2024 - 2026 DredginG Project
2024 - 2026 DredginG Project
The dredging project is progressing well despite the weather we have had lately. The sediment ponds have been completed, and the contractor is finishing laying the topsoil to maintain the berms. The contractor, Dredge America, was in town last week to go over the schedule and work out some final issues with staging area and process. The dredge barge will arrive end of May, pipe should arrive and be assembled in June, dredging to start end of June beginning of July. They informed us that due to weather issues on their current jobs in Florida and Kentucky, they are waiting for pipe to become available and will have to push our project start date back to late June or early July before they will start dredging. Dredge America has assured us that dredging operations are still projected to be completed in late August or early September of 2026. We have attached an updated map showing the projected timeline. Dredge America plans on working from 7 am to 7 pm or 6 am to 6 pm 7 days a week without stopping. As always, if there are any questions, please let us know.
Dredging Update 1/20/2025
First, we want to thank everyone for their patience as we work through this exciting project. We
have received almost 1 million dollars from lake parcels who have prepaid the full assessment up
front, Thank You. We know this all happened very fast last year. As a reminder, moving forward, you
can pay off your Special Assessment in full/advance at any time by contacting Carissa at MPC at
262-661-4284 or blsd@mpcpm.com
The Wanasek Corporation is well underway building the 525,000 cubic yard pond for the sediment
on the Petrie site along the bypass. (see photos) This will be going on for a month or two more
before completed.
Here is an updated timeline:
Also, good news the well has been completed and is ready to go come spring. The hydrant is also
functioning for the fire department to use in case of any fires. We want to make sure while the well
will be of great help with the dredging, it is permanent and available to maintain the lake level when
needed.
Congratulations to our Sanitary District team for securing funding from the Burlington Town Board! They have agreed on 2.5M towards the project.
- Stay tuned for next steps -
Browns Lake holds immense significance as a 397-acre body of water that serves as a vital resource, offering recreational opportunities, providing habitat for fish and wildlife, and contributing to the overall well-being of the local Burlington community and broader region.
Browns Lake, nestled in Racine County, is a natural beauty and recreational enjoyment jewel. However, over time, Browns Lake has faced a growing challenge in the form of sedimentation. The accumulation of soft sediment at the lake's bottom has reached a critical point, severely impacting the lake's ecological balance and usability. The consequences of the sedimentation are multifaceted, including hindrance to aquatic plant growth, disruption of fish spawning, reduced water quality, and interference with recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing.
The dredging of Browns Lake holds the promise of a transformative impact! Beyond preserving the ecological balance of the Lake, the project ensures the continued availability of Browns Lake for recreational activities. It further safeguards its long-term sustainability, cementing its role as a significant community asset. By completing this project, we can collaboratively address the sedimentation challenges, enhance aquatic habitat, and fortify the Lake's role in promoting the health and well-being of the environment and all who inhabit it.
Browns Lake falls within the purview of BLSD. The BLSD was formed to provide a controlled way to dispose of sanitation waste to prevent lake contamination safely. Over the past 35 years, the BLSD has been harvesting aquatic weeds to help control our weed population so all can enjoy the lake.
When harvesting started in 1971, Browns Lake was so overgrown with weeds that boat navigation and personal enjoyment of the lake activities were enormous challenges. While some weed growth can be beautiful and even helps detoxify chemicals and provide food for aquatic creatures, eliminating some harmful vegetation can help a lake stay vibrant and healthy for visitors and the fish and animals that inhabit the lake today. Today, Browns Lake practices ongoing vegetation monitoring and harvesting so we can ensure the lake remains healthy and beautiful for all to enjoy for years to come.
The sediment is impacting use and access to the lake in the following ways:
When complete, the dredging project will remove an estimated 380,000 to 400,000 cubic yards of soft sediment. The DNR has given approval for the project and the permit and preliminary plan are attached. When the project is underway, hydraulic dredging methods will remove the sediment from the lake. The dredging will focus on three key areas where the sediment is most problematic: the lake's northwestern, southwest, and south portions. The sediment would then be moved to a dewatering site, planned to be the North and South Petrie Site.
More robust fishery and spawning areas for fish
Increased plant growth
Increased useable shoreline
Better boating experience
Better swimming
Eliminate foul odors with decreased muck
The envisioned dredging of the Lake holds promise of a transformative impact.
Beyond preserving the lake's ecological balance, the project ensures the continued availability of Browns Lake for recreational activities. It further safeguards its long-term sustainability, cementing its role as a significant community asset.
Browns Lake is a magnet for the community and beyond, attracting thousands of visitors annually. This project stands to make a DIRECT IMPACT on our local economy and cement its role as a significant asset to our community.
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