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LAKE ORONO SEDIMENTATION/WATER QUALITY STUDY <br /> <br />Why Study The Lake? <br /> <br />Lake Orono is a recreational resource and economic asset for the residents <br />of the City of Elk River and Sherburne County. It obviously imperative to <br />protect this important resource. <br /> <br />· Many contend that the lake has already deteriorated to a point where <br /> substantial improvement is necessary. <br /> <br />· The study will evaluate water quality and sedimentation. <br /> <br />If improvements to the lake are warranted, the study will determine the <br />appropriate scope and extent of the project as well as future preventative <br />measures. <br /> <br />Progress To Date: <br /> <br />· The following existing lake data was gathered: <br /> <br />· Minnesota Pollution Control Agency classified the lake as swimming <br /> impaired and nearly hazardous. <br /> <br />Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicated that if <br />the sedimentation rate into the lake was not controlled, the lake would <br />soon become a swamp. <br /> <br />Several meetings were held with the Lake Orono Sedimentation Task <br />Force, the City of Elk River and appropriate county, state and federal <br />agencies. <br /> <br />· A RFP was distributed and Wenck Associates, Inc. was selected as the <br /> hydro-engineering consultant for the study. <br /> <br />· Run-off sampling began late summer of 1996. This sampling will take <br /> place over a one year period using volunteer help. <br /> <br />· Sediment core sampling and analysis was completed in the fall of 1996. <br /> <br />The Sedimentation Task Force used volunteer help to digitized the <br />existing 1971 lake map and was successful at encouraging the DNR to <br />produce a new lake map (available in spring 1997) to aid in determining <br />the sedimentation rate. <br /> <br /> <br />