In general, the potential project would involve a winter draw down of Meadow Lake, beginning in September of either 2020 or 2021. Prior to the draw down, water quality will be measured for the entire Spring/Summer/Fall to establish accurate base line data. A draw down allows for mucky lake bottom sediment to be exposed to winter weather, which will help compact the sediment. In addition, a full draw down will kill a majority of the curly-leaf pond weed in the Lake. Following the draw down, at least 2 years of water quality monitoring will take place to determine how the lake reacted to the draw down. It is possible a shorter, summer draw down would be necessary to see the desired effects on the lake, plant, and fish ecology.
Once the desired effects are seen, a dosage of chemical treatment will be determined, such as an alum treatment. At this time, this could take place in either Year 4 of the project, or later on. Watershed engineers will carefully monitor the lake to determine the correct timing, chemical, and dosage prior to any application. The intention of the chemical dosage is to "lock-in" the lake bottom sediments that have been compacted by the draw down, to prevent sediment release over time.
Overall, if this project moves forward, it is the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission and the City's goal to thoroughly study Meadow Lake over the next 4 to 8 years to ensure that the lake's functions are fully understood prior to any draw down or any chemical treatment.