The Columbia Association board wants more information on how dredging two Columbia lakes will affect the community and environment as it explores methods and the placement of equipment for the work.
“This is not just a money issue; money is only one parameter,” said Board Chairman Tom O?Connor, from Dorsey?s Search.
Board Member Patrick von Schlag, of River Hill, asked for information on wildlife and environmental disturbances and the noise level of the machinery.
Diana Kelley, from CA?s open space division, presented several cost scenarios for dredging lakes Kittamaqundi and Elkhorn. Depending on the method and where the equipment is staged, the costs range from $3.7 million to $7 million for Lake Elkhorn and $6.1 million to $8.7 million for Lake Kittamaqundi.
The board must decide between mechanical or hydraulic dredging, and in the case of Lake Elkhorn, whether the dredged materials should be hauled out of CA property or whether half of it should be dumped at Hopewell Park.
Perhaps the toughest decision is where to stage the equipment. For Lake Elkhorn, options include Lake Elkhorn Park and Hopewell Park; for the Lake Kittamaqundi project, they are Vantage Point Road, South Entrance Road or the Crescent property. The staging debate is likely to be met with residents? opposition.
“I don?t think you realize the severe impact dredging will have on residents,” said Linda Wengel, a Town Center Village Board member. The sounds of the trucks and machinery will disrupt neighbors.
CA open space staff members are planning to meet with the two villages most directly affected by the dredging ? Owen Brown on April 3 and Town Center on April 11.
The CA board is expected to make a decision at the April 26 meeting, said CA spokeswoman Karen Hawkins.
Equipment setup could begin this winter, with the dredging beginning next summer, Kelley said.
