Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Completes Dredging of Gunners Lake

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 15, 2016

Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Completes Dredging of Gunners Lake

 

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. Sediment accumulation is a normal process in stormwater ponds and lakes. However, a significant amount of sediment can affect the water quality treatment processes of a lake or stormwater pond and must be removed.

 

“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. “This is an example of taking care of our natural resources to improve our communities.”

 

“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. “Restoring the environmental integrity and recreational value of this lake is something we can all be proud of.”

 

The County, through its MS4 permit, is required to actively reduce stormflow volume and pollutants from entering waterways.    Maintenance of these stormwater ponds and lakes, a key component in the County’s integrated stormwater management program to meet MS4 requirements, is critical for clean water and funded solely via the Water Quality Protection Charge.

 

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.

 

More information on the project is available at  https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/water/major-stormwater-project.html#gunnerslake

 

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Release ID: 16-439
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6507