Neighbors and Friends
There have been several questions regarding the recent activity around the Stormwater Management Ponds. The issue of Stormwater Pond Management has been discussed regularly. For many reasons, it was decided that now is the time to properly address their maintenance. This spring, two different Storm Water Management Inspectors said the tree roots were growing into the pond and
inhibiting the natural flux and circulation of the pond. (thus the algae) In the Kimberwyk pond, the entire root system has to be removed at the waters entrance to the pond from the street below the Casten's house. There, the roots have almost completely blocked the intake stream, BUT the aggressive roots around the rest of the pond can be curtailed by severely cutting the trees.
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On the Bailey Circle Pond, the trees are growing in the middle of the pond and similarly are disturbing the in and out flow of the water. On both ponds, the muck at the bottom of the ponds is beginning to obstruct the intake and outflow pipes, necessitating a complete overhaul of both ponds. (Newlin Greene also has two dry SMPs.)
We intentionally waited until fall to start work and trim the trees. By now, all the birds should have had time to lay their eggs and raise several clutches of young. It is intentional that the tree roots remain except at the entrance and exit on the Kimberwyck pond, thus allowing for ample growth in the spring for the nesting birds. The proximity of the woods and ground cover surrounding a good portion of that pond will provide protection and a natural habitat for most wintering birds and animals.
To backtrack a bit, we have been keeping close watch on the ponds. Both ponds were examined a few years ago by the foremost expert in the field of Stormwater Management Ponds, Dr Winfied Fairchild, who explained how SWPs work and their maintenance needs. Jim Nolan, past President of the NGHA Board, works with Dr Fairchild on other environmental endeavors and asked him to consult (gratis!) on our SMPs.
Thee Newlin Greene ByLaws clearly state actions to sustain these ponds and also to pay for their upkeep and maintenance. Please refer to the Newlin Greene Homeowner's ByLaws,
Article VII - Maintenance of the Common Facilities, specifically Section 7.5 and
Article IX - Township's Right To Maintain Common Elements
Section 9.1 Gives the Township the right to inspect and enforce maintenance Common
Facilities, including the Stormwater Management Ponds (should NGHA not accept the responsibility for their maintenance.)
The NGHA Board has judiciously been setting aside money in anticipation of the hefty cost of cleaning out and maintaining the Stormwater Management Ponds so as to avoid a Special Assessment (Section 8.4.) All estimates have easily topped $20,000 for both ponds. The Landscaping Committee has worked diligently to find the best contractor for this job, considering qualifications and cost. It has not been an easy task, but now we are ready to begin the process. We have the responsibility of considering the best interests of the community as a whole and as such, have spent many hours of research and meetings with knowledgeable individuals to obtain the best plan for maintaining our Stormwater Management Ponds.
Sincerely,
NGHA Board and
The NGHA Landscape Committee
