Mason’s Mortarboard

The construction of Mason Pond was completed back in February of 1991. Since then, leaves, erosion (sediments) and a water fountain have greatly reduced its water capacity, creating concerns about whether the pond has too much or not enough water.

Mason is having the water levels closely monitored because the university uses some of the water to satisfy part of its Best Management Practices (BMP) requirements.

By surveying the pond periodically, it can be determined how fast the pond is filling up with debris and when it will need to be dredged (an excavation to gather debris and dispose of it at a different location). When a pond is drained and the sediments are removed, the empty pond will emit a considerable amount of hydrogen sulfide, producing a foul odor (often likened to rotten eggs).

Luckily, surveyors say they won’t have to remove the sediments for at least a few more years. The water amount has decreased from about 245,000 cubic feet in 2005, to about 205,000 cubic feet in 2009.

Things will be getting noisier and congested for the next few weeks along Aquia Creek Lane. Construction of the SUB I addition will bring many trucks and trailers to campus beginning Monday, Nov. 9.

The trucks will be delivering large amounts of steel on a regular basis until Nov. 30. (But to be honest, rarely do these contractors ever get it done on or before deadline. This will likely continue well into December considering the potential for many time line and weather delays. )

This will severely impact motorists who park in Mason Pond Deck. Aquia Creek Lane will be limited to one lane most of the time (and often times, the road will be completely obstructed). In the event that traffic becomes too congested, the Parking and Transportation Office will begin directing traffic to the lower entrance/exit normally reserved for only visitors.

I keep wondering just how complicated it would be to permanently open up the lower level entrance/exit to everyone, but the Parking and Transportation Office says that doing so would greatly strain the parking staff in order to man the lower level gate. They know much more about parking than I do, but to me, it sure seems like a tempting alternative to dealing with the chaos that is Aquia Creek Lane.

We’ll find out how it all goes on Monday.