This has been going on for some time now. The ponds hydrogen to oxygen level is obviously off now. Water as we all know is H2O. In laymen's terms that means 2 parts hydrogen to every part oxygen. It takes two molecules of the diatomic hydrogen gas, combined with one molecule of the diatomic oxygen gas to produce two molecules of water. In other words the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen is 2:1, the ratio of hydrogen to water is 1:1, and the ratio of oxygen to water is 1:2.
There's something more though that doesn't show up in the equation. Energy. The formation of water from it's elements produces, in addition to water, a tremendous amount of energy, 572 kJ to be exact. That being said I honestly think we could adjust the ponds overall health by using these chlorine tablets that are sold over the counter. Budget pools sells these great tablets that work wonders on my in ground pool. Now obviously Fellsmere Pond is not my backyard pool but the concept is the same right? We must keep the water clean. My barracuda MX6 works wonders and I can only imagine if the City upgraded to the deluxe model...Barracuda MX12. I cant afford it but it looks like its the bomb and would probably keep this gem of a pond in nice shape. I'd be willing to donate my time with my aqua broom if it would help. My father before he passed away told me to remember that my pools filter was like its kidney. Chemicals are like medicine for pols and ponds and lakes and oceans and etc... They do wonders. Baking soda performs well too but for a fraction of the price. Just an idea...why not build a tennis court near the pond cause the more tennis balls that get hit in the pond will help absorb oils and keep the pond from having a slick sheen on top of the water.

This is just one more tragic byproduct of the exxon valdez oil spill. While we may think we are a long way from Alaska, the truth is we are all connected by God and this is his way of having us all share in the pain caused by the continual abuse of this environment by the SOBs known as mankind.

Does the DCR still maintain this?

I think ultimately that is the problem....DCR is suppose to maintain it but doesn't. Its a shame really as the pond has the potential of being a focal point of the City for all the right reasons not the reasons that have been highlighted recently.

Health department should perform a test of the oil slick and post the test result on the bulletin board to ensure it is safe for the children.

It appears hay bales are now covering up the visible pollutants. Is this a temporary or a permanent fix? Has the water been tested and have the pollutants been identified? Thank you.

What is the department of public works suppose to do. They dont have the credentials to decide what the solution is. It needs a higher authority. Environmental.

After speaking with DPW, they have tested the water there for chlorine and fluorides (common ingredients in our city water). Finding none they have eliminated waste water / potable water (ie. cracked sewer line) as source of this. They have reviewed the area with an outside company and the current belief is this is a result of organic decomposition tied to an open spring that bubbles up in the back weeds there. The hay bales are intended to be a minimally-invasive organic way to collect / filter what is there. The DPW/Water Department is tracking this and can bring in the board of health and environmental folks for further testing. They plan a walk through of the area in the next month or so with an outside consultant. An update is expected end of July. If further testing is required (e.g. are there buried drums of some inorganic materials dating back to Converse rubber days?) they will pursue. They are taking steps for "better management practices" of this area, clearly care about this, and welcomed the observations and input of citizens and neighbors who enjoy the park and pond area.

I am only closing this so that I don't receive more reminders.