Shallow pond

When Michael Dwyer checked the water level of Cobb's Pond last August for potential use in a triathlon, he found it to be acceptable for swimming.

One year later, he finds that's not the case any longer.

"I went up last week to test the water levels again, and we discovered that the water was probably two-feet from its normal levels," said Mr. Dwyer, chair of the committee for the inaugural Gander Triathlon.

The matter is also of concern to Gander's town council, which discussed the matter at its June 9 meeting.

"It certainly appears the level of the water is down from what it should be," said Coun. Allan Scott, chair of the municipal works and services committee.

He said the decreased level is likely due to the removal of a beaver dam last year. The dam contributed to flooding in the Spruce Court area last April.

"It appears that particular opening is much larger than what it was in the past, therefore the pond is not retaining the same amount of water."

The dam was removed because, at the time, water levels for the pond were deemed too high.

He also said plant life removed from the opening last year may have previously helped retain water.

Coun. Scott added decreased water levels at Cobb's Pond are surprising given the amount of rain the area experienced in the spring, which caused other ponds to become deeper.

The Town will now look to determine how pond water levels compare with previous level by comparing data, while also continuing to monitor its present condition.

"We're pretty confident if it does go below (appropriate levels), we feel we can easily fix it by closing in the opening," he said.

The Town has also contacted the Department of Environment and the Wetland Stewardship Partnership for direction on how to approach dealing with the decreasing pond water levels.

Mr. Dwyer said he hopes something can be done to help restore Cobb's Pond to its previous state, as the pond is not suitable for use in the triathlon. He said they would instead hold the swimming portion of the triathlon at Jonathan's Pond.

"We had a lot of our race information done up and our course maps, and we had to get sanctioned. It was a lot of work we had done that all of a sudden has had a monkey wrench thrown in it, and we have to deal with it."

The Gander Triathlon is scheduled to take place on August 22.

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