The studies are in part an extension and continuation of the Falouth Pond Watchers studies on Oyster Pond, an ongoing project conducted by former WHOI, now CMAST, U Mass Dartmouth, scientists Drs. Brian Rowes and Dale Goehringer, upon whose recommendations this particular remediation strategy was adopted for Oyster Pond. The chemical analyses of samples were performed in the laboratory of these scientists at CMAST, U Mass Dartmouth. The fecal coliform and fish studies were an initiative of OPET. Analyses for fecal coliform bacteria were performed by Envirotech Laboratories, Inc., Sandwich.
Pond level.
Weekly readings of water height above the weir elevation were taken, beginning in July. The pond level varied between an average of 17 cm above the weir and 25 cm; it rose transiently after heavy rainfalls and sank to less than 15 cm above weir elevation only after a channel was dug in the Trunk River (first and second arrow). The first storm of the fall (open arrow) plugged Trunk River completely for several days and apparently turther raised the silt barrier since the level from then on averaged about 20 cm. In early March, again a shallow channel was dug in Trunk River, causing the continued drop in pond level observed thereafter. The pond level data are needed for adjustment of data sampled at various pond depths to allow data comparisons
Pond salinity.
From 1987 to 1995, salinity of the pond at 0-2m depth ranged between 5 and 15 ppt, and at 3.5 - 6m depth, between 10 and 27 ppt (Falmouth Pondwatchers Report, 1996). In the summer of 1997, salinity was about 2.4 down to 4 m and 6-10 ppt at 6m (Falmouth Pondwatchers Report, 1996). In the winter of 1997/8, after fall and winter storms had brought in saltwater, salinity was 3-4 ppt to a depth of 4m, and 8-14 ppt at 6m (OPET-sponsored Science Project of Falmouth Academy students Misha Strumwasser and Andrew Davies).
This page updated June 13, 2002