Rochester Conservation Commission — April 21, 2026

The Rochester Conservation Commission convened on April 21, 2026, to consider a Town of Rochester Notice of Intent for weed management in the 710-acre Snipatuit Pond. Commission Chair Christopher Gerrior read the project narrative proposing a multi-tiered management plan to address heavy infestations of variable watermilfoil and other invasive aquatic plants. The proposal entails using a mechanical harvester operated by Rochester Highway Department staff to cut weeds and transport them for composting, supplemented by potential spot treatments with the aquatic herbicide Sonar AS (fluridone) at 25 parts per billion. Gerrior noted that State Representative Mark D. Sylvia had helped pass House legislation that could provide a harvester to the town, though DEP and Natural Heritage reviews were still pending.

A lengthy discussion with pond abutters followed, addressing multiple management options including mechanical harvesting, chemical herbicides, boat wash containment stations, and dredging. Richard Charon, representing the Rochester Water Commission and the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Commission, expressed firm opposition to herbicide usage due to potential contamination of the regional drinking water aquifer supplying Rochester, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Fairhaven. Resident Bendrix Bailey suggested dredging the sand and gravel pond bed down to non-growth depths as a permanent solution, offered his abutting field for weed composting to save municipal trucking costs, and pledged a $10,000 citizen challenge grant to raise $20,000 from the community. Michelle Kirby, calling via Zoom, advocated for hiring a professional limnologist to develop a comprehensive pond management plan.

Following public comment, the Commission voted unanimously to continue the Snipatuit Pond public hearing to May 5, 2026, to allow staff to gather technical data on harvester acreage capacity, dredging options, and state herbicide restrictions. In routine business, the Commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes from April 7, 2026, and authorized payment vouchers of $19.50 to FileGuard and $35.00 to The Wanderer. The Commission also briefly reviewed permit extensions under state law for Beals and Thomas, an illicit discharge report from Cushman Road Solar, and noted that Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly's position hours would be reduced to 23-24 hours weekly due to town budget constraints.

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