CME.03 – Dredging Operation at Lake Louise, Indiana

• Zeyad Alam
• Kai Choy
• Nijat Qazi
• Valdemar Segura
• David Straczek

In this project, Lake Louise, an artificially formed 220-acre reservoir located southwest of Valparaiso, Indiana, will be dredged to improve its water quality. Preliminary assessment of the lake has already been completed by the Shorewood Forest Property Owners Association (POA). The preliminary assessment of Lake Louise identified that it suffers from eutrophication and sedimentation, which lowers the recreational value due to poor water quality, rooted plants, and decreased water depths throughout the lake. Dredging has been identified as a solution to help restore the water quality of the lake. The dredging process involves using a dredger to vacuum out soft sediments that have settled at the bottom of the lake. The slurry is then transported through a pipe that connects to the sediment dewatering facility (SDF) where the sediments settle out and the clean water is returned to the lake via gravity drainage. The extent of this project includes finding a potential site to serve as a SDF, designing the SDF, and the pipeline/access road route. Federal and state-wide guidelines and regulations were utilized to address any risks and concerns associated with the dredging process. Social and environmental considerations are part of the project assessment. By utilizing these tools, the general plan is as follows: 1. Find a suitable site to serve as a SDF. 2. Design SDF (Storage Volume, Settling Time (zone, flocculant), etc.) 3. Plan a pipe route. 4. Design routing logistical infrastructure such as access roads for maintenance, etc. 5. Design a restoration plan for disturbed areas.