Dredging Update 04/29/25

John R Mikalik
Apr 29
2 min read

Hello Neighbors,

The Board of Directors (BOD) would like to provide you with an update on the exciting dredging project. (This information will also be posted on the Lake website.)

The arborist team spent a week on the island, trimming the banks, removing trees, and clearing underwater obstructions. Attached are some photos and videos for your review. Two Board members and our Environmental Chair met the tree crew at 6:45 AM daily, working alongside them until 4–5 PM each day.

In total, 27 loads were hauled out of the canal! As you'll see, both entrances and the island shoreline have received an outstanding makeover.

Important Caution:

Anyone entering the canal from the park side should be aware that a submerged tree remains in place. It will be removed when the silt removal phase begins — please use caution until then.

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What'What's?

This Saturday at 8 AM, Angel and I will pick up the diver for his first evaluation dive.

He is scheduled to officially begin work on May 6, 2025, with the dredging process expected to last approximately 15 days, plus or minus a few days.

Please exercise extra caution in the canal during this time.

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How Will He Do It?

Our diver will be using OSHA-approved commercial diving equipment, including complete communication systems. He will operate 4- and 6-inch pumps to remove silt from the lakebed and deposit it onto the island.

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Will It Smell Weird?

Yes — you may notice a temporary odor of sulfur or "rotten eggs."

Don't worry, it's just nature at work. The smell will disappear once the sediment dries.

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Will the Island Look Like a Mud Pile?

Nope!

Once the project is complete, we will reseed the island, restoring it to a clean, habitat-friendly environment you can enjoy.

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What Exactly Is Being Done?

The diver will dredge approximately 100 feet in length, 15 feet wide, and at an average depth of 3 feet across targeted sections of the canal.

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Did It Cost Us an Arm and a Leg?

Not at all.

To keep costs manageable and maximize our investment, the project was scaled down. The original "wish list" included some nice-to-haves, but the Board chose to prioritize what matters most: lake health and Resident enjoyment.

Expanding the project would have triggered a complex (and expensive) permitting process — another reason for the more innovative approach.

Good news: we'll have a wide enough boat lane for pontoons!

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Were Permits Required?

Yes — permits were obtained through the City of Irving.

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What Happens When It's Over?

We'll either celebrate with an opening ceremony through the new passageway, or you can stay cozy on your couch watching reality TV. Your choice!

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How long will these improvements last?

You'd have to ask Mother Nature for an accurate answer to that. The best we can do is clean, clear, and maintain.

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