The first dredging project at Deep Creek Lake will begin in October 2023 and is predicted to be completed by mid-winter. This $2.2M pilot project was funded by the State of Maryland and will remove approximately 15,000 cubic yards of sediment from Arrowhead Cove. It’s estimated that this will add 1-4 ft of depth to the cove, allowing for better access year-round, even when water levels are lowered towards the end of the season. In addition to sediment removal, installation of rock clusters and submerged aquatic vegetation will reduce the potential for invasive species and provide increased habitat on the lakebed.
Of the 10 identified sediment-impaired coves at Deep Creek, Arrowhead Cove was chosen to be used for the pilot project due to its large amount of public boaters and engineering logistics. Increased sediment in these coves is mostly caused from stream inputs that are increased with high rain and snow melt and shoreline erosion. As Deep Creek Lake approaches its 100 year anniversary, this dredging project will provide a great insight into how effective dredging can be for the health of the lake and the environment. This project will also provide a better insight into the logistics of dredging the larger coves. The project is being completed by local business Byco Enterprises. Coffer dams will be placed at the beginning of the cove to block water, and then equipment will be used on the lakebed to begin removing sediment. The project is expected to be complete by February 2024. The other sediment-impaired coves identified in the 2017 survey are Chadderton School Cove, Deep Creek Cove, Green Glade Cove, Harvey’s Cove, Hazelhurst Cove, Pawn Run Cove, Penn Cove, Poland Run Cove, and Turkey Neck Cove.
November Update:
Brookfield Renewable US, working with the project organizers for the dredging, will begin lowering the lake levels to provide more adequate conditions for the dredging project. While the water level may be lower than normal, it's still within the set band limits for the water levels for November. As a reminder, all docks must be out of the water by December 1. The water level should be dropped to its lowest expected level by November 17, and the cofferdam will be installed by Byco the following week, with hopes that the water in Arrowhead cove will be completely drained by end of November.
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