Dredging began July 1999. Although the lake didn't smell as bad as it
had many years ago, (thanks to environmental and pollution controls in recent years) it's
finally getting cleaned.
Click any image for a larger view
Near the middle of the dredge boat in the suction line is an area which
clogs whenever large ogjects enter it. It is cleaned often (especially near the shore) as
chunks of wood and debris frequently block it.
The basin is a large pit built to contain the mud pumped there. It is on a portion of the Grafton Lions Club property and is accessible from their driveway or a nice 15-20 minute walk along a trail beginning at the bottom of Wheeler Rd. The property along the trail belongs to the Grafton Land Trust and is part of the Gummere Wood/Marsters Preserve.
As of Sept.7, no water had yet overflowed into the
|In August, a second dredge was added to make sure the project completed before the
lake froze over. Because of the Summer drought (and the unexpected loss of about 18"
of water one night) the water level became too low in early September to support running
both dredges at the same time. The call went out to get additional water from upstream
Lake Quinsigamond, but was unnecessary as the drought breaking rains began that same
The following 3 photos were taken Sept.7, 1999 during
the lowest water period...