Dredging FAQs
Below you can find a set of FAQs that were prepared by the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association and edited a bit for inclusion on the Lake Worth Alliance website. As you know, a great deal of detailed information about the Cleaning and Dredging Projects—both the almost-completed Pilot Project and the Lake Worth Comprehensive Improvement Implementation Project (LWCIIP) which includes dredging, sewer, water, street, boat ramp, etc., projects—is available on this site. In addition, the Fort Worth Water Department has established a place on its website for the LWCIIP. It is our hope and expectation that the FW Water Department site will include all relevant information going forward. Accuracy and credibility is best assured from data directly from the City. Although these answers are brief and informal, we hope they help.
There are a lot of myths and rumors floating around (no pun intended) about the current effort to dredge Lake Worth. To share what is really happening on the lake effort, we have posted these FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).
It is important to note that the current dredging project is simply a "first step" in turning the lake area into a world-class urban park. Ongoing participation and conversations from lake residents will be important as the projects move forward.
Is the dredging really going to happen?
All signals and conversations from the city leaders seem to indicate that the dredging will happen. Money will be available from Barnett Shale-related activities and funds have been designated for the LWCIIP.
How much will the dredging cost?
Approximately $30 million is the estimate for the dredging. A little more than 3 million cubic yards will be removed at a cost slightly less than $10 per yard. The other elements of the LWCIIP will cost another $90 million or so.
How deep will the lake be dredged?
The plan is to make the shallow ("boatable") areas six feet deep when the lake is at its lowest (or about ten feet deep when the lake is at its normal level). The areas that are already deeper will not be dredged. The North Texas Municipal Water District is contractually obligated to keep the lake one foot over the water inlet of the Fort Worth Water Department, or at 590 feet above sea level. No matter how low the water levels in the lakes above us get, Lake Worth cannot go below this level. The dredged areas in the lake will be six feet from this low contractual level (i.e. the bottom of the dredged areas will be at 584 feet above sea level). In other words, when the lake is at its lowest possible level, the dredged spots should be at least six feet deep. At the normal "conservation level" (when the water is near the top of the dam at 594), the dredged areas will be ten feet deep.
What about fixing the floodgates on the dam?
There has been discussion about the floodgates, which have not worked in decades. The Fort Worth Water Department has investigated and found that what has been described as flood gates is in fact a drain that would allow the lake to be drained for maintenance purposes. This line was plugged and grouted back in the 1960’s after Eagle Mountain Lake was built. It appears that the Water Department felt at that time that the ability to drain the lake was no longer required. With Lake Worth as a critical water source for the City, it is hard to imagine how the lake could be taken off line in order to drain it. There are currently no plans to reconstruct the drain system.
Right now, the lake is operating on an overflow system. Excess water simply flows over the dam. Occasionally, the waters coming into Lake Worth exceed the capacity of the overflow.
Will my property taxes go up?
When have taxes not gone up? Right now, everyone's property taxes in Fort Worth (including those who don't live on the lake) are going up. However, the tax increases in Texas are limited to 10% per year on the “Appraised Value” but only if the homeowner has a “Homestead Exemption.” To minimize taxes, residents are advised to file for a homestead exemption. Likewise, those turning 65 are advised to file for the age 65 tax exemption as well. Our taxes are going up, as we all know, but our property values are also increasing.
Won't the lake become crowded if we dredge it?
Undoubtedly, more people will use the lake once it is dredged and safer. However, even the most crowded lakes in Texas do most of their business on weekends and holidays. Most on-the-water activity takes place during the summer. Fall, Winter, and Spring activity probably will not increase.
When will the dredging start?
The dredging will probably start in 2011.
Why will the dredging take so long to start?
The Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction on all lakes and rivers in the United States. Any significant changes (e.g. dredging) must first meet their approval. This approval process (and the approvals from the State of Texas) will probably take three years to get, but possibly less.
How long will the dredging take once it is under way?
The dredging is estimated to take two to three years to complete.
What parts of the lake will be dredged?
Many shallow areas have been identified. However, a thorough survey of the lake bottom will be conducted before the dredging begins. It is likely that areas not identified in the map will see dredging as well. Go to Dredging Information for more specific data.
Where will all the silt go?
The final disposition of the silt and material removed has not been determined. Choices include adjacent public property or possibly nearby quarries.
What are the plans to keep the lake adequately deep—from silting in again?
Special "over-dredging areas" have been selected. At the mouths of creeks pouring into the lake, deeper areas will be excavated. These deeper large pockets will provide a place for new sediment to accumulate. Periodically, and based on need, the newly accumulated mud will be removed. The current LWCIIP funding plan includes "endowment funds" for cleaning and maintaining the lake, including the "over-dredge areas."
Will the dredging stir up PCBs and other pollutants?
The pollutants most discussed (i.e. PCB's) are found in the sediments adjacent to the military base, primarily in Woods Cove. Dredging in these areas will be avoided. This City, EPA, and TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) are monitoring these areas and have found very small levels to be of no danger.
How can I learn more about the dredging?
Visit Dredging Information. Information can also be found on the FW Water Department’s website.
How can I stay informed as the dredging moves forward?
Continue to visit this website regularly, and check the FW Water Department’s website.
Is the dredging equipment loud?
The Lake Worth Alliance has made minimizing the sound level created by the equipment a priority, as well as the light created at night. Obviously, the lake's surface carries sound quite well and quite far. Given that we all must live (and sleep) on the lake during the dredging makes the noise/light issues very important. The specifics of how the noise levels will be minimized have not been thoroughly discussed at this time, but remain an important issue. Currently, it is expected that the large dredgers will be electrically powered, with perhaps, an on-board diesel generator.
Will there by specific hours of dredging or is it continuous?
For cost minimization, the current plan is to run the equipment continuously 24 hours per day.
Will any remaining shallow areas (those left for wildlife habitat) be marked?
Yes.
Are they removing the submerged tree trunks they find while dredging?
A budget for removing tree trunks is included in the current proposal. This is currently being discussed in hopes that some of this work can be undertaken very soon.
Is trash removal part of the dredging project?
Trash at the dredged areas will be removed. And cleaning other areas will certainly be a part of the LWCIIP.
