The Dredge Report Card

Until a few weeks ago, the flow into the lake was controlled by a contraption consisting of a Stop sign wrapped in a plastic bag. Low-concept; low-design; very effective. As the dozens of residents witnessed on October 30 with the turning of the red wheel (see photos below), the city now has something even better than a Stop-In-A-Bag: three separate valves that attenuate water flow into the lake and the creek.

However, the time it takes to fill the lake will depend on several factors. If the weather is wet, not only will the rain contribute water to the lake bed but it will also keep the stream flowing at a rate that doesn't require turning off the valves to ensure stream health. Here's a description from Paul Simpson, our project engineer:

The rate at which the lake will fill is dependent on several factors. First and foremost of course is the weather. This is the driest time of the year so that the flow in Snapfinger Creek is very low. As we are filling the lake, the State requires that the flow in the creek be maintained to at least minimum levels known as the “7Q10”. This equates to what is known as the “base flow” conditions in the stream. If we were to pull too much flow from the creek, it would harm the ecosystem of the creek, which of course we do not want to do. Our maintenance crews will be checking frequently on the flow in the creek and the inflow to the lake and will be adjusting the flows as needed to maintain the proper stream flow.

Meanwhile, there are many tasks that remain on the "punch list," including:

*the landscape architect finishing the design of our banks and berms

*general clean-up and restoration of swings, signs, and debris

*AND the re-opening of the road by the end of the week

TURN IT ON!!!

wait for it . . . wait for it . . .

This Sunday, October 23rd at 4:00 p.m. the water to fill the lake will be turned on. Officially and with great festivity.

Everyone who wants to see the first filling waters since March will gather at the path into the Eastern Wetlands and commence celebrating the return of our lake at the speed of 700 gallons a minute!

Bring cameras and champagne.

Phil Explains: water controls in the Eastern Wetlands

How will water be managed in our new wetlands, stream, and lake? Phil explains.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D3hswDsYRE

Who'll Stop The Rain?

This is the latest aerial photograph of the lake project. Nearly all the changes to the structure are clearly visible, from the new beach sand to the re-sculpted lake bed. The work on the west end of the lake isn't as clearly depicted, but there are tiny construction vehicles---take a close look.

Evidence of the next stage has appeared in the grass next to the Gazebo: the construction of a bio-retention feature designed to manage stormwater run-off from Hemlock, Magnolia, and Clubhouse Drive. Current run-off flows directly into the lake, carrying with it all the pollutants it picks up as it flows downhill. Prior to this installation the city has used a shallow trench and sandbags to direct the water from the street.

The new system will arrest and delay the flow, allowing time for the water to percolate and clean before it makes its way into the lake. The above-ground surface will be planted as a rain garden.

Click on any of the photographs for a closer look.

DredgeFest 2011

look out Bill!

At first it appeared that LakeFest 2011 would be held in spite of the empty lake. However, as these photographs illustrate--LakeFest 2011 was held in celebration of our lake-in-progress.

With the singers, dancers, sculptors and painters and jewelry makers, with the bratwurst and beer, doughnuts and arepas and tomato pie, the beautiful sun and mischevious wind it slowly became obvious the the restoration of the heart of Pine Lake---the lake itself---was the ultimate artistic endeavor.

(that's Will and the willow)

Meanwhile, the beat goes on: the markers next to the Gazebo indicate the initial survey for the rain garden/water management feature soon to be installed.

(and the Pacha Mamas)

The Ladies of the Lake

and The Dames of the Dredge

(a.k.a The Lives Of The Monster Dogs)

Give Me Sand, Lots Of Sand.

If you happened to miss the biggest sandbox in the history of Dekalb County, suffice to say that many of the Pine Lake kids did NOT. If there are photos of the beach frolic that happened several times over the past weekend, please post to the FaceBook site!

(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pine-Lake-Streambank-Restoration-The-Dredge/109652302459010)

This morning a single bulldozer started spreading the sand across the beach and swimming area, beginning a smooth and graduated slope into the new depth.

The work continues on several fronts: in addition to the beach area and the road work, the new surface for the trail on top of the impoundment (the "back berm") should be laid this week.

Even though the lake of LakeFest won't be in attendance, Floatzilla rages on as Boatzilla. Original "walking boat" designs will enter the competition this year: think "walk or run" instead of "sink or swim."

Become the Boat!

System of a Down

Down goes the road: this creates a spillway for any future flood events. The previous road height created a block in the path of overflow.

Down goes the pitch of the northern stream bank: the finished stream will handle creek flow completely differently from the previous vertical banks. The "new" creek better accommodates rising waters, slows down the rate of flood current, creates better habitat, and addresses erosion problems on both banks.

Down goes the bed of the swimming area: in the next several workdays the engineers will determine the water level at "full pool," which will be demarcated by string attached to posts in the lake bed. Within the next two weeks we can also expect the delivery and installation of fresh beach sand.

Pound by pound and inch by inch the dirt is removed, graded, raked, sculpted, hauled, trenched. Slowly our precious lake takes shape.