The Woodlake pond is approximately 17.6 acres and located along Furneaux Creek within the southeast quadrant of Josey Lane and Peter’s Colony.  The upper end of the lake has accumulated a large volume of silt over the past years, which has significantly reduced the lake’s storage capacity and caused detrimental effects on the lake’s aesthetics and related wildlife.  During the summer of 2006, the combination of drought and amount of silt acted to reduce the lake’s volume enough to cause a mass fish kill.  If the silt continues to collect, it will ultimately kill all aquatic wildlife and become a marsh.  Proposition 5 (Parks and Leisure Projects), approved by voters in 2004, included $2,250,000 for de-silting the lake to prevent the formation of marsh conditions as well as minor park amenities including benches, picnic tables and trail. 

 

Design was initiated for the project in late 2005, and included extensive review of and specific consideration to wildlife and maintaining environmental quality.  Although a hydraulic dredging method was initially considered, the amount of silt in the lake had accumulated to the point that there was an insufficient volume of water to allow such.  It was ultimately determined that a mechanical dredging technique would allow the lake to be placed back in service earlier, and have the lowest overall impact on the wildlife.  In addition to several wildlife biologists, Carrollton’s Animal Services Department, Texas Parks & Wildlife and other regulatory agencies have been integral in the design and proposed construction methods throughout the project.  Initial wildlife assessments were conducted during design to determine various wildlife species at the site.  Another wildlife survey was conducted immediately prior to starting construction to verify that there were no nesting migratory birds.  All wildlife related consultants, departments and agencies endorsed the construction methods and concurred with the construction schedule.  Their input and oversight will remain active throughout the construction.

 

The dredging project was contracted out to RLB Contracting, Inc. and began on March 24 with the initial draining of the lake.  The fish were relocated to another lake within the city.  The lake will be allowed to dry for several months.  Once the lake bed is dried, additional fencing will be placed between the interior work zones and the shoreline to minimize the areas of construction activity.  A portion of the accumulated silt will be removed and placed at designated areas within the greenbelt.  The dredging operation has been modified slightly because of the large volume of rainfall that we have received this spring.  Silt is now being dredged and placed in two of the designated areas.  These areas are immediately below the Woodlake dam and on the west side of Furneaux Creek north of Peters Colony.  There are several other areas along the creek where silt will be placed.  These areas will all be compacted, graded to allow for storm water runoff and then seeded for grass cover.  They will all be restored to a greenbelt like setting.  

The project is only slightly behind schedule because of this year’s more frequent than normal spring rains.  It is expected to return to the original plan of drying the lake and then removing the silt during the summer months and be completed on schedule by mid-December, 2007.  Plans are available in the Engineering Department for public review during normal business hours.

The City’s project engineer is Glenn Hughes, PE, who can be reached at 972-466-3197 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.