Lake Defense Steps
Erosion is a natural process. When it storms the rain striking the ground has a tendency to dislodge the
particles of soil and to wash them down the hill. When this happens the soil eventually enters the
watercourse and is carried to the nearest body of still water. It is the energy of moving water that carries the
particles and when it comes to a body of still water the energy is dissipated and the particles drop from the
water or settle to the bottom. In a lake this begins to form a silt plume at the point where the water enters
the lake. The soil conservation service had determined that on undisturbed ground there is an average of
three tons per acre soil loss in an average year. However, Georgia Southern University did a study that
showed that when development takes place in the watershed the soil loss can increase up to two hundred
sixty eight tons of soil loss per acre. To offset this erosion control laws have been passed which require
developers to take measures to limit the volume of sediment leaving the property. When they fail to follow
these measures the pond or lake downstream begins to receive sediment at an accelerated rate. When as
a lake owner, you notice this happening there are a number of steps you need to take. First document
when you first notice this happening. Second go inspect the watershed above your lake. See what is
happening in the watershed that would cause the sudden increase. If development is taking place talk to
the developer about the problem. Sometimes making them aware that someone is watching is all it takes
to encourage them to do what is proper. If this does not work contact the local government body in charge
of issuing land disturbance permits and ask them to get involved. Document all of the steps you take to
keep the problem from occurring. If silt fences and other erosion control measures are not properly
maintained take pictures of the lack of maintenance. Date the pictures and record the information about
what the pictures show and what prompted you to take them. It takes some work to defend your lake from
being filled in by the actions of others but it is work the effort.
If all your efforts to keep the material out of your lake fail there is a process to follow to resolve the situation.
If you find it necessary to use the threat of law to resolve the problem there is a sequence of steps to take.
• First you will need to quantify the extent of the problem and the cause
This can be done by an engineering firm or an environmental consultant. By taking core samples of the
sediment it is possible, in most cases to determine when the increase in sediment occurred. By measuring
the depth of the material that has come in and the area of the lake which has been affected it is possible to
quantify the extent of the damage done. (Note: if the volume of material is sufficient to form a plume that
extends above the surface of the lake the sediment will begin to be stored in the watercourse above the
lake. If this has occurred it may be necessary to quantify this material as well. Once the lake is restored this
material will move down the watercourse and settle in the lake causing a reoccurrence of the problem.) By
looking at the type of soil in the plume it is sometimes helpful in determining where the material came from.
In most cases documented evidence of what activities were taking place in the watershed when the
problem occurred will make it possible to determine the source of the problem.
• Second you need to have an accurate figure for the cost of restoring the lake to its original condition.
This should consider any disturbance of the landscaping around the lake and any damage which will occur
to drives or roads in order to have the lake restored. It may involve more than one contractor to completely
restore the lake and the surrounding area to the condition it was in before the damage occurred.
• Third you need to confront the party responsible for the damage with the information.
This can be done by you as an individual or as a representative of the group of homeowners affected by
the deterioration of the lake. If this fails you will need to consult a lawyer who is familiar with environments
requirements in your area. Be fair in your approach. Remember that some of the material happens as a
result of natural erosion and that if someone has done something in the watershed that has increased the
volume of the material the party is only responsible for the increased volume and not for all the material that
has occurred. It may be practical to take out the naturally occurring material at the time that the damaging
material is removed but that should not be the responsibility of the party causing the increased flow of
material. The cost of getting the equipment to the job and of restoring the property is the responsibility of
the offending party and should rightfully be a part of the settlement but the cost of removing the naturally
occurring sediment should be born by the lake owners as a maintenance cost.
In looking for cost estimates for restoring the lake and surrounding areas try to find contractors who have
dealt with these types of problems before. Check for references and look for people who are willing to tell
you what all will be involved in the process. Make sure the contractors who quote the project for you are
willing to do the job for the dollars proposed if and when you agree to a settlement for the damage. It is very
difficult to go back to the well a second time.