Debate continues within the Bullough’s Pond Dam Working Group regarding how to best mitigate the risk of flood while avoiding environmental damage, with community members divided on the best approach.

While various proposals have been put forward, city officials and community groups have yet to decide as the threat of state fines and safety concerns continues to loom overhead.

“They should make a decision,” City Councilor Andreae Downs, who’s been vocal in her concern regarding possible impending fines from the state, said.

The issue has been ongoing since 2018, when a Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety inspection discovered structural issues and long-term erosion. The City is now under a state order to address the deficiencies in the dam’s structure, whether through repair or removal.

Were the dam to breach, 450 homes, Newton North High School, and parts of I-95 would all be in the direct path of the resulting flood.

The Bullough’s Pond Dam Working Group was established by local community members in conjunction with the city’s Public Facilities Committee to determine the best course of action regarding the future of Bullough’s Pond and the surrounding area.

The Newton landmark has existed since the colonial era, and the dam itself last underwent repairs in 1926.

It remains a popular recreational site in Newton for birdwatching, boating and fishing.

Three proposals have been seriously considered by city engineers and city councilors so far. The one preferred by city staff would cost an estimated $2.6 million and entail the installation of artificial concrete blocks to prevent the dam from breaching.

Around 199 trees that have grown into the foundation of the dam would also be removed.

Another option would involve raising and reinforcing the current dam; this would be far costlier—$4.35 million—and would require more extensive renovations and construction work.

An earlier proposal had involved removing the dam entirely and restoring the area to a natural wetland, though this plan has since been dismissed as it would have eliminated the pond entirely.

The Bullough’s Pond Association has objected to some of the proposals out of concern for the environmental integrity of the area. Questions have been raised as to how the removal of the dam will impact the environment, given that installation of artificial concrete blocks would cover the neighboring Laundry Brook and permanently alter the surrounding landscape.

“Whatever it is, they need to make a decision,” Downs reiterated. “We shouldn’t be paying fines for not fixing a dam that could imperil life and limb and property.”

Though a hard deadline has not been put in place by the state, further delays could result in a notice of failure to comply and potential fines if the issue is not resolved promptly.

Any decision reached by the city and the Bullough’s Pond Dam Working Group will have to be approved by the Office of Dam Safety inspection.