Are Chemicals Candlewood Lake's Future?

The Board of Selectmen (BOS) of New Fairfield has announced their intention to hire a lake management firm to apply chemicals to kill milfoil and control cyanobacteria/blue-green algae blooms respectively, this Spring/Summer in two test areas proximate to NF's Town Beach and a Sail Harbour cove. Such a proposal was approved by the BOS on 1/12 without discussion or engagement of the public or other appropriate authorities. It carries a cost of $52,000+ and entails 5 applications in each of the two test areas. If the test proves successful, further applications are likely. If you live or recreate in the vicinity of Candlewood Lake, you should be involved, concerned and attentive.

Importantly, this plan was hatched in private discussions and without consultation nor advice from the CLA, our Lake agency, the DEEP which holds final approval authority, the other four CEOs of adjoining towns, nor with citizens of NF or the surrounding area -- raising a whole host of governance and ethical issues beyond ‘simply’ the introduction of chemicals. Nor is there any indication that other, more environmentally compatible alternatives were considered -- unlike the work consistently performed in an ecologically sensitive and sensible manner by the CLA to help ensure Candlewood’s waters, residents, users, wildlife, and lakelife are protected.

Scott Randall, a concerned Lake advocate from Sherman, has mounted a petition drive against the actions being pursued unilaterally by the BOS. The petition may be accessed at https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/dont-poison-candlewood-lake. As of today, more than 1,200 signatures have already been garnered urging against this introduction of chemicals. If you haven't already done so, I would suggest you access the petition, consider its merits and decide to 'sign' or not, or to await further info that may come to light in a yet-to-be scheduled public information session.

In my view, your decision to support or oppose the introduction of these chemical agents should take into consideration the following factors, any one of which may be judged sufficient to oppose …

● Candlewood is precious and vulnerable; I understand outside chemical agents have not been authorized for use before in our Lake and for good reason

● The long-term impact of chemicals such as these is not thoroughly understood and can risk injury to the health of those humans, animals and the ecosystem exposed

● Alternatives to toxins exist and have been thoroughly evaluated by our CLA without resorting to chemicals; indeed a carp test is now underway but could be upended

● The CLA, the one agency charged with protecting our Lake’s welfare and water quality has been ignored in this process despite BOS claims to the contrary

● The DEEP was surprised and taken aback when informed of the proposed chemical use, particularly since all 5 towns had approved the carp solution a few short years ago

● Our four partner towns must be engaged early-on in all considerations with Lake-wide implications; this did not occur: despite the risks, there has been no common dialogue

● The Lake’s waters and these chemicals have a long ‘shelf life’ – the Lake ‘turns over’ infrequently and chemicals resident in the soils tend to remain there risking build-up

● Chemicals are a short-term fix, not a viable, lasting solution; they may perform the immediate task but will likely require reapplication for continuing benefit

● NF BOS has earned its reputation as a rouge entity on most Lake-related issues and seems bent on pursuing its own course despite valid concerns of other stakeholders

● The unique economic and ecological impacts of treating unwanted invasives and algae with chemicals in our Lake are not known; we would thus shoulder these risks.

Admittedly I have become increasingly biased against the use of chemicals for at least four reasons: the unknowns involved and associated risks of the slippery slope; the fact that alternative, ecologically sensitive, proven solutions exist and are now in effect; the unprofessional antics of those few involved, their failure to be transparent and to engage other, more knowledgeable authorities; and a personal experience just this past Friday when providing testimony to the Environment Committee in Hartford to represent and appeal for Candlewood Lake’s needs ...

The recurring theme throughout that day related to damage being incurred statewide from herbicides, insecticides and similar chemical compounds introduced by entities facing near-term tactical issues but without consideration for, and an understanding of, the longer-term damage being done to our environment – unnerving and very apropos to the situation we face today. So what’s Candlewood Lake’s answer? The choice is yours: make it wisely and on behalf of your family, your neighbors, our Lake, our wildlife and lakelife that cannot speak for themselves.