Lake Redwood dredging update, May 16

With three weeks of dredging completed, contractor JF Brennan reports over 76,000 cubic yards of sediment have been removed from Lake Redwood. The final goal is to remove 650,000 cubic yards. 

Starting this week, the Michael B. dredge will move into position closer to the dam. The dredge will begin working in a southerly direction on the deepest cuts to restore the lake and Redwood River channel to its original depths. Dredging operations and permits require the barge stay a minimum of 100 feet from the dam, as well as 25 feet from shorelines.

Effluent discharge from the Confined Dewatering Facility (CDF), otherwise known as the dewatering pond, was released for the first time on May 12.  Discharge water quality is monitored to ensure it meets the permitted standards. The photo taken on Thursday, May 12, by JF Brennan Company shows an aerial view of the entire CDF looking to the southwest.

JF Brennen reminds the public that the CDF is private property and is an active construction zone. No entry is permitted except for authorized personnel. Reports of ATVs and golf carts upon the embankment have been received and it is asked that this illegal entry cease to protect everyone. 

Coordination of the project is being shared by the RCRCA, handling the fiscal and contract management, and the City of Redwood Falls, providing oversight of project management. The project is financed utilizing a combination of State of Minnesota General Obligation Bonds and funds from the City of Redwood Falls which are dedicated to the reclamation project.