecology.

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Alcoa, Yadkin Water Quality Studies, NC. Evaluated the limnology of a river and reservoir system (four impoundments) as a part of a relicensing effort. Issues addressed during this multi- year study included operational water levels, nutrient enrichment, temperature, dissolved oxygen dynamics and mitigation of dissolved oxygen problems. Project used the alternative licensing process which required extensive coordination with Federal, state, local, NGO, lake associations and business stakeholders. Project included extensive written and public presentations as well as provision of a sworn deposition describing the work completed.

Lake Ontario Shoreline Mapping, NY. Served as a senior technical advisor for a project to map the NY portion of the Lake Ontario shoreline as a part of two separate projects. One project focuses on tying the elevation of the current shoreline protective structures to the water level and the second is focused on developing estimates of shoreline recession. Both projects provided information to be used in discussions over proposed new water level rule curves for Lake Ontario.

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Dam Inventory and Evaluation, MA. Managed project that included evaluation of 250 dams and associated lakes and reservoirs currently owned or operated by MADCR. Inventory included identification of current and potential future uses including safety, flood control, removal, water supply, instream uses, lake ecology, recreation and power production. A plan for the dams and associated river reaches was prepared along with a series of priority lists for management.

Town of Franklin, Resource Evaluation of Four Reservoirs, MA. Evaluated the current use, fisheries, water quality and sediment conditions in four eutrophic aquatic plant dominated urban impoundments in Franklin, Ma. Presented assessment of options for future management including dam removal/stream restoration, dredging and sediment management.

Tennessee Valley Authority, Water Quality Section of Reservoir Operating Study EIS, TN. Alternatives for the future management of water levels, water quality, transportation, flood control and recreation throughout the entire TVA system were evaluated. Metrics for the evaluation of water quality and aquatic ecology in over 40 reservoirs, tailwaters and free-flowing sections were developed and used to estimate impacts from reservoir management alternatives.

USACE Walla Walla District, Snake River Water Quality and Productivity Study, WA, ID. Documented limnology and primary productivity of Lower Snake River through a multi-year monitoring program to support a modeling effort. Model demonstrated potential changes in primary and secondary productivity associated with the potential removal of four large hydropower dams and reservoirs on the Lower Snake River. Results were a critical part of a larger EIS evaluating anadromous fish movement throughout the system.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Onondaga Lake Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan, NY. Prepared a plan to compensate the citizens of the Syracuse area and New York State for injury to the natural resources of Onondaga Lake and the associated river downstream. Injury is attributable to releases of hazardous and non-hazardous substances over nearly a century. Restoration projects for natural resource damages are ongoing. Provided technical assistance in preparation of a recreation damage assessment for the system.

Confidential Client, Natural Resource Damage Restoration Plan, NY. Developed natural resource restoration design and participated in negotiations with trustees for a chemical site on a highly industrial major tidal river in New York State. Issues include sediment contamination and loss of flora and fauna related to those sediments. Settlement reached with trustees to restore ecological benefits.

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DK Water Resource Consulting LLC TMDLs

High Rock Lake TMDL Modeling Review, NC. Currently reviewing watershed and reservoir model developed to support a TMDL for High Rock Lake. Particular focus is on nutrient, phytoplankton and dissolved oxygen dynamics. Goal is to ensure that the model accurately represents the loading regime of High Rock Lake and results in a fair and achievable allocation to all sources.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Impaired Water Assessments, MA. Senior Technical Advisor. Project quantifying DOTs contribution to water quality impairments waters throughout the state. Parameters range from nutrients and chloride to bacteria and metals. Evaluation includes an assessment of TMDL compliance where TMDLs have been completed as well as documentation of existing BMPs and proposal of new BMPs when warranted.

USEPA Region 1, NH Lakes TMDL Development, NH. Project manager/Principal limnologist. Completed TMDLs for 30 lakes listed as impaired for nutrient enrichment and 152 lakes listed as impaired for pH in New Hampshire using watershed GIS and in-lake models. In addition, project team developed a methodology for the completion of TMDLs for acid impaired stream segments and assessed the link between acid and aluminum impairments in lakes and streams. These TMDLs encompass a significant percentage of the impaired assessment units in NH.

USEPA Region 1, TMDL Innovations Project, New England. As project manager role was to facilitate meetings with EPA and State personnel to discuss challenges and problem solving approaches associated with stormwater TMDLs. Included several critical tasks in support of the stormwater TMDL innovations project including interviewing New England State TMDL coordinators regarding TMDL priorities and innovative techniques for completing TMDLs, development of a pilot watershed based TMDL for pathogen impairment in Maine and evaluating and presenting innovative TMDL projects from across the country.

City of Waco, Texas, Lake Waco Management Plan. Evaluated the influence of fisheries and agriculture (primarily dairy) on water quality as a part of a large TMDL implementation project for Lake Waco, the water supply for the City of Waco and an important regional recreational reservoir. With over 60,000 dairy cows in the watershed meeting the loading target for the TMDL is a challenge.

Barr Lake/Milton Reservoir Watershed Plan, CO. Developed portions of a nutrient TMDL related to a larger effort that involved comprehensive watershed planning and modeling. The two reservoirs are dominated by treated effluent either that either directly enter the waterbodies or are diverted from the South Platte River which is also dominated by wastewater. Evaluated scenarios for load reduction that would result in the reservoirs meeting water quality use objectives.

Development of a Comprehensive Watershed Water Quality Model and TMDL for the Reedy River, SC. Provided senior review and oversight for the development of a nutrient TMDL for the Reedy River. A TMDL allocation was calculated for the Reedy River based on a water quality model developed for total phosphorus, total nitrogen and algal growth. Water quality data were collected to support the modeling effort and physical, chemical and ecological components of the system were described.

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Water Supply Evaluation and Protection

Roaring Brook Reservoir Management Plan, NH. Lake Manager. Developing a watershed management plan for the city of Keene, NH to protect two drinking water reservoirs. The plan will use reservoir and watershed modeling to evaluate the influence of potential future watershed changes related to development pressure, climate change, forestry practices and recreational use on reservoir water quality. Nutrient enrichment and associated algal growth and increases in treatment costs are a particular concern.

Newburyport Water Supply Reservoir Watershed Plan, MA. Principal Limnologist. Prepared a water quality protection plan for four reservoirs used as drinking water. Plan elements included monitoring, watershed protection, watershed and lake modeling, invasive species control, sediment evaluation and operational control. Objectives included providing high quality finished water while controlling treatment costs as well as allowing for other uses of the reservoirs.

Glades Reservoir Water Supply EIS, GA. Water Quality Lead. Evaluating potential water quality impacts of construction of a new pump-storage reservoir on the Chattahoochee River and downstream reservoirs. Includes evaluation of scenarios through modeling and development of a watershed-lake model of the new reservoir to predict future water quality. Provided senior review of instream flow studies. Results will be incorporated in an environmental impact statement.

Black Brook Water Quality Monitoring for Water Supply Protection, NH. Principal Limnologist. Evaluated water quality above and below a major construction project on a brook that discharges to Paugus Bay, the water supply for Laconia, NH. Results were used to adaptively manage the construction site to minimize contamination of the brook and Paugus Bay.

Manchester Water Works, Lake Massabesic Watershed Management Plan., NH. Prepared a comprehensive watershed management plan for the water supply for the City of Manchester, NH. Project incorporated transportation, limnology, land use, spill prevention, water quality data, ground data and planning information.

Portland Water District, Sebago Lake Water Quality Consultations, Me. Provided limnological expertise to the Portland Water District with regard to the maintenance of Sebago Lake as a high quality drinking water supply without filtration. Issues included intake water quality, septic systems, lake use, shoreline erosion, water level management and watershed protection.

Lake Sunapee Property Rights and Conservation Association, Sunapee Harbor Water Quality Investigation, NH. Evaluated the impact of recreational swimming within Sunapee Harbor on the concentrations of Cryptosporidum sp. and Giardia sp. oocyst concentrations in the Village of Sunapee drinking water intake. Testified before NH Water Council.

SAPPI, Sebago Lake Near-shore Water Quality Study., Me. Evaluated the impact of fluctuating water levels due to hydropower operations on nearshore water quality and attached algal growth in a lake used for drinking water.

Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine Turnpike Environmental Impact Statement, Maine. Quantified impacts of widening of the Maine Turnpike from 4 to 6 lanes. Monitored and modeled chloride concentrations in groundwater as well as movement of chloride from the highway corridor to protect streams and private wells.

Fisheries Studies

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Trout Stream Inventory and Habitat Evaluations, PA. Project Biologist. Performed multi-year assessment of fisheries populations, water quality and habitat in six trout streams in eastern Pennsylvania. Streams are all affiliated with current or proposed bottled water operations at natural spring sites and evaluations are designed to measure the impact of flow reductions on the streams by conducting electrofishing, water quality sampling and habitat evaluations above and below the points of withdrawal.

Turtle Creek Reservoir Fisheries Restoration Plan, IN. Project Lead. Issues which have likely affected the largemouth bass fishery in this constructed cooling water reservoir include: accumulation of selenium, elevated temperatures and temperature fluctuations, loss of deepwater refugia due to anoxia, eutrophication and associated algal blooms and loss of submerged aquatic vegetation, competition from other fish species, and predation by other fish species. Report outlined both short term and long term recommendations to aid in the recovery of the fishery.

National Science Foundation, Cascading Trophic Interactions in Four Northern Wisconsin Lakes, Wisconsin and Michigan. Investigated effects of changes in fish assemblages on trophic level interactions within lakes and ultimately the effects of those changes on the primary productivity and nutrient cycling in lakes. Responsible for supervision of fisheries field work, fall and winter limnological sampling, bioenergetics modeling of largemouth bass and the development of a computer based system for processing of zooplankton samples.

Oneida Lake Water Quality and Fisheries, Bridgeport, NY. As part of a multi-year study, collected weekly limnological samples and quantified fish population through use of a variety of gear. Data collected was a part of a 20+ year data collection effort used to actively manage the lake and establish long-term trends in water quality and fisheries. Conducted specific research on feeding preferences of young-of-the-year fishes and lamprey induced mortality of fishes.

Confidential Client, Aquatic Resource Investigation Review, Ms. Reviewed and provided guidance relative to trustee evaluation of impacted biota (fish and shellfish) and monetary compensation for those biota. Biota were impacted by a major spill of oxygen consuming substances in the freshwater portion of a large river that drains to the Gulf of Mexico.

RETEC, Deschutes River Natural Resource Damage Assessment for BNSF, OR. Directed a rapid-response team mobilized to evaluate impacts of a diesel spill to fisheries, water quality and macroinvertebrates utilizing a plan developed on-site within 24 hours of the spill. Was responsible for developing consensus among at least 10 major state federal and tribal trustees on the adequacy of both the response and restoration efforts on this premier anadromous trout and salmon river.

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Publications and Presentations

Kretchmer, D.W. and L. Doner. 2015. Lake Wentworth, NH, How Good Were the Good Old Days? Presented at the 35th Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Kretchmer, D.W. 2015. Watershed Management, A 360º View. Presented at the 2015 New England Association of Environmental Biologist Conference, Bartlett, NH.

Kretchmer, D.W. and W Arcieri. 2013. Phosphorus and Nitrogen Management in Coastal Pond Watersheds to Meet Different Objectives. Presented at the 33rd Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society, San Diego, California

Kretchmer, D.W. and A. Pratt. 2012. Piecemeal Watershed Management: Tackling Large Watersheds One Bite at a Time. Presented at the 32nd Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society, Madison, Wisconsin.

Kretchmer, D.W. 2012. Watershed Management. Presented at the 2012 NYS Federation of Lake Associations annual meeting. Hamilton, NY.

Kretchmer, D.W. 2011. Looking at Watershed Planning from Both Sides of the Table. Presented at the 31st Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society, Spokane, Wa.

Kretchmer, D.W. 2011. The Role of Fish in Lake Management. Lakeline. Volume 31, Number 2 p 29-33.

Kretchmer, D.W. 2010. Granite Lake: Watershed Planning for a High Quality Lake. Presented at the 30th Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Kretchmer, D.W., S. MacDougall, A. Basile and K. Wagner. 2009. 30 Lake TMDL’s in New Hampshire, 30 Different Stories. Presented at the 29th Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society. Hartford, CT.

Kretchmer, D.W., K. Wagner and T. Conry. 2008. Management Options for Lake Waco. Presented at the 28th Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.

Wagner, K.W. and D. Kretchmer. 2008. Nutrient Loading to Lake Waco in a Variable Climate. Presented at the 28th Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Kretchmer, D.W. 2007. Lake Management Research Priorities from the Perspective of Lake Residents and Lake Users. Presented at the 30th Congress of the International Society of Theoretical and Applied Limnology. Montreal, Canada

Kretchmer, D. W., K. Wagner and S. MacDougall. 2007. The Use of Models of Medium Scale to Conduct Lake Nutrient TMDLs. Presented at the 27th Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society. Orlando, FL.

Parasiewicz, P., T. Ballestero and D. Kretchmer. 2005. Instream Flow Studies and Watershed Management Plan for the Souhegan River. Presented at the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) conference in Portland, Me. July 2005.

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Juul S. and D.W. Kretchmer. 2000. Lateral and Vertical Total Dissolved Gas Concentrations within the Priest Rapids, Washington Hydroelectric Project. Presented at the 20th Annual Meeting of the North American Lake Management Society. November 2000.

Kretchmer, D.W., J. King, D. Ford and P. Massirer. 1998. Predictions Regarding the Aquatic System in the Lower Snake River after Dam Removal and Stabilization. Presented at the 18th Annual Meeting of The North American Lake Management Society November 10-13, 1998.

Frost, T.M., L.E. Graham, J.E. Elias, M.J. Haase, D.W. Kretchmer and J.A. Kranzfelder. 1997. A yellow-green algal symbiont in the freshwater sponge Corvomeyenia everetti: convergent evolution of symbiotic associations. Freshwater Biology 38:395-399

Kretchmer, D.W., J. King and T. Hutchins. 1993. Ice Fishing on a Public Water Supply: Are There Impacts? Presented at 13th Annual Meeting of the North American Lake Management Society. December 1-5, 1993.

Ruhl, P.M. and D.W. Kretchmer. 1986. The application of steady state phosphorus models for the rehabilitation of Lake Delavan, Wisconsin. Presented at 6th Annual Meeting of the North American Lake Management Society, November 5-8, 1986.

Water Resources Program. 1986. Delavan Lake: A recovery and management plan. Institute for Environmental Studies Special Report. Madison, Wisconsin, 420 pp.

Carpenter, S.R., J.F. Kitchell, J.R. Hodgson, P.A. Cochran, J.J. Elser, M.M. Elser, D.M. Lodge, D.W. Kretchmer, X. He and, C.N. von Ende. 1986. Regulation of lake ecosystem primary productivity by food web structure in whole lake experiments. Ecology. 1986.

Mills, E.L., J.L. Confer and, D.W. Kretchmer. 1986. Predation by young yellow perch: The influence of light, prey density, and predator size. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 115:716-725, 1986.

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