Last
updated - 2/14/06
Accomplishments of the Deal Lake Commission
Since 1974, the Commission has worked within the confines of State and
Federal Regulations along with low financial resources to successfully
complete numerous projects. The following is a summary of many of
them.
1. Preparation of a
Phase I Diagnostic Feasibility Report that detailed the biological,
physical and chemical characteristics of the lake, identified and
quantified the lake's sources of pollutant loading, and developed a
prioritization plan for the long-term management and restoration of the
lake and its watershed.
2. The rehabilitation
of the lake's flume. In 2006, a project has started to extend the
flume and rehabilitate weathered sections.
3. Designation of
Deal Lake by the Army Corps. Of Engineers as a Demonstration Project
Lake. This resulted in the Deal Lake Commission qualifying for funding
that could be used to implement the restoration and management projects
detailed in the Diagnostic Feasibility Report.
4. The dredging of
the Harvey Brook arm of the lake. This resulted in the removal of
approximately 14,000 yds3 of sediment from this portion of
the lake, the construction of an on-line sedimentation basin, the
creation of three acres of wetland wild-life habitat and the
stabilization of two stormwater outfalls.
5. The watershed-wide
identification of significant soil erosion sites, the preparation of low
cost remedial measures for each site, and the implementation of these
measures through the cooperative efforts of the DLC, County and
Municipal government and the individual property owners. In total, over
12 major sites of sediment loading were corrected through this effort.
6. The preparation of
a public education program that introduced the concepts of lake ecology
and "grass-roots" lake restoration initiatives. The program involved
the following:
A. Publication
of a newsletter distributed to all lake front property owners.
B. Lectures and
presentations to school children (elementary thru high school)
C. Radio presentations highlighting the role of Non-point Source
loading to the lake
and how the individual can assist in improving the lake's water quality.
D. Training program for local teachers on lake related curricula
and the integration of
such in various disciplines ranging from art to science.
7. Working through
the local Planning Boards, the review of developments and development-
related activities. Through these reviews, the DLC has been able to
take a pro-active approach to soil erosion control and stormwater
quality management.
8. The dredging of
the Hollow Brook arm of Deal Lake. This resulted in the removal of
approximately 12,000 yds3 of sediment from this portion of
the lake, the construction of an on-line sedimentation basin, and the
restoration of lake shoreline.
9. Working with an
Eagle Scout, the identification of navigational hazards throughout the
lake. The DLC later used this information to remove approximately 15
major trees that had fallen in the lake. These trees posed a safety and
navigation hazard to boaters.
10. The management of
weed growth, including a concerted harvesting program aimed at the
management of weeds in the Sunset Landing area of the lake.
11. Working with the
Monmouth County Health Department, the identification and correction of
illegal discharges to the lake.
12. Involvement in
the NJ Coalition of Lake Associations and the North American Lake
Management Society.
13. Involvement with
the NJDEP in watershed management efforts, including the preparation of
the lake's phosphorus TMDL.
14. Involvement with
local grass-roots organizations, such as the Friends of Deal Lake,
concerned with the protection and restoration of Deal Lake. This has
included numerous lake clean ups and other public education and public
outreach efforts.
15. The dredging of
the Colonial Terrace arm of Deal Lake. The success of this project was
the result of the mutual involvement of the Deal Lake Commission,
Monmouth County Mosquito Commission, Ocean Township, and a local
grass-roots organization of concerned lake residents. The Deal Lake
Commission removed over 55,000 yds3 of sediment from this
portion of the lake.
