Lake Quinsigamond Commission Approves Three Environmental Contracts Ahead of August Permit Deadline

SHREWSBURY -- March 25, 2026, Lake Quinsigamond Commission approved three environmental contracts and learned the lake has been formally listed for E. coli bacteria contamination. At the March 25 meeting, commissioners unanimously authorized a survey by Padgett Environmental Services (estimated $6,000 to $8,000) to document rare plant habitat in the lake's southern zone, a permit renewal survey by TRC Companies, Inc. for $9,100 to cover nuisance weed management across Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Grafton, and a contingent Sacred Lotus herbicide treatment by Consolidated Lake Management totaling approximately $1,625. Barbara Kickham of the Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association reported that MassDEP's biannual Integrated Report has formally listed the lake for E. coli, a result of the association's own sampling program submitted to the state. "Once we're listed, then they have to do something about it," Kickham said, noting the listing triggers a federal Clean Water Act requirement for the state to calculate a total maximum daily load and design a cleanup plan binding on municipal stormwater permits. A dock permit application from Sandra Mulcahy of 64 Old Faith Road was continued to April 29 after the commission lost its five-member quorum when one member recused himself.