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ConCom approves test of BIOCHAR for Pillings Pond

Test will measure filtration of harmful phosphorous flow to Pond waters
Posted on: April 2, 2021 - 4:41pm
biochar socks

The Conservation Commission is pulling out a new tool from the tool box in its efforts to address the algae issues in Pillings Pond.

In its November 10, 2020 Pillings Pond sub-committee meeting, aquatic specialist Water and Wetland LLC recommended use of BIOCHAR socks to measure the filtration of phosphorous from waters entering Pillings Pond.  Phosphorous is a significant contributor to harmful algae levels in the Pond that originates primarily from fertilizer run-off.

Biochar is a product similar to activated charcoal and is a natural, low-cost water filtration solution. Placed in porous socks, the Biochar material filters nutrients as water passes through. On April 1, Water and Wetland deployed 50 linear feet of BIOCHAR socks in a designated section of Bates Brook, the primary tributary to the Pond.

In this first test of the success of Biochar filtration, Water & Wetland will collect a water sample upstream and downstream of the Biochar in May, and again in July. Success could lead to more widespread deployment.