Erosion project completed on Turner’s Bear Pond

By Bill Van Tassel
TURNER — The volunteers were out again, this time on Bear Pond’s west shore. About a dozen Bear Pond Improvement Association members recently help the Bertha Goodwin family take care of an erosion problem on the beach terrace behind their camp.
The crew finished the installation of “infiltration steps” to halt the run-off into the pond each time a heavy rain came along. The family took notice of the seriousness of the ongoing issue during an early June rain storm. They contacted the BPIA committee in charge of this type of project and made application for some assistance.

The association has completed several similar projects over the last eight years, totaling an expense of $30,000. The cost of each project is equally split (50/50) between the home owner and the BPIA. Costs involve the hiring of an environmental consultant and the supplies. The application also must obtain approval from Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection. Occasionally, as in this case, some additional help was given by Jimmy Driscoll of L&D Contracting in moving some earth.

Infiltration stepping involves the setting of large cut stones in steps separated by three to four feet of crushed stone that is placed in between the steps on a bed of Nonwoven Geotextile sheeting. The project is finished off with smaller crushed stone packed down for foot walking comfort. The BPIA committee also decided to put in some rain gutters on the rear roof of the home that will direct the runoff into a rain barrel that directs it into a sunken border of perforated PVC pipe and crushed rock for proper drainage.
The BPIA was formed many years ago as the population around Bear Pond reached its peak. Its members were determined to do what they could to maintain the pond’s ecologic balance and keep it a clean and enjoyable environment for people and wildlife. The association is always looking for new members from Bear Pond property owners, and hold a Family Fun Day each summer to help “spread the word” about its mission.