Posted on June 28, 2021
AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) – The dredging project at Lake Olmstead in Augusta is making progress! The work began earlier this year. Crews are almost done with the upper pond and anticipate moving to the lower pond in just a few weeks.
The lake is at the heart of downtown Augusta. It has filled in over time, resulting in health problems like toxic algae. However, the company working to improve the water, Gator Dredging, hopes to resolve the issues. Of the two pond area, the smaller portion has been increased from a depth of two to three feet to six feet. The hope is to deepen it to about 10 feet. According to the executive director of the Savannah Riverkeepers, that means we’re getting closer to the finish line, but it won’t be done until at least the end of the year,
“The great news is that it’s going to go from what is now essentially a brewing pond of grossness to a functioning water way. It’s really exciting because it will increase the storm water capacity significantly, and it’ll also make it so that the water quality improves,” said Tonya Bonitatibus.
In the meantime, she thinks it’s a great educational opportunity for the community,
“I think we’re also, hopefully, giving a way at looking at big projects that cause damages like this and understanding those consequences and those costs which are really important because the local taxpayer at the end of the day really shouldn’t have to pay to dredge this out, and we are,” said Bonitatibus.
Once it’s done, she feels the area will become even more of an asset for Augusta.
“We have multiple companies that are relying on it, we have a lot of recreation, we have a disk golf course, so it’s already growing as part of the community, and now we’ll be able to handle that growth even more.”
One man knows the potential of this place. In fact, he makes regular drives from Statesboro just to spend time there,
“This is my sanctuary, if you will… You have a man cave, a woman has a she shed, but I got a lake. I really enjoy it. I really do,” said Michael Tremble.
FOX54 also contacted the city’s director of engineering about a progress update. He anticipates a similar timeline.
“Dredging will restore lake pool depth that will open opportunities for water supports activities and completion as it was happening one time in the past. The upper lake will be done by another month. Lower lake will take additional four months,” said Haleem Malik.
According to Malik, the material removal and disposal is funded by stormwater SPLOST. He says the design and permitting originates from blended funding, SPLOST and stormwater fees.
You can check the water quality online for Lake Olmstead and other local waterways here. More information can also be found on the Savannah Riverkeepers website.
