The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today its completion of the dredging of Gunners Lake, a 20-acre man-made lake located in Germantown.
At the completion of the six-month long dredge process, a DEP contractor has removed approximately 16,500 cubic yards of sediment (the equivalent of about 1,000 truckloads) from the lake and transported it to permitted facilities located out of the county for proper disposal.
As a result of the dredging project, the water-quality benefits of the lake are restored which will help protect Seneca Creek, a tributary to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.
Over time, sediment and debris that affects water quality had accumulated in the lake. Based on evaluation of the lake and at the urging of the community, the decision was made by DEP to hydraulically dredge, dewater and remove the sediment to improve the lake.
“ I commend our Department of Environmental Protection for leading this effort and collaborating with the community to effectively and responsibly address the concerns at Gunners Lake ,” stated County Executive Ike Leggett.
“ DEP is pleased to continue working with our residents on large projects such as this. One thousand truckloads of sediment have now been removed from our stream system ,” said DEP director Lisa Feldt.
Gunners Lake was created in 1985 and drains approximately 1,233 acres (nearly 2 square miles) and is owned and operated by the North Lake Village Federation. DEP is responsible for structural maintenance of the lake.
Repairs and restoration of the staging and dewatering area at the north end of the lake still remain. Residents of North Lake Village and surrounding communities can expect this final step to be completed in the coming months.
[mappress mapid=”23001″]