The Smithfield Town Council meets Tuesday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 64 Farnum Pike with a light agenda topped by discussion of the water level at Georgiaville Pond.
The pond's water levels are reduced by drainage annually, usually from autumn till Jan. 1, but that was recently extended to last until March 1.
Though some residents have protested the draw-down because it is unsightly, prevents its use during the winter for skating and ice fishing, and harms wildlife, Donald T. Burns, chair of the Conservation Commission, protests the rate of the draw-down.
According to the RI DEM's manual, "Identification and Management of Aquatic Invasive Species," the level of draw-down should be kept to a maximum rate of two inches per day to avoid killing mussels and snails. The draw down has been much quicker than that in the past, Burns said in January.
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