Sediment Surveys

In order to determine if large amounts of sediment have collected in area lakes due to loads from outside (non-point pollution) sources, the WCD will occasionally be requested to perform a sediment survey. Staff will perform these surveys during the winter months by drilling numerous holes through the ice and probing the depth of soft sediment above the hard bottom of lakes.

Once an entire lake has been surveyed, maps can be created to determine if particular areas of the lake are more prone to receiving runoff loads. Plans can be developed and preventative measures can then be taken by local government units to reduce these loads.