1. Preliminary discussions continue with soil scientists on how best to establish and implement a soil analysis testing program of the dried sediment from the lake dredging project in order to generate specific data regarding its composition (% silt, peat, clay, sand, gravel, etc.) and nutrient values. It is anticipated that having this data readily available for potential soils vendors or other sediment marketing approaches will be beneficial.
2. Each year the MPOA is required by the State of Illinois - Office of Water Resources to have an inspection of the Wonder Lake Dam embankment and spillway. This inspection is conducted by Professional Engineers retained by the MPOA, with state engineers also in attendance. The completed report is then forwarded to the Illinois Office of Water Resources. The current inspection report can be viewed here:
https://wlmpoa.org/wl-annual-dam-inspection-report
3. Arrangements are being worked out to have the marine contracting firm that conducted the concrete repairs to the Wonder Lake Dam spillway wingwalls in 2022 come back this fall and replace the slowly deteriorating concrete cap on the top of the east side wingwall. It is also planned to have them repair / replace the west side sluice gate shaft, as noted in the last inspection report.
4. The MPOA has again retained the same engineering firm that has conducted the last 8 dam inspections. The inspection will take place around the second or third week of October 2023, once schedules can be aligned. Continuity in the inspection team is the best means of noticing any changes from year-to-year.
5. Wildfires in Canada have burned 25 million acres so far this year and there is still a month of peak fire season left to go. The hot, dry conditions have fueled the wildfire spread, while the smoke is fueling air quality alerts in Canada and the United States. Tens of millions of people are struggling from the air pollution. Surprising to many is that the wildfire smoke can have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems, including lakes and reservoirs. During active burning, ash can settle on surface water, preventing sunlight from penetrating as deep into the water column. This restricts light availability for photosynthetic organisms like aquatic plants and algae and cools the water temperature. Along with blocking the light, the particles contain nitrogen, potassium and heavy metals that can further impair the water, the aquatic organisms, and the entire food web. A detailed report on this can be found on the link below: