Township and Environmental Commission on board with purchase of fountain, price and funding to be discussed
The fate of the Mullica Hill Pond looks healthy.
At the request of the Harrison Township Committee, the Environmental Commission, in particular, Mike Gonserkevis, created a presentation about the importance of enhancing the health of the pond. On several occasions, Gonserkevis explained that over the years, the pond has built up a significant amount of biological debris and is in need of cleansing. More specifically, aeration.
“Dredging is an option,” but an expensive one, Gonserkevis said.
An aerating fountain is the way to go, according to Gonserkevis and the commission.
Aeration assists with the process of enhancing a body of water’s health by increasing oxygen levels, with the added bonus of enhancing the aesthetics. Aeration also improves natural systems below the surface.
Cleansing the pond is monumental; however, that is only the beginning, according to the commission.
With a healthier pond, the Environmental Commission suggests the pond and its surrounding area could transform into a “passive recreation area” that could include fishing, boating, trails, a picnic area, ideal bird watching locations, docks, parking and a connection to Main Street.
“Until we get the pond healthier, bringing in fish is a no-go,” he said, suggesting the rest of the potential points are out of reach without funding. Gonserkevis did make mention at last week’s Environmental Commission meeting that “grants are an option,” referencing resources such as the Fish and Wildlife Service.
“We are in support of all of it,” Mayor Lou Manzo said in a separate interview referring to Gonserkevis’ presentation that situated the committee and audience in a time machine back to the 1800s when the pond is thought to have been a muscle in the region’s economy assisting with the implementation of the railway and other aspects of the community.
While the committee is in support of the fountain, the township is in the midst of budget season.
After a committee meeting on Monday, March 19, a brief “line introduction” of the budget will be posted, giving the public approximately 30 days to view it and consider the draft.
On April 16, the committee will meet. “That’s when details get discussed,” Manzo said.
By that time, the Environmental Commission will create a list of fountain options. And, as of right now, the township plans to implement the commission’s suggestion as long as it is financially feasible.
Because 2018 is entering late March, the mayor explained the fountain most likely would not be purchased until late summer or early fall.
“This is phase one,” Manzo said. “Whether we are able to get anything else this year will depend on cost and what we have left.”
