The deterioration of Burton Pond into a swamp is well on its way. The pond is privately owned by a local builder, and no maintenance has been performed to keep it a vital wetland. At the start of spring, lily pads begin to overtake the pond surface, making it difficult, if not impossible, for local waterfowl to take off or land. Osprey, heron and other hunting species have a hard time fishing for food. We run the risk of losing the amazing birds of prey. Each year in the fall, as the vegetation dies, another layer is deposited on the pond’s bed, raising it yet again. How many more seasons before it becomes a marsh and increases the likelihood of mosquito infestation and creates a potential health hazard?
DelDOT is making repairs to the dam at John J. Williams Highway and has lowered the water level in the pond, revealing just how shallow the pond has become.
It appears that only a few inches cover the muck below. The pond needs to be dredged, and a method of controlling invasive vegetation needs to be enacted to ensure the future health and vitality of the pond, its inhabitants and wildlife dependent on it for survival, as well as those who live in proximity of Burton Pond.
The pond’s owner, possibly in conjunction with DNREC, needs to address this issue as soon as possible, especially now while the pond is drained.
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