Ecosystem Restoration Project
The Town of Cedar Lake has taken on the task of the Ecosystem Restoration Project to protect and improve our Lake. This project has taken decades to come to fruition, but it is scheduled to start in 2022. You can review our timeline and plan below. In addition, the Town and Cedar Lake Enhancement Association accepts contributions to help with the cost and continued maintenance of this valuable resource to our community.
This project addresses the immediate need to dredge and reduce decades of sediment that has contaminated our Lake and the long-term maintenance and continued care of our Lake. When completed, our Lake will be an improved recreational attraction to our residents and guests and an ecological restoration project to repair our damaged Lake and restore its native fish and plant habitat.
Crossings
Boating Safety Map
2021
May – December
Technical and Engineering Design
2022
January – February
Permitting process through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
March-April
Project Bidding and Award
May – September
Construction of Sediment Dewatering Facility (SDF)
June 6, 2022
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Construction of Dewatering Facility
2023
April
Pipeline Construction, including the construction of new pipe-sleave through CSX Railroad Embankment and the replacement of a pipe and repair of the pond outlet within Lake County Parks Property
May
Public Informational Meeting held May 8, 2023
Installation of the Dredge Pipe, May 26, 2023
Dredging & Dewatering Facility, July 18, 2023
May – November
Dredging and Treatment of 120,000 Cubic Yards of Sediment
June
Dredging of material begins.
October
Town Engineer Don Oliphant provides an update on the dredging project during the October Storm Water Board Public Meeting:
December
Winterizing of pipes and Sediment Dewatering Facility
2024
April
Preparation and inspection of the pipeline.
April – November
Dredging and Treatment of 120,000 Cubic Yards of Sediment.
November
Removal of Pipeline and stabilization of the Sediment Dewatering Facility.
2025
April
Preparation and inspection of the pipeline.
April – November
Dredging and Treatment of 120,000 Cubic Yards of Sediment.
November
Removal of Pipeline and stabilization of the Sediment Dewatering Facility.
Finalization of Restoration Project 2026 & Beyond
IDNR to perform complete fishery restoration
- Once the dredging project is completed (likely 2025), IDNR will follow-up and
perform a complete fishery restoration to remove non-native and invasive
species. - Alum Treatment must be completed before fishery restocking
- Restock and restore the native fishery
- IDNR will take care of all aspects of the project, including funding
- Public Outreach
- Removal – Disposal
- Restocking
- Follow up monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this damage my Lakefront Property?
Will I be able to check the sediment that is dredged from the lake for lost items or valuables?
Is the low lake level due to the dredging? (June 23, 2023)
• 2 ft. holding in the SDF equates to a 1.4” drop in lake level.
• 4 ft. holding in the SDF equates to a 2.7” drop in lake level.
• 6 ft. holding in the SDF equates to a 4.1” drop in lake level.
• 8 ft. holding in the SDF equates to a 5.4” drop in lake level.
The SDF is currently holding approximately 2 feet of water, which equates to just over a 1-inch drop in the lake level.