Dredging at Lake Elkhorn is getting closer to resuming, Columbia Association staff members promised the Board of Directors last week.
Seven dredging proposals from different companies had been reviewed and scored, said Chick Rhodehamel, director of community development and sustainability, at CA's meeting Thursday, July 28. Those proposals were narrowed down to two, and staff had planned to select a company to finish dredging Lake Elkhorn by Monday, Aug. 1.
However, by Tuesday, Aug. 2, staff had still not selected a contractor.
"At this point, I would say that the Columbia Association is still reviewing the proposals and will come to a decision by the end of the week," said Diana Kelley, contract administrator for CA, in an emailed statement.
That selection comes eight months after CA's contract with Mobile Dredging and Pumping expired. The Pennsylvania dredging company hired by CA to dredge Elkhorn, filed a $1 million lawsuit against CA in November 2010 for breach of contract, accusing CA of not paying for work performed or completing preliminary sediment surveys.
Dredging came to a standstill, and the company removed its equipment from the area in mid-March.
Owen Brown resident Bob Mazzullo said he was worried about the state of the lake.
"I know from the previous, failed attempt that there are parts (of the lake) worse off than they were before," he told the board. "I don't want there to be assumptions that, if (Mobile) went over an area, that it was done that last time."
Rob Goldman, chief operating officer, assured board members and Mazzullo that CA's intent is to dredge Lake Elkhorn "down to its original contours.
"We can assume that we're almost starting all over again," Rhodehamel said.
CA staffers also reported that the dredging of Lake Kittamaqundi will continue through the summer, despite the discovery of rocks one foot deep in the area between Tomato Palace and the forebay. Dredging elevation was adjusted and work continues.
Plans are also underway to dredge Wilde Lake, which was last done in the early 1990s. Rhodehamel said staff would re-issue a request for proposals to companies in September.