Dover Conservation Commission Continues Herbicide Permit, Approves Multiple Projects

DOVER — February 7, 2024 — Dover Conservation Commission deferred a decision on renewing aquatic herbicide treatments at Lyman Pond on Farm Street, directing the applicant to return with a full integrated management plan. Conservation Agent Janet raised concerns at the February 7 meeting that Solitude Lake Management's notice of intent — seeking approval to use up to five herbicide and algicide products including diquat and glyphosate on the shared private pond — had not adequately analyzed non-chemical alternatives as required for a variance from the commission's pesticide prohibition. Property owners Chris Flynn and Fred Lane argued the program had kept the pond in pristine condition for at least 15 years at their own expense, while Solitude engineer Dominic contended that mechanical removal is impractical on a pond of Lyman Pond's size. The commission continued the hearing to March 13 and also approved a septic replacement at 9 Buttercup Lane with four waivers, a minor modification for Aquarion Water Company, a certificate of compliance for 24 Pine Street, and an $8,351 payment to the conservation agent, leaving roughly $16,000 in the Wetlands Protection Act fund for the remaining five months of the fiscal year.