This is a service / maintenance or supply contract in Sutton, New Hampshire. Contact the soliciting agency for additional information.

The Town of Sutton, in cooperation with the Kezar Lake Protective Association (KLPA), is requesting Statements of Qualifications from interested Civil Engineers and/or Environmental Consultants to develop a Watershed-based Management Plan (WBP) for Kezar Lake that meets the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requirements for nine-element (a-i) watershed management plan. 1.1. Project Context The Watershed-based Plan for a Healthy Kezar Lake project builds on efforts by the Kezar Lake Protective Association (KLPA) to improve and protect the water resources within the lake's watershed and develop a comprehensive lake-wide management plan for Kezar Lake. In June 2023, the KLPA submitted a State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF Loan) pre-application for a WBP and was approved to submit a full application in 2024. In March 2024, residents of the Town of Sutton voted to accept the loan to develop a WBP, and a full application was submitted in June 2024. This request for qualifications (RFQ) is the next step in developing a WBP for a healthy Kezar Lake. The intent of the WBP is to improve water quality and preserve the Lake's value as a natural resource for the region amidst increasing pressure from nonpoint source pollution exacerbated by the effects of climate change and a growing population. As a major economic asset and natural resource for local communities, as well as the State of New Hampshire, it is important that the lake's health be protected. Development of an EPA nine key element ('a-i') WBP for the Kezar Lake watershed will assess the health of the waters in Kezar Lake, identify sources of pollutants, and provide a roadmap for future mitigation and protection efforts. A Steering Committee made up of representatives from the Town of Sutton, Town of New London, KLPA, Messer Pond Protective Association (MPPA) and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) will work with the consultant to develop an action plan of strategies that aim to restore and protect the value, uses, and health of the lake for generations. 1.2. Project Location and Watershed Characteristics Kezar Lake is situated in the village of North Sutton, within the lakes region of NH. From the Abenaki Native Americans and early New England settlers, to the historic inns, dance halls and boys' and girls' camps of the 19th and 20th centuries, many have enjoyed the calm waters and mountain views of this peaceful 182-acre lake. Today, recreational opportunities at Kezar Lake include Wadleigh State Park, one of only 22 beachfront state recreational facilities in New Hampshire, as well as Horse Beach, which allows no-fee public access for swimmers and boaters. Penacook Road and Keyser Street together encircle Kezar in a 3-mile loop, enhancing 2 access to the lake, which is publicly visible from over 70% of the roadway. The road's layout, however, also presents ecological challenges, as it bisects much of the NH state-designated Protected Shoreland, incorporating significant amounts of impermeable surface within the 50-foot waterfront buffer. This further subjects Kezar Lake to de-icing practices, increased stormwater surface flow from more intense climate change-driven storms, and limits the vegetative buffer that might otherwise mitigate nonpoint source pollution into the lake. These, along with outdated septic systems and cesspools within the watershed present some of the current challenges to water quality. Yet the lake is no stranger to restoration and water quality efforts. From the 1930s-1980's the town of New London routinely expelled nutrients from its wastewater treatment plant into Lyon Brook, the main tributary into Kezar. The resulting phosphorus overloading caused significant algae blooms, reducing dissolved oxygen rates and harming plants and wildlife, as well as adjacent businesses and property values. The KLPA was formed in 1971 to address these concerns. After working with state agencies and multiple court battles, New London decommissioned its wastewater treatment plant in 1981. Lake quality eventually improved through various cutting-edge treatment strategies, including treatment with aluminum salts, undertaken in collaboration between the community and the NHDES. The KLPA continues its mission to improve water quality and protect this natural resource for future generations. By broadening its view to address water quality at the watershed scale, KLPA hopes to increase public awareness of watershed functioning within New London and Sutton and spur the community to identify and address potential contamination. This endeavor has far-reaching impacts, ultimately benefiting the larger Contoocook and Merrimack River Watersheds, which Kezar contributes to. In the same way that Kezar Lake is valued by local communities, we hope that the waters that leave our local watershed benefit the larger region and its inhabitants. Questions regarding this RFQ can be submitted to Lynn Wittman, President of the KLPA, at kezarlakepanh@gmail.com by October 23, 2024. Electronic copies of your Statement of Qualification should be emailed in PDF format with "Kezar Lake RFQ" in the subject line to the following: Name Julia Jones Glenn Pogust Lynn Wittman Role Sutton Town Administrator Email townadmin@sutton-nh.org Sutton Selectboard Member KLPA President gpogust@outlook.com kezarlakepanh@gmail.com