Lake Ruth Clean-up
The Western Illinois University Physical Plant will begin cleaning Lake Ruth starting Monday, May 19.
According to Dennis Wells, Physical Plant civil engineer III, preliminary preparation will involve some shoreline excavation, brush and tree removal and mulching under existing trees. During the project there may be temporary delays for traffic using Sherman and Simpkins circles. The lake will be pumped down to help consolidate and remove sediment. There may be some unpleasant odors from the sediment during the project; however, Physical Plant personnel intend to minimize the duration of the project as much as possible, Wells added.
Samples of Lake Ruth sediment have been analyzed by an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)-certified laboratory. The sediment does not contain harmful or toxic matter, and will be used at the University farms.
WIU personnel will capture existing aquatic animals and relocate them to a suitable environment during the project. Upon advice from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the family of geese currently living at Lake Ruth will not be relocated as the stress caused by a capture and relocation could be great.
According to Roy Domazlicky, IDNR urban waterfowl project manager, if the geese feel threatened or if the drainage project makes their habitat unusable, they will lead the goslings to alternative brood-rearing areas. Domazlicky said it is not unusual for geese to travel for up to five miles with newly-hatched goslings.
"We will use great care so the geese are not harmed in any way during the project," Wells added. "We'd like to thank the University community in advance for their patience during this work. We expect the results of this cleaning project to enhance the appearance of Lake Ruth, while reducing its maintenance requirements."
For more information, contact Wells at 309/298-1834 or by e-mail at DK-Wells@wiu.edu.
Posted 2008-05-14
