Dredging Project ~ Great Pond Foundation

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The Dredging Project: An Update

In an effort to improve circulation and address decreasing pond depth, the Great Pond Foundation has embarked on a longterm dredging project in Edgartown Great Pond.

WHAT'S GOING ON?
The need for dredging is easily understood when one understands the natural processes involved. Twenty-thousand years ago, retreating glaciers and the associated runoff created a unique geological phenomenon, the Edgartown Great Pond. The Edgartown Great Pond is a spring fed, fresh/saltwater pond protected by a barrier beach that has long been compromised by fierce North-Atlantic storms. Today the Pond is a valuable resource for the residents of Martha's Vineyard and supports commercial and recreational activities, such as: sailing, kayaking, fishing, and shell fishing.

The prevailing southwest winds, storms over the Atlantic, and the opening of the "cut" in the barrier beach all introduce sand into the pond. Sand has accumulated within the Pond and significantly reduced its overall depth. This is most apparent directly behind the barrier beach, west of the cut. Additionally, the movement of sand within the Pond has greatly reduced circulation within the Pond to limit the beneficial aspects of opening the cut. This is best indicated by the continued easterly encroachment of Swan Neck Point and the associated shoaling.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Why should we care about these natural processes? The reason is simple and has to do with the health of the Great Pond. As the depth of the Pond decreases and circulation is reduced, the temperature of the Pond increases and is more susceptible to the unhealthy growth of algae. Algae growth consumes oxygen that is required for a healthy ecosystem. Oxygen depletion kills finfish, shellfish and desirable plant life such as eelgrass. Eventually the Pond may die.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE WE DOING?
Permits for the dredging project will need to be submitted to local, State and Federal regulatory agencies. We anticipate the permitting process for phase one to take 18 to 24 months. Due to the length of the permitting process, permitting for phase two will begin before the completion of phase one. This allows us to have consistent and predictable progression of dredge activities within the pond, ensuring that the long-term objectives are being accomplished.

To date we have worked closely with the Ponds Advisory Committee, Edgartown Dredge Committee, and Edgartown Shellfish Committee to identify sites and gain support for the longterm vision. The Edgartown Shellfish Committee will be the applicant for the dredge project. The Dredge Committee has extensive knowledge of the permitting process via its other activities, and will oversee the permitting process. Utilizing best practices and the resources at our disposal, we increase our probability of approval in the shortest possible time.

The Great Pond Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the health of this beautiful, historic, and ecologically significant body of water. The dredging project represents a fundamental component of our efforts to do just that, and seeing it through will help preserve the Great Pond for generations to come.
- John Coskie