Engineer’s work would provide insight in run-up to likely referendum
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
While a decision on the Echo Lake Dam won’t be made for months the Burlington Common Council continues to explore options leading up to a potential November referendum.
The council, which has not taken an official position on the matter, has been discussing the structure’s long-term fate over the last year through presentations of dam modification options and well as potential removal to achieve compliance from the state Department of Natural Resources.
However, while modification would retain the status quo, the Common Council looks to better understand the total impact of removing the structure and restoring the White River and Honey Creek to their natural state.
To garner further clarity, the Common Council could consider endorsing a contract with Ayres Associates, Inc. to perform an Echo Lake Dam Removal Park Master Plan for $64,000, which could come during a March 15 meeting.
Peter Riggs, director of public works, told the Common Council at Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting the contract includes a detailed conceptual plan for post-dam removal restoration and park development for the 70-acre lakebed.
“The scope includes additional modeling to understand the impacts of dam removal on the White River and Honey Creek in the impoundment area and upstream of the impoundment area,” Riggs wrote. “The scope of service will also explore park enhancements that could accompany a dam modification and/or dredging project.”
Riggs, however, said most of the study would focus on designing park improvements for the dam removal option.
Bob Grandi, of District 2, strongly encouraged Ayres Associates to include more information about enhancements related to dam modification such as new kayak and canoe launches, among other entities.
“I want to see us coming out better for this,” he said.
To read the entire story, see the the March 3 edition of the Burlington Standard Press.
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