State Proposes Major Overhaul of Septic Regulations

As coastal ponds and estuaries continue to deteriorate throughout the Cape and Islands, the DEP has proposed a pair of wastewater regulation amendments that could have sweeping impacts across the region.

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Scientists Grapple With Levels of Cyanobacteria in Coastal Ponds

When Dr. Jim Haney, a professor of biological science at the University of New Hampshire, first saw the results of cyanobacteria sampling from six of the Island's coastal ponds, he thought there had been a mistake.

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Dangerous Toxins Found in Island Ponds, Alarming Scientists

Preliminary sampling and analysis from researchers with the University of New Hampshire have revealed high levels of dangerous toxins from cyanobacteriain many of the Island’s ponds.

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Coastal Ponds on the Brink, MVC Report Finds

Martha’s Vineyard’s 13 coastal ponds are unique, globally rare estuarine ecosystems that dot the edges of Island.

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Warning Signs and Success Stories for Island Ponds and Estuaries

A three-year study by the Martha's Vineyard Commission revealed both continued high levels of nitrogen in some ponds, while others showed improvement.

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Record Quahaug Spawn Is Boon for Island Ponds
Landry Harlan

A record quahaug spawn at the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group comes as a boon to Island towns this year where saltwater ponds are seeded annually as part of shellfish management programs.

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MVC Lands Major Grant to Restore Lagoon Pond

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission landed a $250,000 federal grant this week for an innovative project to reduce groundwater pollution in Lagoon Pond.

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MVC Outlines Nitrogen Reduction Plan for Pond Health
Landry Harlan

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission presented a water quality management policy with an emphasis on the high nitrogen in coastal ponds.

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Forum Discusses Phragmites Harvesting to Lower Nitrogen in Ponds
Landry Harlan

Phragmites can be a valuable tool for removing nitrogen in Vineyard ponds, according to new research presented to a packed meeting in the West Tisbury Library Monday afternoon.

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Water Levels in Great Ponds Reach Historic High
Landry Harlan

Torrents of rain from recent storms have caused Vineyard Great Ponds to rise to historic levels, threatening shellfish and surrounding homes.

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