Silver Lake Dredging and Restoration Plan

The Army Corps of Engineers designed flood control projects through Rochester with areas that would trap sediment and need regular maintenance. It was estimated that the sediment should be removed every 5-10 years, depending on the rate of build-up. In 2010, the City dredged part of the southern arm of Silver Lake near the Government Center and since then, sediment has built up significantly around the Government Center.

After successfully mapping bathymetry and sediment accumulation, WHKS developed a comprehensive dredging and lake restoration plan for Silver Lake. WHKS staff worked directly with City staff to locate a potential disposal site. Silver Lake is in the heart of an urban area and the nearest disposal site was over seven miles away. 

WHKS staff formulated a comprehensive dredging plan that evaluated various dredging methods, including mechanical dredging, hydraulic dredging, and lowering the water level for direct excavation. Dredge prisms were developed and the plan identified staging areas, haul routes, and final site grading of the disposal site. Sediment samples were obtained, and lab tested for contamination. The plan also included a plan for project permitting and an ecological assessment.

In addition to developing the sediment removal plan, WHKS developed a series of proposed improvements for the area in and around Silver Lake, including enhancements to the adjacent City Park, fish and wildlife improvements, and improvements to the sediment disposal area.