Buckeye Lake Dredge Program Moves Forward

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) took a significant step toward improving navigability and water quality at Buckeye Lake.

ODNR is about to purchase 68 acres of property in Thorn Township in Perry County for the creation of a long-term storage and disposal area for pumped dredge sediment.

According to the release, the purchase of the property is vital to the longevity of the Buckeye Lake dredge program as it will allow ODNR to dredge the east end of the lake.

Due to the previous lack of dredge material relocation areas (DMRA), dredging has not been possible on the east side of the lake, resulting in significant dredging needs in the area.

“Dredging is critical to both water quality and navigation because Buckeye Lake is a relatively shallow lake,” said ODNR. “Dredging helps make navigable channels, which improves boater safety and access to businesses around the lake. Dredging also helps reduce sediment, which can contribute to harmful algal blooms.”