The commission announced the successful resolution of outstanding issues related to a grant that had been delayed for nearly a year. This grant targets the historical problems of soil erosion and water quality degradation, which have impacted Deal Lake since 1974. The commission chairperson read a letter confirming that these issues have been addressed, paving the way for the grant agreement’s execution. This agreement is expected to facilitate strides in managing stormwater treatment from the C Square Mall drainage system, which has been a major source of uncontrolled sediment entering the lake.

In addition to the grant, the commission has been collaborating with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to enhance shoreline protection. The re-establishment of communication with NJDEP aims to address enforcement issues and improve collaboration. A meeting with a new NJDEP representative and a former employee familiar with the commission’s goals has been scheduled.

Educational outreach is another critical component of the commission’s strategy. There is a concerted effort to inform lakefront property owners about regulations concerning vegetation clearing and its impact on erosion. The commission has developed informational materials to emphasize that property owners’ actions can affect both their properties and the lake’s health.

The treatment of invasive aquatic plants was discussed, with a proposal to address plant overgrowth in specific lake areas. The treatment will be contingent on the presence of significant plant density, with assessments planned for late May or early June to determine the necessity of intervention.

The meeting also covered the management of goose populations around the lake, with the USDA involved in treating goose nests until the first week of June. Public engagement is encouraged to report nests, emphasizing community involvement in ecological management.

The commission addressed a recent sewage incident in Asbury Park, where the Asbury Park Sewer Authority and the river department were commended for their swift response. Toilet paper had been spotted in the lake, prompting immediate action that reduced the sewage flow within two hours, with remediation efforts continuing into the night.

Additionally, the commission has plans to revisit water quality testing, focusing on E. coli levels, with hopes for monthly testing during the summer. Concerns were raised about residual effects from a past oil spill in September 2023, and further investigation has been requested to ensure comprehensive remediation.

In terms of regulatory updates, the commission is evaluating potential financial forgiveness opportunities related to wastewater management. This involves a study proposal, in collaboration with Clean Ocean Action, to identify issues like broken piping that may be affecting lake water quality. The study aims to uncover these problems without incurring major costs, potentially leading to future funding opportunities for necessary repairs.

The commission also discussed the implications of new stormwater management rules introduced by the New Jersey government. These rules emphasize green infrastructure to improve water quality and address flooding. However, concerns were raised about the impact on coastal communities, particularly regarding elevated flood hazard elevations that could affect flood insurance eligibility. The commission is considering its stance on supporting these rules, given the potential adverse effects on local property owners.

Public comments during the meeting included reports of a goose and duck nest in a community garden, with a consensus to allow the birds to hatch before taking further action. Concerns about the cleanliness of Sunset Lake were also raised, with reports of needles and dead fish, although these were attributed to common occurrences during spawning seasons.

The commission mentioned a new 319 grant, which will support updates to stormwater management practices, focusing on bacteria contamination from storm sewer outfalls and waste from pets and wildlife. This initiative aligns with the commission’s goal of maintaining open communication with stakeholders to preserve the lake’s health.