Committed to maintaining the water quality of Taylor Pond in order to preserve wildlife habitat, protect property values and safeguard recreational oportunities.
On behalf of the TPA board of directors, I am happy to share some of our activities in support of TPA’s mission this year, as well as raise a few topics to keep you aware of activities related to preserving the ecology of Taylor Pond.
THREATS TO THE POND’S HEALTH
We were alerted to two threats to Taylor Pond’s health this last year—construction of a new horse farm on West Auburn Road and logging at Taylor Pond Yacht Club. As a result, we started monitoring for pollution entering the pond via feeder streams that drain these two properties. We found no evidence of contamination from the horse farm activities but were alarmed by elevated levels of phosphorus from the Yacht Club stream. Fortunately, these elevated levels have since dropped to normal, but we will continue to monitor and report back. You can read more about this on page 8, in addition to a summary of pending zoning changes which may affect properties on Taylor Pond written by board member Barbara Mitchell on page 7.
PHOSPHOROUS CONTROL ORDINANCE
In relation to water quality threats, one of our board members, attorney Brian Cullen, brings clarity to the City of Auburn’s phosphorus control ordinance in an article on page 9. The rules become applicable when new construction involves more than 250 square feet of ground floor area or with certain earthmoving, tree or brush cutting or paving activities. When one seeks a permit for such activities, the city’s planning department will guide you through the process.
WATER QUALITY AND WARMING
Another board member, retired professional chemist Woody Trask, writes about water quality testing on page 13. His report shows the levels of phosphorus in the pond remain stable with an average in 2021 of 12, below the level of 15 at which algal blooms can
occur. Records of ice in and out dates are showing a trend toward later ice in and earlier ice out dates. This trend has also been seen in Lake Auburn and many other Maine lakes and is consistent with global warming. The monitors also measure the water temperature which shows an upward trend over the last fifty years. With less ice cover on Taylor Pond warming will occur leading to an increased likelihood of algal blooms.
$500 LAKESMART MATCHING FUNDS
I serve as our pond’s local contact for LakeSmart, a volunteer run program run by the nonprofit organization Maine Lakes. Last year, I visited two homes, showed owners how to make their property more lake friendly, and helped them each earn $500 grants. Taylor Pond Association will match up to $500 of your expenditures if you are a member, have a LakeSmart evaluation, follow the recommendations made and do nothing to worsen your impact on the lake. If you are interested, please contact me danawl585@ gmail.com or Kristi Norcross Knorcross@
roadrunner.com or 207-577-6408.
FIREWORKS
According to fire department “Consumer fireworks in the City of Auburn are a violation of city ordinance and carry a fine of $200 to $1,000 for each violation. This includes firecrackers, bottle rockets, and missiles.” Please celebrate safely this summer.
BOATING
The most common violation of boating laws that we see on the pond is excessive speed. Within 200 feet of shoreline watercraft may only travel at headway speed which is defined as the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage of the watercraft. Boaters are responsible for maintaining a safe distance from swimmers and other boats and for the effects of their wakes on the shoreline and other watercraft.
LOON NESTING
Loons enjoy our pond as much as we do. Unfortunately, we rarely see any breeding success. Although there are usually a half dozen loons on the pond, the last observed chick was several years ago. I have seen chicks on ponds smaller than ours, so it is not our size that inhibits them. I suspect it is the degree to which the shoreline is built up with homes. Michael Heskanen and Peter Durgin last year constructed a floating nest to encourage the loons to breed here. The nest is located at the mouth of Lapham Brook, and we encourage you not to disturb the site.
SWIMMER’S ITCH (AND FEEDING DUCKS)
I love all the birds we have on Taylor Pond and you can read about them in my article on page 10. There are two health issues with having birds too close to us, however. Swimmer’s itch is caused by a parasite that depends on ducks pooping in the water which releases the parasite’s eggs. The eggs hatch and then the parasite lives in snails before they drop into the water and crawl into the exposed skin of a swimmer. They cause an itchy rash that can last several weeks. Keeping the ducks away and drying your skin with a towel as soon as leaving the water will usually prevent problems. There is also a new influenza virus carried by birds that so far seems not to infect people but has caused the death of millions of chickens across the country. In both cases bird poop is the agent by which these diseases are spread. Once you start feeding the ducks you invite both infections into your home.
BROWNTAIL MOTHS
Unfortunately, Taylor Pond resides in the middle of a zone of widespread Browntail Moth infestations. Three years ago, I observed them nearly denuding the trees above Kohl’s along Gracelawn Road and I acquired an itchy rash that lasted 3 weeks from their urticarial
hairs. Their hand-sized silvery web nests can be spotted at the tops of numerous oaks and fruit trees around the pond. The State of Maine maintains an excellent website and professionals who can advise you on management of this pest. The preferred technique for removal is hand removal of the winter nests. Spraying pesticides anywhere near the shoreline is illegal. I recommend hiring a licensed pesticide applicator if you decide you cannot tolerate them. There is a technique used by experts in which trees close to the water can be injected safely to kill the caterpillars. So far, I have preferred to leave them for the Cuckoos to eat.
The wealth of birdlife around Taylor Pond always amazes me. When we bought our current home on the pond it was a Great Blue Heron standing in the waterlily-filled cove that most convinced me to settle along the shore. Last year we had a Bald Eagle nesting in one of the tall White Pine trees on the west shore. In the winter, eagles and crows collect around the ice-fishing shacks to feed on discarded fish. In the summer, osprey hunt the waters for fish and then fly back to their nests in the distance. Belted Kingfishers haunt the edges of the pond, perching on overhanging branches of trees or the mast of a sailboat, before plunging into the water after small fish.
Great Blue Heron: Often seen feeding along the shore, a year-round resident of Maine but usually only on the coast in the winter.
For me, spring officially starts when I hear the first Red-winged blackbird singing in the swamp that surrounds my home. Soon, joined by dozens of other Red-wings and Grackles, there ensues a cacophony of sound for the next month, shouting out that warm days are coming. They nest in tangled buttonbush swamps almost impossible for a person to navigate and difficult for predators to penetrate. A few weeks after they arrive, I will listen in the evenings for the calls and flight songs of the American Woodcock that probe my lawn looking for worms. As the days warm the Tree Swallows return to their nesting boxes and the flute-like songs of the Veery and Hermit Thrush reassure me that all is well.
A Cape May Warbler at my feeder. A migrant seen in the spring and fall. Breeds in northern Maine and Canada, winters in the Caribbean.
The pond and surrounding wetlands nourish a variety of larval insects that hatch into flying adults in the spring and summer. Warblers come from South America to feed and raise their babies on the abundant insect life. The surrounding woods provide summer homes to one of the world’s most diverse collection of warblers including Yellow, Chestnut-Sided, Magnolia, Black-Throated Blue, Black-Throated Green, Yelow-rumped, Pine, Tennessee, Nashville, Northern Parula, Black-and-White, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Northern and Louisiana Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Canada, and Wilson’s Warblers. Other warblers only show up for a few weeks as they head north in the spring for boreal Canada or south in the fall to Central and South America. These include the Cape May, Blackburnian, Palm, Blackpoll and Orange-Crowned Warblers. Being hard to spot makes seeing these colorful gems special.
Black and White Warbler: Arrive in the spring and raise young before heading south to winter in the Caribbean.
The pond serves as a valuable migration stop for many other birds. Flocks of ducks, tired from flying hundreds of miles, stop to rest and feed on the water. In the spring and fall we often see Ringed-neck, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye and Ruddy Duck.
Shy American Bitterns make their pumping calls from deep in swampy areas and rarely can be seen flying overhead. Virginia Rails skulk about in the tangled wetlands, more often heard than seen, it is a rare reward to watch them walking along with a half-dozen black, fluffy ping-pong ball-sized youngsters. Green and Great Blue Herons hunt along the shores for fish, snails, crayfish, and aquatic insects. Fruit-loving Gray Catbirds and Baltimore Orioles love the thickets in wet areas that are loaded with berry bushes. As you might expect from the abundance of black flies, mosquitoes and other annoying insects, we have a variety of flycatchers including the Eastern Wood-pewee, Willow, Alder, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, and the Eastern Phoebe that loves to build its nest around the house. In the summer you can hear the shy Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos calling as they search for the caterpillars feeding on tree leaves.
Baltimore Oriole: A fruit-loving bird that also feeds on many insects and caterpillars. They breed here in the summer and winter in Central and South America.
I have documented 121 species of birds that nest around the pond or come to this area to feed their young. I will post a comprehensive listing on the website www.taylorpond.org. In addition, another 36 species use the pond or surrounding lands as a staging area on their way north or south in the spring and fall. Rise up at dawn some spring morning and listen to the chorus of birds singing, one of the world’s natural wonders everyone should experience. Birds brought me to my home and provide an ever-changing spectacle for me to enjoy my stay.
Auburn’s Phosphorus Control Ordinance applies to a Variety of Construction and Land Use Activities within the Taylor Pond Watershed
The City of Auburn’s comprehensive Code of Ordinances contains a section titled Environmental Performance Standards. See Chapter 60, Article XIII. Within that section are provisions relating to Phosphorus Control measures required to be followed in connection with various construction and land use type activities occurring within the Lake Auburn and Taylor Pond watersheds. See Division 2. The ordinance and its measures are intended to mitigate the introduction of additional phosphorus into Taylor Pond and Lake Auburn.
Phosphorus is a common, naturally occurring element which acts as a nutrient. When introduced into a pond or lake, phosphorus promotes algal growth and if unchecked, can proliferate into the phenomenon known as algae bloom. As many people are aware, algae blooms are harmful to lake health, difficult and expensive to remediate, diminish lake clarity and deplete lake oxygen. This can lead to murky, odorous water and cause fish kills. The resulting degradation of the water quality also typically diminishes the value of surrounding lakeshore property.
Many Taylor Pond property owners may not be familiar with Auburn’s specific phosphorus control requirements. The requirements apply only to the Taylor Pond and Lake Auburn watersheds and are in addition to the City’s building code and zoning ordinances provisions, which apply to construction and land use activity throughout the city. For example, although the construction and maintenance of septic systems may present phosphorous related issues, the City’s requirements pertaining to septic systems are separate and distinct from the Phosphorous Control Ordinance. Indeed, ongoing efforts to amend the City’s septic regulations applicable to the Lake Auburn watershed, may further compound property owner confusion.
Refocusing on the Phosphorus Control Ordinance is particularly timely in light of a recent amendment which makes it applicable to even more projects. Previously the ordinance applied to new buildings of 575 ft.² or more. As amended, the ordinance now applies to the construction of new buildings or structures with more than 250 ft.² of ground floor area. The revised standard could apply to many large sheds, garages and building additions. The ordinance also applies to building expansions of more than 30%.
In addition, the ordinance extends to the following land use type activities: earthmoving or brush and tree cutting affecting 10,000 ft.² or more and road, driveway or parking area construction/ re-construction of 1500 ft.² or more.
Pursuant to the express terms of the ordinance, projects meeting the above criteria require a phosphorus control permit. As currently administered by the City’s planning department however, there is no separate permit; consideration of phosphorus control issues is subsumed within the same review process as issuance of a building permit. This may contribute to the relative obscurity of the phosphorus control ordinance.
In any event, when the City’s planning department determines that an application for a building permit implicates the phosphorus control ordinance, it will require the applicant to submit a phosphorus control plan. The plan needs to be prepared by an environmental engineer and must meet the standards contained in the Maine Stormwater Management Design Manual, Phosphorus Control Manual Volume II, March 2016. Upon review and approval by the City’s planning department, compliance with the phosphorus control plan will be one of the terms of the resulting building permit
For all lakefront home owners I highly recommend the latest edition of the Lake Book. It provides up to date information about lake science, lake wildlife, native plants, best management practices for erosion control, and a list of achievable actions you can take to improve your lake. New pages on climate impacts, invasive species, and algal threats have been added, making this a useful book for all who use, visit, and live on or near Maine’s lakes and ponds. The Lake Book is a result of contributions from many collaborators across the state, including the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Lake Stewards of Maine, Lakes Environmental Association, and the 30 Mile River Watershed Association.
This report summarizes the findings of the 2021 water quality monitoring program for Taylor Pond in Auburn, Maine (MIDAS ID#3750). Clarity readings and samplings were conducted monthly from June through September by Woody Trask with additional clarity readings taken mid-May to mid-October by Michael Heskanen.
Since 2004, Taylor Pond Association has been collecting its own water samples and performing most tests. Phosphorus analyses are conducted by the DHHS Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory.
Result summary: Except for a higher than normal surface temperature, the results were consistent with readings obtained for the past several years.
The average clarity was slightly lower than last year but well above the historic average.
The average 5 meter core sample phosphorus reading was up slightly from last year but not high enough to be of concern. The average bottom (12 meter) phosphorus reading was higher than last year but in line with the historic average.
Values for color, pH, alkalinity and conductance where all within the normal range of variation from the historic mean.
The average surface temperature taken at 1 meter depth was 23.9°C (75°F), 0.6°C (1.1°F) higher than last year and 1.0°C (1.8°F) higher than the average for the past 10 years.
“Ice in” occurred on January 11, 2021, about a month later than last year, and the “ice out” date was April 4th making for a much shorter than average iced-over period. The historical average for “ice out” is April 14.
Organic material that remains from dead plants and animals provides most of the water color. Lakes drained by areas with more coniferous forests tend to be brown in color due to the slow degradation of the leaves of these trees. Taylor Pond had a color measurement of 21.25 in 2021, which is the same as last year and lower than the mean for all Maine lakes of 28. When the color is greater than 25 a lake is considered “colored” and the transparency is reduced.
PH:
A measure of the acid-base status of the pond. Taylor Pond had a pH of 7.1 in 2021 which is slightly higher than the mean of 6.82 for all Maine Lakes. Acid rain caused by industrial pollutants can cause the pH in lakes to drop below 6. This drop in pH kills off the healthy zooplankton (microscopic animals) leading to death of fish and overgrowth of algae. The pH of Taylor Pond has been very stable year to year.
Alkalinity:
A measure of the capacity of the water to buffer against a change in the pH. Taylor Pond’s alkalinity in 2021 was 18.75 compared to a mean for all Maine lakes of 11.9. This indicates that our pond is unlikely to have a problem with acidity. The level of alkalinity in Taylor Pond has remained constant and is not of concern.
Conductance:
Conductance indirectly measures the relative number of dissolved ions in the water — the higher the concentration of ions the greater the conductance. Conductance is used as a rough estimate of the amount of pollutants which usually are present as ions. Although conductance is easy to measure it is not considered highly reliable. Taylor Pond’s conductance for 2021 was 101 compared to a historical mean of 91.2 and a mean of 46 for all Maine lakes.
Total Phosphorous:
A phosphorus analysis provides the most reliable measure of the capacity of Taylor Pond to have an algal bloom. Algae in Maine waters tend to be limited by the phosphorous content of the water. If you provide enough phosphorous algae grows rapidly. Algae cause depletion of oxygen in the water which kills animal life, colors the water green and when it dies creates unpleasant odors. Taylor Pond’s phosphorous was done using a 5 meter core and bottom grab sampling technique. Taylor Pond’s core sample phosphorous readings this year averaged 11.0 µg/L which is comparable to the historical mean of 10.25 and lower than the 12 reported for all Maine lakes. In 2021 there were no 5 meter core results close to the 15 µg/L level that can initiate algal blooms. Lakes are categorized as oligotrophic (low level of biologic productivity), mesotrophic (intermediate) or eutrophic (high biologic productivity) based on how much phosphorous they contain. A lake with a phosphorous of less than 10 is considered oligotrophic, between 10 and 30 is considered mesotrophic and over 30 is considered eutrophic.
The bottom grab sample average of 23 µg/L was higher than last year’s average and close to the historical average.
Secchi Disk:
Secchi disk readings provide the easiest method for measuring the clarity of the water. Algae, zooplankton (microscopic animals), natural water color and suspended soil all reduce the transparency of the water. Algae cause most of the change in transparency in Taylor Pond, but pine pollen at times is also a major contributor. The mean transparency for 2021 was 5.14 meters, 0.21 meters lower than last year but higher than the historic average for Taylor Pond of 4.70 and higher than the historical average for all Maine lakes.
Trophic State:
This is a measure of the biologic productivity of the pond — the higher the number, the more biologically productive the lake and typically the poorer the water quality. The scale ranges from zero to over 100. Ponds in the range between 40 and 50 are considered mesotrophic (moderately productive). Values greater than 50 are associated with eutrophy (high productivity) and values less than 40 are associated with oligotrophy (low productivity). Taylor Pond measured at 36.41 by Secchi Disk readings and 39.98 by phosphorous readings (considered the most accurate). Taylor Pond’s Trophic State as measured by the Secchi disk is lower than the state average of 45.
Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Profiles:
The amount of dissolved oxygen is measured at the surface and at one meter depth intervals monthly throughout the summer. Generally down to a depth of 5 meters the oxygen level remains at a high enough level to sustain all animals. Below 5 meters the oxygen levels early in the summer are high, but as the summer progresses the oxygen levels drop to levels (below 5 ppm) unable to sustain fish and other aquatic animals. Warm water fish (such as Sunfish, Perch, Pickerel and Bass) have no difficulty in Taylor Pond because they stay near the surface where the water is well oxygenated. Cold water fish (such as Trout and Salmon) need the deeper colder water, below 20 degrees Celsius, to thrive. By July or August, this colder, deeper water no longer contains enough oxygen for fish. In addition to the difficulty for fish, oxygen depletion near the bottom of the pond tends to release phosphorous into the water. This is demonstrated by the higher phosphorous levels found in the bottom grab samples by the middle of the summer. The oxygen depletion found below 4-8 meters is similar to what we have found in the past and continues to reflect the fragile state of Taylor Pond. The DO and Temperature profiles for 2021 are on a separate chart (attached).
Conclusions:
The conclusions remain essentially unchanged from last year, although the higher than usual temperature is a possible concern . The water quality of Taylor Pond is considered to be average compared to other Maine lakes. The potential for an algal bloom continues to be low to moderate, with the average Phosphorus of 12.0 µg/L for 2021 being in line with the historical average. Taylor Pond remains one of the 181 Maine lakes on the Maine Department of Environmental Protections Nonpoint Source Priority Watershed list. This list contains those lakes considered to be threatened or impaired by nonpoint source pollution from land use activities on the surrounding watershed. In addition the Stormwater Management Law considers Taylor Pond to be a lake “most at risk”.
Taylor Pond fails to meet standards for the highest water quality due to the depletion of oxygen found at depths below 5 meters during the summer (see DO/Temp chart). In addition, phosphorous levels remain just below the threshold of 15 which could trigger an algal bloom. Monitoring of Taylor Pond has been conducted regularly since 1975. During this time there has been no consistent trend in the parameters measured. Since 2004, the years Taylor Pond has been monitored by volunteers, there have been no appreciable algae blooms.
Because of the shallow depth of the pond (mean depth 17 feet) and low flushing rate (1.34 flushes per year, the number of times the water, on average, empties from the pond) Taylor Pond will likely always remain vulnerable to phosphorous loading and therefore algal blooms. Because of oxygen depletion of deep water during the summer, the pond will likely never sustain a cold water fishery. Finally, each new structure or expansion of an existing structure, whether a home, garage, driveway, road, lawn or beach, potentially increases the phosphorous loading of the pond.
Taylor Pond continues to have many attractive qualities. The shallow depth means that it quickly warms in the summer to provide excellent swimming close to the towns of Auburn and Lewiston. It freezes quickly in the winter to provide skating, skiing and ice fishing during the winter. It has an abundant bass, pickerel, and recently pike populations that thrive in its warm waters and attract people who enjoy fishing. The Department of Marine Resources considers the pond to be prime spawning habitat for alewives and trucks adult fish above the dams on the Androscoggin River into Taylor Pond. It has a naturally high level of biologic productivity that sustains an abundant wildlife population for all to enjoy. It remains a place that never ceases to astound us with its beauty.
METHODOLOGY:
Samples are collected at the deepest point in the pond. This point has been determined previously and the historic location has been noted on maps available to the samplers along with GPS coordinates. This spot is reached by boat and verified each time by visual triangulation or GPS reading. In addition to visual triangulation an ultrasound depth meter is used before collecting core and grab samples. Grab samples are taken using a Van Dorn Water Sampler. Core samples are taken with a core sampler home-manufactured from a 50 foot flexible PVC tube. The method for grab samples at a specified depth and core samples are done according to the protocol of the Maine Bureau of Land and Water Quality, Division of Environmental Assessment.
COLOR: Performed on core samples using a Hach color wheel (CO 20-100) and units are in Standard Platinum Units (SPU).
PH: Performed on core samples using a Hach Bromothymol Blue test kit for pH.
CONDUCTANCE: Performed on core samples using a HM Digital, Inc. Model COM-100 water quality tester for EC/TDS/Temp. Conductivity is measured in uS/cm.
ALKALINITY: Performed on core samples using a titration method with a Hach color wheel measured in milligram per liter.
PHOSPHOROUS: Performed on core samples and bottom grab samples. Samples are collected in the field, refrigerated and sent to the DHHS lab by mail. Measurements are in parts per billion (ppb). The results are the average of four samples taken once a month from June to September.
SECCHI DISK: Performed using the method taught by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. Only certified users performed this task. Measurements of depth are in meters.
DISSOLVED OXYGEN: Performed in the field using a YSI 550A DO meter with 50 foot probe which measures temperature and dissolved oxygen from the surface to maximum depth. The sampler and meter is yearly certified by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program as to method and accuracy. Measurements of dissolved oxygen are in milligrams per liter (mg/l). Water temperature is recorded at each depth tested.
TROPHIC STATE: Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI) is used in these calculations. For Secchi disk depth TSI = 60 – 14.41 x (Natural Log of Secchi disk depth in meters). For total phosphorus TSI = 14.42 x (Natural Log of total phosphorous) + 4.15.
The 2021 Annual Meeting was held virtually (via Zoom), with 41 participants representing 30 households.
President’s Report (Dana Little): The meeting opened at 7 pm with a 15 minute social chat. The meeting was called to order at 7:15. Dana introduced himself and the board and welcomed participants and noted that despite the challenge of a virtual meeting, attendance was good. In addition to the president and board members present (Ed Gray (treasurer), Luci Merin (secretary), Kristi Norcross, Woody Trask, Barbara Mitchell, Donna Morin, Larry Faiman), 33 members joined the online meeting, Dana noted that the Association meets to fulfill requirements of our nonprofit charter and remains dedicated to protecting the quality of water and life on Taylor Pond. We had hoped to have an in person meeting but because it would have to be indoors, this was better
Review of TPA Activities (Dana Little)
•TPA volunteers work throughout the year to monitor water quality, reporting data to Lake Stewards of Maine. Archival information about water quality and is available on the TPA website at taylorpond.org.
•Volunteers also casually look for milfoil and other invasive plants throughout the summer and haven’t found any.
•The Association takes an interest in the water level of the pond, especially where flooding is a concern. TPA’s advocacy was part of the process resulting in the new bridge being built on Hotel Road over Taylor Brook, which will lower the flood level by an inch. To further lower the flood level of the pond, work would need to be done where Taylor Brook crosses the Stevens Mill extension (Kendall property). This could lower the water level by another 12 inches requiring construction of a passive or earthen dam, a $75,000-$100,000 project. Such a project would possibly quality for a federal grant. The association may want to press the City of Auburn to make repairs to the Stevens mill extension crossing.
•TPA participates in the LakeSmart Program to encourage stewardship among property owners on the pond. Two grants ($500 each) were made last year. Two property evaluations has been done this year and 3 more are waiting to be done. •TPA publishes an annual newsletter and responds to inquiries from various sources.
Secretary’s Report (Luci Merin): Minutes of the 2020 meeting were posted on the TPA website earlier at www.taylorpond.org A motion to accept the 2020 minutes as written was made by Dana Little, seconded by Woody Trask and was accepted unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report(Ed Gray):
•$35,802.21 is the current account balance. TPA has received 141 membership renewals out of 210 invoices sent out this year. This renewal rate is excellent compared to other associations around the state.
•It is very helpful to the treasurer to have email addresses for dues renewals, so please keep your up-to-date with Ed Gray [email protected]
•Dana noted that the account balance may seem high, but could be depleted quickly if we need to address any invasive plant issues, contribute to work related to the water levels, such as the engineering study we commissioned several years ago at at cost of $10,000. Even more costly—Sebago Lake spent $100,000 to address invasive plants.
Water Quality Report (Woody Trask):
•2020 was an average year with clarity and phosphorous readings as expected •Water clarity is excellent and had highest reading ever recorded 7 meters (23 feet) •Surface temp of water is 79 degrees, which warmer than recent averages and hopefully won’t result in algae
•2021 started unusually, with it being January 11 before ice fully covered pond. With Ice Out occurring April 4, there was a very short ice cover period. According to specialists, longer ice coverage is better for pond water quality, especially phosphorous levels. Readings are at 12 parts per billion (PPB), which is okay, but approaching the limit of 15 PPB where algae blooms become prevalent. Residents may see some algae, particularly in a cove where wind blows in, but there are no significant blooms to report. (Lake Auburn has had 2 algae blooms and fish kills.) Property owners can help keep phosphorous out of the pond by planting buffers along the shore and not using fertilizers.
•Questions about dark red or brown streams appearing in shallow areas 2-3 times a year were raised. Without seeing them, it was supposed that they were the result of disturbed sediment from storms or animals.
Election of Board Members: By a unanimous show of hands, the following board members were reelected to 2 year terms expiring 2023: Luci Merin, Barbara Mitchell, Woody Trask. New Board Member Brian Cullen was nominated by Barbara Mitchell, seconded by Woody Trask and elected unanimously to a two year term ending in 2023. Board members Dana Little, Ed Gray, Larry Faiman, Donna Morin, Kristi Norcross, and Bill Turner continue as board members with terms expiring 2022. Board Member Marc Tardif retired from the Board and was thanked for his service.
Other Business:
•It was asked if there was interest in a Labor Day Boat Parade, since the July 4th Boat Parade was (mostly) rained out. Members noted that Labor Day is busy with back to school and that a lot of people take their boats out that weekend. No plans for a boat parade.
•A resident asked about weeds—reed type weeds spreading and sticking out of the water—are they beneficial? Is it okay to pull they out? No, you should not pull out
the weeds, as this disturbs the soil and increases phosphorous in the pond. Yes, the plants are beneficial as they produce oxygen and hold onto phosphorous. Called “Juncus,” these are a genus of flowering plant/grass commonly know as rushes that grow in some areas of the pond and not others. It is really abundant on the north end of pond where the stream (Hodgkins Brook) comes in, which brings sediment into the pond. Beaver dams in this area are good for the pond to slow the water and sediment coming in. There are lots of weeds on the west side of the pond, but not the east. The beach has had a lot of sand dumped in it so there is no grass there. Taylor Pond is called a pond because plants can grow on the bottom. Bodies of water that are too deep for plants to grow are lakes. The deepest part of pond is only 45 feet.
•Question was asked about invasive plants and policies about removing plants before entering water. Maine state policy is that boaters can’t transfer plants from one body of water to another, but it is a little scary that there are so many places people can enter water around Taylor Pond. It is up to everyone using the pond to inspect their own boat or the boats of guests to keep invasive out. This also brought up the example of invasive fish that were introduced by fishermen and have wiped out other species.
•Another question was asked about banning jet skis? TPA has not gotten into that but we can discuss if membership is concerned. At this point there don’t seem to be too many; if the pond were ever to get a public boat launch it would likely attract more creating a possible nuisance. Getting into it would likely be a divisive issue. Issues typically addressed by TPA have an impact on the quality of the water and/or quality of life on Taylor Pond.
•That discussion raised a final question about voting. Does each household/ membership get one vote or does each person in a household get a vote? By-laws will be checked.
Meeting adjourned: 8 pm. Motion by Woody Trask, Seconded by Barbara Mitchell, Passed Unanimously.
Our originally planned meeting at Taylor Pond Yacht Club has been changed to a virtual Zoom meeting due to COVID-19 concerns. The meeting will commence on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 7pm.
You should have received the link by email, it is not being included here for security reasons. If you need the link you can obtain it from any board member.
7 pm-Zoom Link Open for Chat 7:15 pm-Official Meeting Begins
Annual Meeting Agenda a. Welcome b. Approval of 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes (View online on the TPA Website after 8/25/21) c. Review of the year d. Grant Program results e. Water Quality results f. Treasurer’s report g. Open for questions h. Nominations and then election of board members
The minutes from our 2020 meeting are posted below and will need to be approved at our 2021 meeting.
The 2020 Annual Meeting was held virtually (via Zoom), with 32 participants.
President’s Report (Dana Little): The meeting was called to order at 7:05. Dana welcomed participants and noted that despite the challenge of a virtual meeting, attendance was good. In addition to the president and board members present (Ed Gray (treasurer), Luci Merin (secretary), Kristi Norcross, Woody Trask, Barbara Mitchell, Donna Morin, Larry Faiman), 24 members joined the online meeting, Dana noted that the Association meets to fulfill requirements of our nonprofit charter and remains dedicated to protecting the quality of water and life on Taylor Pond.
Secretary’s Report (Luci Merin): Minutes of the 2019 meeting were posted on the TPA website earlier in the day at www.taylorpond.org and on screen at the meeting for review. A motion made at the conclusion of the meeting to accept the 2019 minutes as written was accepted unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report(Ed Gray): $4,825 has been collected so far from 102 renewing and new members out of 189 invoices sent out. This is a little lower return than 2019, but this year’s membership fee was considered optional if members were struggling due to the pandemic. With participation at over 50%, especially since we did not send reminder invoices with the newsletter this year, our association maintains good support from the Taylor Pond community. Current balance in the bank is $32,741.05. The Association’s biggest expense remains the design, printing and mailing of the annual newsletter. Additional expenses included state and federal fees, dues to Maine Lakes Society and Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, and water testing lab fees. (Detail printed in TPA Newsletter.)
Water Quality Report (Woody Trask): The water quality report revealed a generally good, average year, with the possible concern of a warming water temperature. Ice out was early in 2020 (April 2), 20 days earlier than 2019, but it did not yet create a high water temperature. Average for 2020 so far is 77 degrees, while the 2019 average was 78.5 degrees. More weeks of open water are generally considered by lake scientists to be undesirable since it results in a longer period of sunlight exposure and warming, conditions conducive to algae growth.
Water clarity has been good—a 7 meter reading at the end of May was a new high over the previous high of 6.5 meters. July clarity was 4.7 meters and August just over 5 meters. Clarity readings are taken at the deepest part of the pond (40+ feet) and therefore not affected by wildlife and watercraft stirring up the pond bottom along the shore. Phosphorous readings are all in line with historical averages and quality standards.
Election of Board Members: By a unanimous show of hands, the following board members were reelected to 2 year terms expiring 2022: Dana Little, Ed Gray, Larry Faiman, Donna Morin, Kristi Norcross, and Bill Turner. Board Member Jan Phillips retired from the Board and was thanked her for her service.
Other Business:
BettyAnn Sheats provided an update on the Taylor Brook Bridge flood mitigation. It looks promising that the bridge project will be on the State DOT work plan and schedule for 2021. She reiterated that the plan is still an upgrade to a bridge from earlier discussion of a culvert, which should provide greater protection.
Barbara Mitchell noted a high number of small, biting flies (smaller than a house fly) on the pond surface this season, wondering what they were. No answers! In response to a recent email sent to TPA members about swimmer safety, it was noted that motorized watercraft are responsible for operating safely, including maintaining NO WAKE speed until 200 feet from shore. In addition to swimmer safety, low speed along the shoreline helps minimize disruption of the pond floor and maintain good water quality.
This report summarizes the findings of the 2020 water quality monitoring program for Taylor Pond in Auburn, Maine (MIDAS ID#3750). Clarity readings and samplings were conducted monthly from June through September by Woody Trask with additional clarity readings taken May through September by Michael Heskanen.
Since 2004, Taylor Pond Association has been collecting its own water samples and performing most tests. Phosphorus analyses are conducted by the DHHS Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory.
Result summary: Results were quite consistent with readings obtained for the past several years with one notable exception. A new maximum clarity reading of 7.0 meters obtained on May 30 exceeded the previous high by 0.75 meters (about 2.5 feet). The average clarity was slightly higher than last year mostly likely due to a dry summer with less runoff going into the pond.
The average 5 meter core sample phosphorus reading was up slightly from last year but was consistent with the historical average. The bottom (12 meter) phosphorus reading by contrast was much lower than last year and was well below the historical average.
Water coloration was the same as last year and close to the historic average.
Readings for pH and alkalinity were unchanged from past years. Conductivity was slightly higher.
The average surface temperature taken at 1 meter depth was 23.3°C (73.9°F), 0.3°C (0.5°F) lower than last year and 0.4°C (0.72°F) higher than the average for the past 10 years.
“Ice in” occurred on the 4th of December 2019 (1 day earlier than 2018) and the “ice out” date was April 2nd (3 weeks earlier than 2019). The historical average for ice out is April 14.
The results of this year’s monitoring are given below and in a separate DO/Temperature report.
Parameter
2020
Mean for Taylor Pond since 1975
Historical Mean for all Maine Lakes
Color
21.25
21.04
28
pH
7.1
7.01
6.82
Alkalinity
20
17.1
11.9
Conductance, µS/cm
105
91.2
46
Total Phosphorous 5m core sample, µg/L
11.0vs. 10.25 in 2019
10.21
12
Total Phosphorousbottom grab, µg/L
17.5vs. 15.25 in 2019
24.58
(not published)
Secchi depth (meters) minimum
4.2vs. 3.8 in 2019
1.7 (minimum ever recorded)
0.5(0.9 in 2012)
Secchi depth mean (m)
5.35vs. 5.0 in 2019
4.70
4.81(5.2 in 2012)
Secchi depth max (m)
7.0vs. 6.2 in 2019
7.0 (a new record high)
15.5 (13.4 in 2012)
Trophic State (by Secchi disk)
35.8
49.20
45
Trophic State (by core Total Phosphorus)
38.7
42.75
(not published)
Color:
Organic material that remains from dead plants and animals provides most of the water color. Lakes drained by areas with more coniferous forests tend to be brown in color due to the slow degradation of the leaves of these trees. Taylor Pond had a color measured at 21.25 in 2020, which is slightly higher than last year and lower than the mean for all Maine lakes of 28. When the color is greater than 25 a lake is considered “colored” and the transparency is reduced.
PH:
A measure of the acid-base status of the pond. Taylor Pond had a pH of 7.1 in 2020 which is slightly higher than the mean of 6.82 for all Maine Lakes. Acid rain caused by industrial pollutants can cause the pH in lakes to drop below 6. This drop in pH kills off the healthy zooplankton (microscopic animals) leading to death of fish and overgrowth of algae. The pH of Taylor Pond has been very stable over the years.
Alkalinity:
A measure of the capacity of the water to buffer against a change in the pH. Taylor Pond’s alkalinity in 2020 was 20 (the same as last year) compared to a mean for all Maine lakes of 11.9. This indicates that our pond is unlikely to have a problem with acidity. The level of alkalinity in Taylor Pond has remained constant and is not of concern.
Conductance:
Conductance indirectly measures the relative number of dissolved ions in the water — the higher the concentration of ions the greater the conductance. Conductance is used as a rough estimate of the amount of pollutants which usually are present as ions. Although conductance is easy to measure it is not considered highly reliable. Taylor Pond’s conductance for 2020 was 105 compared to a historical mean of 91.2 and a mean of 46 for all Maine lakes.
Total Phosphorous:
A phosphorus analysis provides the most reliable measure of the capacity of Taylor Pond to have an algal bloom. Algae in Maine waters tend to be limited by the phosphorous content of the water. If you provide enough phosphorous algae grows rapidly. Algae cause depletion of oxygen in the water which kills animal life, colors the water green and when it dies creates unpleasant odors. Taylor Pond’s phosphorous was done using a 5 meter core and bottom grab sampling technique. Taylor Pond’s core sample phosphorous readings this year averaged 11.0 µg/L which is comparable to the historical mean of 10.21 and lower than the 12 reported for all Maine lakes. In 2020 there were no 5 meter core results close to the 15 µg/L level that can initiate algal blooms. Lakes are categorized as oligotrophic (low level of biologic productivity), mesotrophic (intermediate) or eutrophic (high biologic productivity) based on how much phosphorous they contain. A lake with a phosphorous of less than 10 is considered oligotrophic, between 10 and 30 is considered mesotrophic and over 30 is considered eutrophic.
The bottom grab sample average of 17.5 µg/L was higher than last year’s average and lower than the historical average.
Secchi Disk:
Secchi disk readings provide the easiest method for measuring the clarity of the water. Algae, zooplankton (microscopic animals), natural water color and suspended soil all reduce the transparency of the water. Algae cause most of the change in transparency in Taylor Pond, but pine pollen at times is also a major contributor. The mean transparency for 2020 was 5.35 meters, 3.5 m. higher than last year due primarily to a highest reading ever of 7.0 meters taken at the end of May. The mean for 2020 was higher than the historic average for Taylor Pond of 4.70 and higher than the historical average for all Maine lakes.
Trophic State:
This is a measure of the biologic productivity of the pond — the higher the number, the more biologically productive the lake and typically the poorer the water quality. The scale ranges from zero to over 100. Ponds in the range between 40 and 50 are considered mesotrophic (moderately productive). Values greater than 50 are associated with eutrophy (high productivity) and values less than 40 are associated with oligotrophy (low productivity). Taylor Pond measured at 35.8 by Secchi Disk readings and 38.7 by phosphorous readings (considered the most accurate). Taylor Pond’s Trophic State as measured by the Secchi disk is lower than the state average of 45.
Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Profiles:
The amount of dissolved oxygen is measured at the surface and at one meter depth intervals monthly throughout the summer. Generally down to a depth of 5 meters the oxygen level remains at a high enough level to sustain all animals. Below 5 meters the oxygen levels early in the summer are high, but as the summer progresses the oxygen levels drop to levels (below 5 ppm) unable to sustain fish and other aquatic animals. Warm water fish (such as Sunfish, Perch, Pickerel and Bass) have no difficulty in Taylor Pond because they stay near the surface where the water is well oxygenated. Cold water fish (such as Trout and Salmon) need the deeper colder water, below 20 degrees Celsius, to thrive. By July or August, this colder, deeper water no longer contains enough oxygen for fish. In addition to the difficulty for fish, oxygen depletion near the bottom of the pond tends to release phosphorous into the water. This is demonstrated by the higher phosphorous levels found in the bottom grab samples by the middle of the summer. The oxygen depletion found below 4-8 meters is similar to what we have found in the past and continues to reflect the fragile state of Taylor Pond. The DO and Temperature profiles for 2020 are on a separate chart (attached).
Conclusions:
The conclusions remain essentially unchanged from last year. The water quality of Taylor Pond is considered to be average compared to other Maine lakes. The potential for an algal bloom continues to be low to moderate, with the average Phosphorus of 11.0 µg/L for 2020 being in line with the historical average. Taylor Pond remains one of the 181 Maine lakes on the Maine Department of Environmental Protections Nonpoint Source Priority Watershed list. This list contains those lakes considered to be threatened or impaired by nonpoint source pollution from land use activities on the surrounding watershed. In addition the Stormwater Management Law considers Taylor Pond to be a lake “most at risk”.
Taylor Pond fails to meet standards for the highest water quality due to the depletion of oxygen found at depths below 5 meters during the summer (see DO/Temp chart). In addition, phosphorous levels remain just below the threshold of 15 which could trigger an algal bloom. Monitoring of Taylor Pond has been conducted regularly since 1975. During this time there has been no consistent trend in the parameters measured. Since 2004, the years Taylor Pond has been monitored by volunteers, there have been no appreciable algae blooms.
Because of the shallow depth of the pond (mean depth 17 feet) and low flushing rate (1.34 flushes per year, the number of times the water, on average, empties from the pond) Taylor Pond will likely always remain vulnerable to phosphorous loading and therefore algal blooms. Because of oxygen depletion of deep water during the summer, the pond will likely never sustain a cold water fishery. Finally, each new structure or expansion of an existing structure, whether a home, garage, driveway, road, lawn or beach, potentially increases the phosphorous loading of the pond.
Taylor Pond continues to have many attractive qualities. The shallow depth means that it quickly warms in the summer to provide excellent swimming close to the towns of Auburn and Lewiston. It freezes quickly in the winter to provide skating, skiing and ice fishing during the winter. It has an abundant bass, pickerel, and recently pike populations that thrive in its warm waters and attract people who enjoy fishing. The Department of Marine Resources considers the pond to be prime spawning habitat for alewives and trucks adult fish above the dams on the Androscoggin River into Taylor Pond. It has a naturally high level of biologic productivity that sustains an abundant wildlife population for all to enjoy. It remains a place that never ceases to astound us with its beauty.
METHODOLOGY:
Samples are collected at the deepest point in the pond. This point has been determined previously and the historic location has been noted on maps available to the samplers along with GPS coordinates. This spot is reached by boat and verified each time by visual triangulation or GPS reading. In addition to visual triangulation an ultrasound depth meter is used before collecting core and grab samples. Grab samples are taken using a Van Dorn Water Sampler. Core samples are taken with a core sampler home-manufactured from a 50 foot flexible PVC tube. The method for grab samples at a specified depth and core samples are done according to the protocol of the Maine Bureau of Land and Water Quality, Division of Environmental Assessment.
COLOR: Performed on core samples using a Hach color wheel (CO 20-100) and units are in Standard Platinum Units (SPU).
PH: Performed on core samples using a Hach Bromothymol Blue test kit for pH.
CONDUCTANCE: Performed on core samples using a HM Digital, Inc. Model COM-100 water quality tester for EC/TDS/Temp. Conductivity is measured in uS/cm.
ALKALINITY: Performed on core samples using a titration method with a Hach color wheel measured in milligram per liter.
PHOSPHOROUS: Performed on core samples and bottom grab samples. Samples are collected in the field, refrigerated and sent to the DHHS lab by mail. Measurements are in parts per billion (ppb). The results are the average of four samples taken once a month from June to September.
SECCHI DISK: Performed using the method taught by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. Only certified users performed this task. Measurements of depth are in meters.
DISSOLVED OXYGEN: Performed in the field using a YSI 550A DO meter with 50 foot probe which measures temperature and dissolved oxygen from the surface to maximum depth. The sampler and meter is yearly certified by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program as to method and accuracy. Measurements of dissolved oxygen are in milligrams per liter (mg/l). Water temperature is recorded at each depth tested.
TROPHIC STATE: Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI) is used in these calculations. For Secchi disk depth TSI = 60 – 14.41 x (Natural Log of Secchi disk depth in meters). For total phosphorus TSI = 14.42 x (Natural Log of total phosphorous) + 4.15.
It’s Summer…finally! Whether your idea of summer on Taylor Pond includes boating, floating, paddling, fishing, sailing, or simply relaxing in a deck chair on solid ground, you count on its clean water and accessible shoreline to get the most out of every, precious summer day. We all do. Of all the issues on TPA agendas over the years, none is more consistent and more important than water quality. It is no accident that our water is clear; it’s thanks to the stewardship of us all.
One of the best ways to maintain water quality is from the shore. TPA offers help to property owners who want to make their shoreline more lake friendly. Free property evaluations and matching grants up to $500 are available to members. Participation is completely voluntary. Property owners can opt out at any time (i.e. they are not required to implement any improvement suggestions and the property evaluation is purely educational, not regulatory).
Evaluations do advise property owners on Maine’s shoreland zoning law and include customized recommendations for property improvements that will keep the pond healthy such as:
Preventing rain runoff from directly entering the pond
Planting a buffer along the shore
Leaving grass at least three inches long when cutting
Avoiding pesticides and fertilizers and
Reducing lawn sizes
Homeowners (or road associations) who do want to apply for a matching grant (up to $500) will follow these steps:
An initial, free LakeSmart property evaluation
Make improvements as recommended in the written evaluation
Provide proof of associated costs
Not make changes to the property that would worsen its score
Have a follow up evaluation to ensure satisfactory work
To find out more or schedule a LakeSmart evaluation, call Kristi Norcross at 577-6408.
How to Reduce Flooding and Need for Flood Insurance on Taylor Pond
Removing obstructions to the free flow of Taylor Brook under Hotel road and Stevens Mill extension could reduce the chance of flooding on the pond. The Taylor Pond Association hired Joseph McLean of Wright-Pierce engineering to advise us on how to prevent the flooding of so many homes from events like the 9 inches of rain we received in June of 2012. After a year of study he presented his preliminary report at our last association meeting in August 2017.
Beaver dams and debris in the outlet have often been blamed for causing flooding. However, Mr. McLean determined that beaver dams, located below Hotel Road, prevent water levels from dropping too low in the summer but do not cause flooding. They block water flow most of the year, but during high water events water easily flows around, over or through the dam. Removal of any beaver dams would result in lower water levels in the pond but no decrease in flooding events.
The Hotel Road culvert through which Taylor Brook flows on leaving Taylor Pond does restrict flow and acts like a large dam during high water events. In 2017 we learned that the state Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to improve this culvert. DOT held a public meeting May 2nd at which I and several other members of the TPA board and pondside residents were present. We learned that work will likely begin in 2019 and will finish by winter. TPA is working with the engineers at DOT to ensure that the project will have a sufficiently large span to reduce the chance of flooding. According to Joseph McLean’s calculations, if the current culvert (about 18 feet wide) is replaced by a 30 foot span, the high water mark in a 100 year flood would be 4.8 inches lower.
Two other sites that restrict water flow are the dam on Taylor Brook located on the Kendall property and the Stevens Mill Road extension which crosses the brook and allows access to the Kendall home. We have spoken to the Kendalls and they plan to leave the dam alone. The Stevens Mill Road extension passes over Taylor Brook, is owned by the city and acts as a dam during high water levels. Replacement of the current bridge with a 35 foot wide bridge, in combination with improvements to the Hotel Road culvert, would lower the 100 year flood level by a total of 14.4 inches.
One final finding of the engineering report could help reduce the estimated 100-year flood elevation by almost two feet (from 245.5 to 243.6). For certain property owners this could eliminate the need to pay for flood insurance. To change this level, set by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), we would need to contract with Wright-Pierce or appeal to the city to work with FEMA to change the current flood maps. With the proposed improvements to Hotel Road, the Stevens Mill extension, and estimates for 100-year flooding, we could see not only the reduced chance of flooding but also elimination of flood insurance payments for many homeowners on the pond. TPA will continue to work for homeowners on the pond to accomplish all three of these goals.
