Millville Lake Protective Association
Salem, NH
Salem, NH
MLPA News
August Beach Testing Report
On August 4, 2022, water samples from association and public beaches in Salem were collected and submitted for microbiological analysis to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Laboratory in Concord.
The samples were analyzed for bacteria, (E. coli), the indicator organism utilized to determine safe swimming conditions. At a freshwater beach, an advisory is posted if either two samples exceed the state standard of 88 counts or when one sample exceeds 158 counts.
Two samples were collected from each beach in accordance with the NH DES “Standard Operating Procedure for Bacteria Sampling”. The following beach sites were sampled and the results are as follows:
Location Salem Town Beach Millville Circle E. coli Results
Millville Lake -------------------------------------------15, 20
The beach is in compliance with the guidelines established by the NH DES for safe swimmable waters at this time.
Additional testing will be conducted in early July. Any questions, please feel free to contact Brian Lockard, the Salem Health Officer at 603-890-2050.
The samples were analyzed for bacteria, (E. coli), the indicator organism utilized to determine safe swimming conditions. At a freshwater beach, an advisory is posted if either two samples exceed the state standard of 88 counts or when one sample exceeds 158 counts.
Two samples were collected from each beach in accordance with the NH DES “Standard Operating Procedure for Bacteria Sampling”. The following beach sites were sampled and the results are as follows:
Location Salem Town Beach Millville Circle E. coli Results
Millville Lake -------------------------------------------15, 20
The beach is in compliance with the guidelines established by the NH DES for safe swimmable waters at this time.
Additional testing will be conducted in early July. Any questions, please feel free to contact Brian Lockard, the Salem Health Officer at 603-890-2050.
All 2022 paid MLPA members and their guests are invited to celebrate the lake at LakeFest! We have a fun day and night of events planned for you and all events are accessible from land and water! The schedule of events can be found by clicking here.
Lead Fishing Tackle Ban and Lead Buy Back Program
July 16, 2022 - We have been informed by the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) to remind anglers about the ban on the sale and freshwater use of lead sinkers and jigs weighing one ounce or less for all freshwater in the state. The Loon Preservation Committee recently recorded its first lead-poisoned loon of the year. You can read the article by clicking here. Full details of the buyback and participating shops can be found at https://loon.org/loonsafe/lpc-2022-lead-tackle-buyback/loon.org/loonsafe/lpc-2022-lead-tackle-buyback/
MLPA Spring Meeting Notes
July 5, 2022 - The MLPA Spring meeting notes from the June 7th meeting are now on the website for members only. Click the 'MLPA Meeting Notes Members Only' icon above to access the notes. If you are a member and cannot access the meeting notes please let us know by sending an email to info@millvillelake.org.
SOLitude Lake Management Weed Treatment
July 15, 2022 Update - The MLPA Board of Directors wants everyone to know the "real behind the scene story" about the 2022 over abundant weed situation. Over the last four summers, we have had SOLitude, our lake management company, treat the weeds using state permits and approved chemicals. This has worked very well.
Then, when spring 2022 came we, as a Board of Directors, along with SOLitude applied for the usual New Hampshire permit to treat the weeds.
Then came the death knell to this year’s weed treatment program. The State of New Hampshire biologists found weeds in our lake that they identified as “endangered.” In fact, as it turns out that was not the case. THIS RESULTED IN SHUTTING DOWN THE WHOLE PERMITTING PROCESS! New Hampshire biologists did their needed reviews and tests but not till the 3rd week in July did we receive information that our weeds were misidentified by the NH biologists and the Natural Heritage Bureau (part of the NH Division of Forests and Lands.)
After repeated phone calls, e-mails to SOLitude and an emergency MLPA BOD meeting it was decided that the best course of action for us was to cancel this year's treatment due to the high expense of about $30K for a relatively short recreation season. If we treated the weeds now we would not see any real improvement until September.
Going forward, we have already had a long detailed conversation with SOLitude as to how we want to proceed in early spring 2023 barring any other unforeseen issues. Please know that the 2022 weed situation has been a significant concern to the entire BOD.
Questions and concerns please email them to info@millvillelake.org.
July 8, 2022 Update - SOLitude Lake Management, our lake management firm, has been contacted AGAIN in an effort to get an update on a weed treatment date. The situation is as follows: The State of NH has issued a “provisional” permit for the treatment of weeds in Millville Lake. The major consideration is the status of certain weeds in our lake that are “endangered.” State biologists are still evaluating how (and if) these plants need some sort of protection.
At this point SOLitude is optimistic that the state will allow the weed treatment of our lake. The timing of the approvals are unknown at this point as well as the actual treatment dates. SOLitude is hoping that they will have the state application approvals before the end of July.
One of the issues impacting the actual application date is a labor shortage both at SOLitude and the State of NH. We will do our best to keep everyone up to date. Thank you for your support and be assured that your MLPA Board of Directors is doing all we can under these circumstances.
June 28, 2022 Update - We have been in regular contact with SOLitude Lake Management regarding dates for our weed treatment. As of late last week the State of NH had not issued a permit for the weed treatment. We are told by SOLitude that the state has identified an endangered plant (weed) in our lake and that is holding up the permit. SOLitude continues to work with the state on this issue.
May 7, 2022 - We contacted SOLitude Lake Management to let them know we would like this year's weed treatment to be done using Sonar. Sonar was applied in 2018 and was very effective in weed control and can be applied before the start of the summer season. NOTE: The use of Sonar will be dependent on SOLitude getting approval from the State.
What is Sonar? Sonar (Fluridone) is an aquatic herbicide applied to achieve control of spiny naiad and southern naiad. It's main action is to disrupt photosynthesis. The chlorophyll is degraded by sunlight and the plants effectively starve to death. It is systemic acting and it controls the entire plant including the root structures.
Read the letter sent by SOLitude to Millville Lake abutters here.
Then, when spring 2022 came we, as a Board of Directors, along with SOLitude applied for the usual New Hampshire permit to treat the weeds.
Then came the death knell to this year’s weed treatment program. The State of New Hampshire biologists found weeds in our lake that they identified as “endangered.” In fact, as it turns out that was not the case. THIS RESULTED IN SHUTTING DOWN THE WHOLE PERMITTING PROCESS! New Hampshire biologists did their needed reviews and tests but not till the 3rd week in July did we receive information that our weeds were misidentified by the NH biologists and the Natural Heritage Bureau (part of the NH Division of Forests and Lands.)
After repeated phone calls, e-mails to SOLitude and an emergency MLPA BOD meeting it was decided that the best course of action for us was to cancel this year's treatment due to the high expense of about $30K for a relatively short recreation season. If we treated the weeds now we would not see any real improvement until September.
Going forward, we have already had a long detailed conversation with SOLitude as to how we want to proceed in early spring 2023 barring any other unforeseen issues. Please know that the 2022 weed situation has been a significant concern to the entire BOD.
Questions and concerns please email them to info@millvillelake.org.
July 8, 2022 Update - SOLitude Lake Management, our lake management firm, has been contacted AGAIN in an effort to get an update on a weed treatment date. The situation is as follows: The State of NH has issued a “provisional” permit for the treatment of weeds in Millville Lake. The major consideration is the status of certain weeds in our lake that are “endangered.” State biologists are still evaluating how (and if) these plants need some sort of protection.
At this point SOLitude is optimistic that the state will allow the weed treatment of our lake. The timing of the approvals are unknown at this point as well as the actual treatment dates. SOLitude is hoping that they will have the state application approvals before the end of July.
One of the issues impacting the actual application date is a labor shortage both at SOLitude and the State of NH. We will do our best to keep everyone up to date. Thank you for your support and be assured that your MLPA Board of Directors is doing all we can under these circumstances.
June 28, 2022 Update - We have been in regular contact with SOLitude Lake Management regarding dates for our weed treatment. As of late last week the State of NH had not issued a permit for the weed treatment. We are told by SOLitude that the state has identified an endangered plant (weed) in our lake and that is holding up the permit. SOLitude continues to work with the state on this issue.
May 7, 2022 - We contacted SOLitude Lake Management to let them know we would like this year's weed treatment to be done using Sonar. Sonar was applied in 2018 and was very effective in weed control and can be applied before the start of the summer season. NOTE: The use of Sonar will be dependent on SOLitude getting approval from the State.
What is Sonar? Sonar (Fluridone) is an aquatic herbicide applied to achieve control of spiny naiad and southern naiad. It's main action is to disrupt photosynthesis. The chlorophyll is degraded by sunlight and the plants effectively starve to death. It is systemic acting and it controls the entire plant including the root structures.
Read the letter sent by SOLitude to Millville Lake abutters here.
Cyanobacteria Information
May 21, 2022 - With the warmer weather approaching the chance of harmful algal blooms increases. Cyanobacteria blooms were detected last year on Millville Lake. Cyanobacteria blooms are aesthetically displeasing in sight, odor and taste, as well as potentially toxic to domestic animals, livestock, wildlife and humans. Information on cyanobacteria can be viewed here.
Clean River Project Lake Cleanup
May 10, 2022 - A huge thanks to the Clean River Project for once again helping to protect and improve Millville Lake with their annual lake cleanup. Click here to see more cleanup photos!
MLPA Spring Newsletter 2022
May 9, 2022 - MLPA Spring newsletter is available to read here.
Millville Lake Dam Closing & Concrete Barrier
April 29, 2022 - Fred Wallace, Director of the Salem Municipal Services Utilities Division, has informed us that the Millville Lake dam gates will be closed the morning of Saturday April 30th for the spring, summer & early fall season. Also, the concrete barrier at the dam area has been moved to allow for boat launching.
Clean River Project Spring Cleanup
April 25, 2022 - The Clean River Project will be on Millville Lake Wednesday April 27th to begin phase 1 of the spring cleanup - which is the walk around, bag and tag trash, make piles of limbs, branches, etc. and return any furniture to the homeowners.
Once the lake level rises after April 30th, they will look at the levels to see when a good time will be to launch their boat to pickup phase 1 debris.
Once the lake level rises after April 30th, they will look at the levels to see when a good time will be to launch their boat to pickup phase 1 debris.
Virtual Workshop - Green Grass and Clear Water
The Town of Salem is hosting a free virtual workshop on Monday, May 2, 2022, @ 6:30pm at which attendees can learn the do’s and don’ts of lawn care habits that help keep our local waters healthy and clean. Register online at: https://bit.ly/GGCW-May2022
Millville Lake Dam Graffiti
April 18, 2022 - Thanks to Fred Wallace, Director of the Salem Municipal Services Utilities Division, and his team for removing graffiti from the Millville Lake dam today. Fred notified the Salem Police Department and they will add it as a property check to the patrol in that area.
Fred will be posting a no trespassing sign at the walkway on top of the dam and he asks If you see any unwanted activity on or around the dam please notify the Salem PD (603) 893-1911.
Fred will be posting a no trespassing sign at the walkway on top of the dam and he asks If you see any unwanted activity on or around the dam please notify the Salem PD (603) 893-1911.
NH Cyanobacteria Bill HB 1066 Update
April 9, 2022 From our friends at NH Lakes:
House Bill 1066 travels to the Senate, having been amended in the House to forgo the creation of a study commission, and, instead, to direct the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to take action by creating a plan to address cyanobacteria blooms in our waters.We’re back to square one in the Senate—first a public hearing in committee, followed by a recommendation to the full Senate, and then a full vote by the Senate. With your help, the bill will then be signed into law by the Governor!
HB 1066 has been scheduled for its first public hearing in the Senate with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, April 12, at 9:45 a.m. Our Senators need to hear from YOU! Email members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and tell them how toxic cyanobacteria blooms have impacted you and your favorite lake. Stories and written testimony, especially from advocates like you, will make a difference in getting this critical legislation passed.
Email the Committee Here!
How to register using the link below:
House Bill 1066 travels to the Senate, having been amended in the House to forgo the creation of a study commission, and, instead, to direct the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to take action by creating a plan to address cyanobacteria blooms in our waters.We’re back to square one in the Senate—first a public hearing in committee, followed by a recommendation to the full Senate, and then a full vote by the Senate. With your help, the bill will then be signed into law by the Governor!
HB 1066 has been scheduled for its first public hearing in the Senate with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, April 12, at 9:45 a.m. Our Senators need to hear from YOU! Email members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and tell them how toxic cyanobacteria blooms have impacted you and your favorite lake. Stories and written testimony, especially from advocates like you, will make a difference in getting this critical legislation passed.
Email the Committee Here!
How to register using the link below:
- Select Date of Hearing: April 12, 2022
- Select the Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
- Choose the Bill: HB 1066
- Indicate Who You're Representing
- Choose Your Position: Support
MLPA 2022 Dues
We are now accepting MLPA membership dues payments for 2022. The MLPA membership year is from January 1st - December 31st and dues are only $30.00. Click here to support the MLPA. As always, thank you for your support to "protect and improve Millville Lake."
Dredging 101 Webinar
February 12, 2022 - SOLitude Lake Management recently presented an overview of lake dredging, something that is on the minds of the MLPA board of directors as a potential way of decreasing weeds and increasing the recreational benefits of the lake. Click here to view the webinar.
Millville Lake Dam Repair Update
February 12, 2022 - We received an update on the Millville Lake dam repair from Fred Wallace, Director of the Salem Municipal Services Utilities Division. Fred tells us:
"Results of the subsurface explorations and revised stability analyses from spring 2021 indicate that the dam is founded on glacial outwash material, and depths to bedrock below the assumed bottom of the dam varied between the test borings from 7± feet to 23± feet. SLR, our engineering contractor, recommends the construction of concrete buttresses on the downstream face of the dam to provide the additional required normal force. We’ve budgeted to move ahead with survey, overtopping assessment, design of repairs, and permitting in 2022. I don’t believe we will need to lower the lake below normal levels for the summer.
You should be able to go ahead with your plans for weed treatment. We will reach out to you as we get closer to design and set up an informational meeting with your association."
"Results of the subsurface explorations and revised stability analyses from spring 2021 indicate that the dam is founded on glacial outwash material, and depths to bedrock below the assumed bottom of the dam varied between the test borings from 7± feet to 23± feet. SLR, our engineering contractor, recommends the construction of concrete buttresses on the downstream face of the dam to provide the additional required normal force. We’ve budgeted to move ahead with survey, overtopping assessment, design of repairs, and permitting in 2022. I don’t believe we will need to lower the lake below normal levels for the summer.
You should be able to go ahead with your plans for weed treatment. We will reach out to you as we get closer to design and set up an informational meeting with your association."
MLPA 2022 Dates at Chaser's Poker Room
December 17, 2021 - Below are the 2022 dates that the MLPA will be the featured charity at Chasers Poker Room 7 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Salem, NH 03079. 35% of each day's take will go to the MLPA.
Thursday February 24th - Saturday February 26th
Sunday August 14th - Saturday August 20th
Thursday February 24th - Saturday February 26th
Sunday August 14th - Saturday August 20th
MLPA Fall Meeting Notes
November 23, 2021 - The MLPA Fall meeting notes have been published. Click on the 'MLPA Meeting Notes Members Only' icon above to access them.
MLPA Fall Meeting
October 1, 2021 - The MLPA Fall meeting will be held on Monday November 15, 2021 6:00pm at the Centerpoint Community Church 101 School St. Salem, NH. This is a members-only meeting but membership forms will be available for non-members to join (yearly dues are $30.00) prior to the start of the meeting.
Guest Speaker
Do you have questions about the Millville Lake weed treatment? Then you will not want to miss the meeting. Our guest speaker will be Peter Beisler, Environmental Scientist SOLitude Lake Management. SOLitude does our annual weed treatment.
Fred Wallace, the Director of the Salem Municipal Services Utilities Division, will not be attending the meeting.
Can't make the meeting? Email your questions for Peter to info@millvillelake.org.
Guest Speaker
Do you have questions about the Millville Lake weed treatment? Then you will not want to miss the meeting. Our guest speaker will be Peter Beisler, Environmental Scientist SOLitude Lake Management. SOLitude does our annual weed treatment.
Fred Wallace, the Director of the Salem Municipal Services Utilities Division, will not be attending the meeting.
Can't make the meeting? Email your questions for Peter to info@millvillelake.org.
Keep Leaves Out of the Lake
From the Salem Municipal Services Department - Engineering Division. "Did you know yard waste, including leaves and grass clippings, can be a source of water pollution? When yard waste ends up in our town streets and sidewalks it flows into our storm drains. From there, it goes directly to our local streams, rivers, wetlands, ponds and lakes where it decays increasing the amount of nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus in the water body, and degrading water quality. Learn more about leaf and yard waste handling, including how to properly dispose of it here: https://www.townofsalemnh.org/.../salemnh_yardwaste..."
Cyanobacteria Sighting on Millville Lake
October 8, 2021 - From NH DES October 8, 2021
Concord, NH- A cyanobacteria bloom has been observed on Millville Lake in Salem, NH. NHDES alerts lake-goers to be on the lookout for changing conditions and avoid contact with cyanobacteria.
This message serves a local “Alert” for lake-goers to be on the lookout for accumulations of cyanobacteria, especially nearshore of the lake. Advisories are issued once samples are collected and cell concentrations of cyanobacteria are confirmed to exceed 70,000 cells/ml of lake water. This is not an official advisory at this time. NHDES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing elevated cyanobacteria cell conditions, also known as a bloom. NHDES also advises pet owners to keep their pets away from cyanobacteria blooms.
Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, though blooms and surface scums may form when excess nutrients are available to the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells and may be released upon cell death. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects that range in severity. Acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. Chronic effects may include liver and central nervous system damage. Be cautious of lake water that has a surface scum, changes colors, or appears to have green streaks or blue-green flecks aggregating along the shore.
If you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, please refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact NHDES immediately. Please call NHDES to report a cyanobacteria bloom at (603) 848-8094 or email HAB@des.nh.gov.
Sample cyanobacteria photo:
Concord, NH- A cyanobacteria bloom has been observed on Millville Lake in Salem, NH. NHDES alerts lake-goers to be on the lookout for changing conditions and avoid contact with cyanobacteria.
This message serves a local “Alert” for lake-goers to be on the lookout for accumulations of cyanobacteria, especially nearshore of the lake. Advisories are issued once samples are collected and cell concentrations of cyanobacteria are confirmed to exceed 70,000 cells/ml of lake water. This is not an official advisory at this time. NHDES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing elevated cyanobacteria cell conditions, also known as a bloom. NHDES also advises pet owners to keep their pets away from cyanobacteria blooms.
Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, though blooms and surface scums may form when excess nutrients are available to the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells and may be released upon cell death. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects that range in severity. Acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. Chronic effects may include liver and central nervous system damage. Be cautious of lake water that has a surface scum, changes colors, or appears to have green streaks or blue-green flecks aggregating along the shore.
If you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, please refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact NHDES immediately. Please call NHDES to report a cyanobacteria bloom at (603) 848-8094 or email HAB@des.nh.gov.
Sample cyanobacteria photo:
LakeFest 2021 Thanks & Photos
August 15 2021 - We hope everyone who attended LakeFest 2021 had a marvelous time. A big thanks to the Griddle Guys, Frank and Sheri, Paul, Jack and Adrienne, and Tim and Kathy (and George for the pineapple kabobs!) for hosting the events! Click here for some photos of the day.
NH Lakes Lake Smart PowerPoint Slides
June 9, 2021 - Andrea LaMoreaux's, NH LAKES President, PowerPoint slides from her LakeSmart Living presentation given at the MLPA Spring meeting of June 8th, 2021 are available below to download.
| millville_lake_association_lakesmart_intro_06-08-2021.pdf |
NH Lakes Canada Geese - The Ugly Truth
June 9, 2021 - "Canada Geese - Ugly Truth" provided by NH Lakes is available available to read here.
Millville Lake Dam Boring Notification
April 12, 2021 - More details of the planned drilling at the Millville Lake dam scheduled for April 16th and April 19th.
NH Lakes LakeSmart Booklet
April 11, 2021 - NH Lakes provided a must-read booklet filled with helpful information on lake friendly living. Download your copy today.
| lakesmartbooklet_2019.pdf |
Dam and Lake Level Update
April 9, 2021 - As you have noticed the Millville Lake water level is down substantially. The reason for this is that the town of Salem is required by the State of New Hampshire to perform an evaluation of the condition of the dam.
A large drilling machine will be brought in to perform the required boring into the lake bed for the evaluation. The boring is scheduled to start on the morning of Friday April 16th and most likely the equipment will be left at the dam over that weekend. The boring should be completed on Monday April 19th.
After the evaluation is completed the “gates” of the dam will be closed and the lake will be allowed to fill to its normal level. In past years the dam has been closed towards the end of April, first part of May. This year we are hoping for April 20th. We will keep you informed on when the dam is closed.
A large drilling machine will be brought in to perform the required boring into the lake bed for the evaluation. The boring is scheduled to start on the morning of Friday April 16th and most likely the equipment will be left at the dam over that weekend. The boring should be completed on Monday April 19th.
After the evaluation is completed the “gates” of the dam will be closed and the lake will be allowed to fill to its normal level. In past years the dam has been closed towards the end of April, first part of May. This year we are hoping for April 20th. We will keep you informed on when the dam is closed.
A Message From MLPA President, Jim Falls
October 26, 2020 - Please read an important message from the MLPA President, Jim Falls, on our blog.
SOLitude Lake Management 2019 Water Quality Testing
March 20, 2020 - SOLitude Lake Management performed Millville Lake water quality testing on August 29, 2019 and September 27, 2019. I received the August water quality results, reviewed them and nothing popped out to me as bad or out of the ordinary. I did not receive the September results until late October (due to a billing mix up), so I did not want to report back to you with only one set of results. When I finally received the September results I reviewed them again and again saw nothing of concern. Our Fisheries Biologist (Ben German) reviewed both sets of results and for the most part he also saw no red flags. He did however feel like it was worth mentioning that the Conductivity was a little higher than he would expect for a water body in this region/geography. Conductivity is a measure of water’s capability to pass electrical flow. This ability is directly related to the concentration of ions in the water. These conductive ions come from dissolved salts and inorganic materials such as alkalis, chlorides, sulfides and carbonate compounds. Compounds that dissolve into ions are also known as electrolytes. The more ions that are present, the higher the conductivity of water. (definition taken from: https://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water-quality/conductivity-salinity-tds/.)
Ben's opinion was that the slightly elevated conductivity was possibly due to road salts from the winter. There is no harm at all with the readings seen (330-350 umhos/cm), as they fall well within the acceptable range to support diverse aquatic life (100-1,000 umhos/cm.)
All water quality results looked good, with no reason for concern.
Peter Beisler SOLitude Environmental Scientist
Ben's opinion was that the slightly elevated conductivity was possibly due to road salts from the winter. There is no harm at all with the readings seen (330-350 umhos/cm), as they fall well within the acceptable range to support diverse aquatic life (100-1,000 umhos/cm.)
All water quality results looked good, with no reason for concern.
Peter Beisler SOLitude Environmental Scientist
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