Utilities_Tammy M assigned this issue to DPW HWYS Office

This issue was recategorized from Sewer or Water Issue to Stormwater Pond Maintenance.

DPW HWYS Amy Rill assigned this issue to Stormwater_John S

Stormwater_John S assigned this issue to DRP_NR_Brenda_Lee

Dear Resident,
I was forwarded your message concerning the conditions of the pond located across the street from your residence at 8640 Open Meadow Way Columbia, MD - SeeClickFix# 4964665.
I am the Natural Resource Manager with the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks and oversee natural resource management issues located on County-owned park and open space lands.
Since the pond is located on property owned by the HOA, it would be the responsibility of the HOA to hire a pond management company to deal with the aquatic plants growing within the pond.
Based on the picture provided, it appears that the “scum” you refer to is actually filamentous algae and possibly floating aquatic plants such as duck weed and watermeal. All occur naturally in ponds in Maryland.
It will disappear after the first killing frost; however, since it is still 80 degrees in October, that might not happen for a few more weeks.
This storm water management pond is exhibiting a classic scenario for a hot summer day in Maryland. This pond by design is shallow and warm, and it intercepts nutrient rich run-off from the surrounding development. This includes rain run-off from all the imperious surfaces (roofs, sidewalks, driveways and streets) within the community up-stream, leaf debris from the tree- lined streets, and dog waste from pet owners that do not pick up after their dogs, illegal yard debris disposal by neighboring property owners and waterfowl that may use the area. With the addition of sunlight, the aquatic plants are doing what they do best and taking full advantage of the growing conditions presented.
Ponds are dynamic systems and constantly changing. This storm water management pond is doing what is designed to do – trap runoff sediment and waters, and then slowly release the storm water into the stream tributary below the riser. The aquatic vegetation present in this pond is performing its own function of tying up nutrients they absorb from the water.
I assume the complaint is mainly an aesthetic concern about the algae in the pond.

Sincerely,
Brenda Belensky
(410)313-4724
Bbelensky@howardcountymd.gov

That was an incredibly comprehensive answer. Thank you for the education. I was concerned about aesthetics, but also noticed that the geese have been avoiding the pond as well. Thank you for your comments.