Many of you remember that in 2017, BFA did a study on the lake, and provided a report on options for dredging.  The report outlined estimated costs, and potential expected results.   The estimated costs were very high, however, the expected results were very exciting.  Based on the potential results, throughout 2018, dredging companies were contacted, to see what they could do, based on the BFA report.  The feedback received from the dredging companies contacted began to raise many questions regarding the BFA study.

• Dredging companies felt that the potential achievable depth results were overstated & unrealistic in many areas, especially in Cove 9, and south to Brush Creek.
• The BFA study utilized echo sounding equipment (Sonar) to determine lake bottom make-up and hardpan depth.  This provided an inconsistent view of the location of the hardpan.
• Assumptions were made regarding the lake bottom soil make-up, as no actual core samples of soil were taken and analyzed.
• These assumptions were used to report potential minimum lake depths of 5-7’, which is what the dredging companies began to question.

In April, a new dredging committee was formed, made up of several members that had a strong desire to find a way to make progress and address issues with the lake.   Although they started with the end goal of finding a solution to dredging, they quickly began asking questions about broader topics, and the overall health & sustainability of the lake (water clarity, water quality, and animal health)

So, Where Are We Now, and What’s Next?

The group is ready to start discussions with the community on findings & recommendations. 

• A recommendation has been made utilizing a process called Bio-Dredging, which they strongly believe could be a solution to solving some of the broader issues mentioned above. 
• Attached (see below), is a summary that gives high level information on their findings.  Much more detailed information is available, and will be shared
• In the coming weeks, you will see invites to conference calls, and/or in person sessions to more information, and have the chance to ask questions on the following …
  • Why do they have more faith in the updated findings regarding achievable depths and the actual hardpan?
  • What Bio Dredging can and cannot do? (it will not get the desired depths in Cove 9 that are wanted, but other options are still being explored for targeted areas)?
  • Where has it been used and what results were achieved?
  • What benefits are achievable with Bio Dredging?
  • What is the anticipated costs vs traditional mechanical dredging?
  • How could this possibly be funded?

The Lake Restoration Committee is planning to hold multiple meetings to provide and opportunity for member questions, comments and constructive feedback.  They are in the process of creating an e-mail address to collect as much constructive input as possible. LakeRestore@ILPOA.org will be created soon to allow feedback.