The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is planning next week to begin performing Phase II of the subject study. Phase I of the study was completed for selected coves during 2010-2011. Phase II will be a continuation of those studies targeting the entire lake to evaluate sediment distribution, character and chemistry of the sediment, and to determine alternatives to control and cope with sedimentation. See more detail below on the scope of the work.

The cost estimate for Phase II is $180,000 of which $65,000 has been committed to by the DNR, leaving a $115,000 shortfall for funding. Working with the County Commissioners, the POA has agreed to join with County government to make up that difference. At a special meeting of the Board of Directors called by President Troy Ellington on Saturday, March 31, there was a unanimous vote that the POA, as a stakeholder in the welfare of the lake, would contribute $20,000. In the meantime the County has committed to make up the difference of approximately $95,000. By so doing the study can begin immediately. The importance of starting Phase II immediately is to do much of the sampling prior to the sub-aquatic vegetation starting to grow as the lake water temperature begins to rise.

This effort is being funded in total by the DNR, the POA, and the County. It will be a scientific study giving a data base to go forward into the future to study trends of sediment deposits and knowing how to deal with its management. Members of the POA and the County Commissioners have been providing input to the DNR that will greatly improve the validity of the study. The DNR has accepted much of that input and incorporated it into the scope of the work.

Sedimentation is a natural process whereby soil is deposited through erosion into a body of water. The existing bathymetry map (water depth) of the lake is inadequate for this study and, hence, a new map of the entire lake represents a major effort of this study.

The Phase II study has four objectives. One is to map the accumulated sediment in Deep Creek Lake. Second is to determine the physical and chemical properties of accumulated sediment. Third is to identify realistic, feasible, sustainable alternatives to address the removal and/or relocation of the sediment. Fourth is to identify the sources of the sediment inputs to the lake and develop strategies to minimize additional accumulations.

Results of the study will be released as they become available. A final report is due in approximately one year. The report will receive widespread dissemination to all stakeholders to allow for the maximum benefit of this investment.

The POA has conducted two workshops over the past two years involving all the stakeholders of the lake. Brainstorming sessions along with panel discussions have proven to bring awareness to areas of concern, sediment being one of those concerns about the long-term health of the lake. The relationships among all the stakeholders have greatly improved through those workshops. The POA wishes to express its appreciation and thanks for the excellent working relationship that has been established between its membership, the County, and State offices. As stakeholders, we all want to maintain the wonderful recreational experience that Deep Creek Lake offers.