State Senator Donald E. Williams, Jr.
May 9, 2008
Williams: Legislation Could Help Get the Weeds Out of Quaddick Lake
Legislation passed in final action in the state House of Representatives Wednesday night will allow voters in the town of Thompson to establish a special taxing district to improve the health of Quaddick Lake-a measure that Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) advocated for.
The legislation, which both the House and the state Senate approved in unanimous votes, expands the state statutes to allow for the creation of a special tax district to maintain the water quality in lakes.
"Quaddick Lake is a recreational resource, a fish and wildlife habitat, a place for children and families to enjoy and a treasure to the town of Thompson," said Senator Williams. "However, the weed problem at the lake threatens the health of area residents and native plants and wildlife. The ability to create a special taxing district to fund treatment of the lake will help to preserve not only the health of the environment and people in this area but also the quality of life that residents enjoy because of this important natural resource."
Senator Williams also thanked state Representative Shawn Johnston (D-Thompson, Killingly, Putnam) for his advocacy and strong support of the measure.
Quaddick Lake suffers from three types of weeds: fanwort, variable leaf water milfoil and bladderwort, which is a native species. The invasive fanwort poses the greatest risk to the lake's health.
Quaddick Lake covers 46 acres, holds over 130 million cubic feet of water and is part of the Five-Mile River. The invasive weed problem in Quaddick Lake is attributed to several factors, including a 25-mile watershed and leaking sewage from upstream homes and lake residences that provide fertilizers to the weeds.
Invasive weeds replace native plants, reduce fish populations and affect human health. Chemical treatments are the most effective means of controlling invasive weeds.
The legislation now waits for consideration from the governor.
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