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.