![]() Unlike the water from Grove Pond, however, where PFAS contamination was linked back to the Army base at Fort Devens, the source of the Spectacle Pond contamination was not immediately apparent. Spectacle Pond’s own PFAS treatment facility was later approved at town meeting in October 2019. ‘We started with a moving target (at Grove Pond) and, after we found (PFAS) at (Spectacle Pond), the moving target kind of kept on moving,’ he said. While the town was not required to test the water at the time (PFAS sampling was not required in public water supplies in Massachusetts until October 2020), it did so out of ‘an abundance of caution,’ according to Van Schalkwyk, as Ayer worked with the Department of Environmental Protection on the PFAS extension at the Grove Pond treatment plant. The chemicals were first discovered in the Spectacle Pond wells in 2018. Often dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ due to their inability to break down, PFAS can be found almost everywhere and can cause serious health issues. A slight climb from the trailhead goes past Beaver Meadow Hill before descending to cross Shanty Brook, a pleasant backcountry stream. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are human-made chemicals used in a wide range of products. Trail description: the trail to Spectacle Pond is easy and it's perfect for an afternoon jaunt or a family outing. ‘But we’ve been running the plant as much as we can to make sure the people of Ayer have the safe, clean water they need.’ ‘We aren’t quite fully up and running yet, a few more kinks to work out here and there,’ Van Schalkwyk said. As the summer season progresses, a fair amount of aquatic vegetation, such as lily pads, will grow in different areas of the pond. While the plant is not yet 100% operational, DPW Director Dan Van Schalkwyk said they continue to ensure that the 1.2 million gallons of water that flow through the facility daily are safe for use and consumption. Spectacle Pond is a shallow, primarily soft-bottomed waterbody that is home to a range of warm water species, as well as brown trout, a cold water species. ![]() Construction on the facility began late in 2020 before it concluded last June. “AYER - The Department of Public Works and Water Department have taken another step to address PFAS contamination in public drinking water.Īfter it opened the first such facility in Massachusetts, the town of Ayer recently opened its second PFAS water treatment plant to address contamination in water drawn from the wells near Spectacle Pond. Whether you are looking to buy a family home, a full-time retirement residence, or a waterfront property, Spectacle Pond is an excellent choice.Read the full article by Shane Rhodes (Sentinel & Enterprise) Lastly, visit the Vermont Historical Society Museum, featuring tours and artifacts of the American Revolution, Native Americans, and the history of Vermont. This mountain is the second highest in Vermont and is considered one of the best hikes in the state, offering brilliant views. Next, visit Camel’s Hump for a hike through nature. The statehouse contains murals from the Civil War. While in Montpelier, check out the Vermont State House, offering tours of the numerous, elaborate rooms and architecture. Loons and bald eagles are some of the residents’ favorite wildlife. Spectacle Pond has plenty of space for residents to enjoy recreation and relaxation. The Bangor International Airport is under 45 miles away, and the Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital is 25 miles away. Others enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and nature watching. Spectacle Pond is a 1,779-acre lake in Osborn, Maine, under 40 miles from Bangor. Suitable spawning habitat does not exist so annual stocking of both these species is necessary to maintain the fishery. Browns were first stocked in 1973 and brook trout were originally stocked in the spring of 1991. Popular for fishing, the lake holds a variety of largemouth bass, brown bullhead, chain pickerel perch, panfish, and brown trout. Spectacle Pond has sufficient cool, oxygenated water to allow for management of brown trout and brook trout. ![]() It boasts clear waters with a maximum depth of 15 feet. Encircled by tree-covered mountains, the lake is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. Spectacle Pond is a stunning 102-acre lake shared by Brighton State Park and several property owners. The North Country Hospital is 25 miles away, and the Burlington International Airport is under 110 miles away. ![]() For a city trip, Montpelier is 70 miles away. Spectacle Pond is in Brighton, Vermont, not far from the New Hampshire and Canadian borders. ![]()
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