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Pond system gets reprieve until the fall By Vickie Aldous Ashland Daily Tidings A natural treatment system in Lithia Park's lower duck pond has until fall to prove its worth. At a Wednesday afternoon study session, the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission granted the reprieve for the system, which was installed last summer by wastewater and irrigation consultant Paul Kay. The experimental system showed initial promise in clearing up the pond, but the water became murky again during the winter. Although commissioners will allow Kay to retool the system in the hopes that it will work, they also directed parks staff to explore alternative treatment options. Parks staff will report back on a range of options by March. Commission newcomers Michael Gardiner and Rich Rosenthal, who took office this month following November's election, said the water quality problem needs to be addressed in a timely manner. "We would be doing the town a disservice if this were still a problem three or four years from now," Rosenthal said. But Commissioner Jim Lewis said a natural system - if it works - could save significant amounts of money over a mechanical system, which would have higher maintenance and operation costs. "The maintenance and energy costs will eventually outstrip any installation costs. It will eat you alive," Lewis said. "Just like any business, you have to know, 'What are my long-term costs?'" Despite reservations from commissioners and staff over whether the natural system could succeed, the commission agreed to let Kay make changes. He plans to adjust a plant-bearing island in the pond so that more roots dangle in the water, put in additional plants and make other alterations. Kay received $10,000 last fall when the pond hit initial benchmarks for water clarity. However, a second payment of $10,000 was to be paid only if the pond remained relatively clear for most of the time until Sept. 21 of this year. "I want to keep working on it to give you the value you've already paid for," said Kay, noting that he feels very confident that the system can work with some refinements. Depending on whether the system's performance improves, commissioners may agree to reset the clock in September and pay Kay the second installment if the pond remains clear for a year after that point. Kay must remove the system within 14 days if the commission decides it will not work. The commission is scheduled to formalize Wednesday's decision with a vote at its regular meeting on Monday. Formal votes cannot be taken during study sessions. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -