Project Number: JYP - 0603
Project Number: JYP - 0603 PHOSPHORUS LOADING IN QUABOAG POND A Major Qualifying Project Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science By _________________________ Christopher B. Dobens _________________________ Denise Nicole Marsh _________________________ Kevin Edwards Waugh Date: March 1, 2007 Approved: ______________________________________ Professor Jeanine D. Plummer, Major Advisor 1. TMDL 2. Best Management Practices 3. Quaboag Pond i Abstract Quaboag Pond, located in East Brookfield and Brookfield, MA, is degraded due to excessive phosphorus inputs. Phosphorus leads to increased plant growth and reduced dissolved oxygen levels. The goal of this project was to reduce non-point sources of phosphorus entering Quaboag Pond. Pollution sources were identified along the Sevenmile River in Spencer, the main inlet to Quaboag Pond. Based on test results, buffer strips, diversions and educational programs were recommended to reduce storm flows and pollutant loads. ii Acknowledgements The members of this project group would like to thank the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the town of Spencer officials, Carter Terenzini, Margaret Bacon, and Virginia Scarlet, and Professor Jeanine Plummer for the assistance and guidance throughout the project. iii Capstone Design Statement The purpose of this project was to provide recommendations to reduce the flow of pollutants, especially phosphorus, into Quaboag Pond which is located in Brookfield and East Brookfield, MA. The high nutrient loading in the pond was leading to eutrophication. The main inlet to the pond is the East Brookfield River, which is fed by the Sevenmile River in Spencer, MA. The town of Spencer received a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Permit from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which includes a requirement that the town keep up with “good housekeeping” practices.
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