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Treatment Coming for Chapman Mill Pond

Following concerns from residents, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) has agreed to a contract to treat Chapman Mill Pond. The move will cost the town $5,000 but save money in the long run, according to the board.

Chapman Mill Pond, also known as Lake Laconia, borders Westbrook and Clinton. At a BOS meeting on Feb. 14, Westbrook Environmental Planner Heidi Wallace told the board about concerns with the lake.

“The residents of Lake Laconia Estates in Clinton were looking for more effective treatment of Lake Laconia for milfoil and lilies. The risk of milfoil is that it displaces natural vegetation needed for fish shelter and spawning,” Wallace told the Harbor News.

“It reduces water flow which can create sedimentation and filling in of the lake bottom. There is also an increased risk of drowning, largely due to the density. The dense vegetation inhibits boating and recreation and reduces the overall value of the lake,”

Clinton resident Don Giudice said that the current company treating the lake was not especially communicative with residents and didn’t do as well of a job as residents wanted.

Giudice and Wallace presented the board with a new contract from Branford based All Habitat Services, LLC.

“The lilies will be treated every year, but the milfoil will receive treatment with ProcellaCOR once every three years. The cost is $10,250.00, with 50% being paid by the Town,” Wallace said.

The Lake Laconia Home Owners Association will pay the 50% not paid by the town. Wallace said that the money is already in the Conservation Commission budget.

“The Conservation Commission approached the Board of Selectmen because contracts exceeding $2,500.00 require the submission of three proposals. The Town attorney reviewed all three contracts,” said Wallace.

Wallace said the treatment is expected to take place between June and July.

Wallace said that the next step in the process is for the contract to be signed and secure permits from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the use of the pesticides.