Swarming mosquitoes and the threat of flooding had one Grassi Bog abutter seeking relief from Selectmen at the board’s Tuesday night meeting.

The former cranberry bog, located on Route 6 by the old Frigate Steakhouse site, was purchased by the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission in 2002. Commission members intended to restore wetlands in the area.

Failing water control systems have turned the wildlife haven into a menacing habitat, according to Scott Erdman, who said his health and property are in danger.

“The Grassi Bogs have virtually turned into swampland, which I think is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. God forbid someone be bitten by a mosquito with Triple EEE,” Erdman said, referring to the lethal, mosquito-borne disease.

He said water from the bogs has overtaken more and more land behind his home.

“That’s something I’ve never seen before,” Erdman said. “I feel threatened by it and wish something would be done.”

Commission Chair John Rockwell said water issues have plagued the bogs since they were purchased.

Out of eight mechanisms designed to control water flow, seven have failed through the years.

Part of the problem, Rockwell said, is that cranberry bogs are often staffed with people able to properly control water flow during storms - an unaffordable option for Marion.

The commission’s plan when purchasing the property was three-fold: develop a trail network, create an emergent marsh habitat and maintain the bog’s vistas.

Rockwell said washed out berms and other problems have stymied commission members.

“I want to say we are just as frustrated as Mr. Erdman is,” Rockwell began before being interrupted.

“Well I live there and you don’t!” Erdman said.

Rockwell continued: “We’re sorry it’s a mess.”

Commission members are waiting for a completed engineering study that would guide future work.

Dan Barnett, a civil engineer with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is working with the commission on a solution.

NRCS has provided the town $100,000 in funding over the years to make the site a more natural wetland. Part of the restoration included rerouting a river from an existing channel to a new one that flows into the bog.

Rockwell said the goal is to get water flowing through the project, while maintaining the same water level for wildlife.

“The water level will not be higher than it was before we started this project,” Rockwell said.

Regarding mosquitoes, Rockwell suggested that Selectmen have the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project visit the area.

Selectmen, Rockwell, Erdman and Barnett will visit the bog together soon to further examine the potential flooding issues.