To paraphrase John Mayer’s song: “waiting, waiting on the lake to dredge . . . . “
WHAT IS GOING ON?
As with any multi-tiered enterprise, the timelines are dependent on several players (see below: Guys with the Cash, Dredge Report #3, May 5th) and several final signatures. The contracts, signed by Pine Lake, are now on the several desks at the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority. Once GEFA has signed off the contractors will begin.
In the meantime, break out your bamboo poles. It’s time to fish for the bass and bream that are waiting to be caught. Many of the remaining fish will be transferred into the eastern wetlands and the swimming area. According to eyewitness reports, many have already been transferred into the heron’s belly.
After discussions with the EPD, DNR and USDA, we have been advised to not disturb the turtles. The turtles will relocate themselves to the creek and the wetlands. They do this instinctively. Of course we can help them by moving them out of the streets. Please place them on the stream bank, not back into the lake.
Phil will be installing a pump to expedite drainage. Test holes are being dug to determine soil quality and conditions. One project board has been constructed and installed near the gazebo for posting updates and two more will be built.
A CHANGE OF PLANS
When the mayor and city council reviewed the projected costs and descriptions of services for each contractor it was determined that the aquaponics facility proposed by AquaPlanet was more costly than anticipated and, most importantly, wasn’t eligible for grant coverage. Sadly, this won’t be part of the Dredge.
Please sign up to receive these emails (TheDredgeReport@gmail.com) and to send in questions. You can also contact Phil Howland at City Hall. For more information about stream bank restoration, check out www.wildlandhydrology.com .
The Guys With the Cash:
The Feds: the stimulus money that is underwriting our stream bank restoration grant originated here.
The State: federal fund were then passed on to GEFA (Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority), a state agency that manages the funds and disburses them to Pine Lake as work progresses.
The County: the restoration grant requires that we pay for half of the total budget. Dekalb County has given us our half in exchange for our portion of water management. In other words, the cost to the city is zero.
