LGA Completes Two Projects to Protect Indian Brook

BOLTON LANDING, NY – Two projects were recently completed near the intersection of Federal Hill and Sawmill Roads. Roadside drainage improvements were made to address some of the runoff problems in the area and approximately 500 cubic yards of material have been removed from a small area in Indian Brook at the same location. The Lake George Association (LGA) working with a Water Quality Improvement Project grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has been working to complete the project for several years.

“The grant was submitted through the Town of Bolton back in 2003. It wasn’t contracted until 2006. After some initial engineering and survey work, the grant was set to expire at end of 2007. We asked for and received an extension,” according to Project Manager, Randy Rath.

The small ponding area located in Indian Brook had been collecting sediment for a number of years. The area was cleaned out so that the basin could function properly again allowing for sediment, being carried during high flow periods, to swirl around and drop out of the stream. The sand will then remain in the basin and not flow down to the lake. The DEC asked that the main streambed remain unaltered. The project utilized a double curtain to curtail any sediment from going downstream during the process.

The roadside improvement project built upon existing work completed by the Warren County Department of Public Works (DPW) in 2008. The erosion in the spring of 2008, forced DPW to line the eroded area with rip rap. This project started with the rip rap and added several check dams to calm the stormwater flow and a small basin to capture additional sediment. The roadside was graded in certain areas to promote sheet flow of runoff and built up in others to direct the stormwater to a rock lined entrance into the pond.

“Overall, we feel these two projects offer a significant improvement to this location and Indian Brook,” stated Walt Lender, Director of the LGA. He added, “The stormwater should be entering the brook with less velocity and carrying less material.”

The disturbed areas have been seeded and covered with straw. A silt fence will remain in place until vegetation can be established. Over twenty native shrubs were purchased for the site, but they are being stored at a local nursery through the winter, as it was unsure whether they would survive being planted this late in the season. The LGA staff will plant the shrubs in the spring.

Kingsley Construction from Bolton Landing completed the project and the removed material was taken the Town of Bolton’s sand pit.

“Don Kingsley and his staff did a nice job on this project. We had a short time schedule with our permit and they were able to bang it out quickly and efficiently,” added Rath.

The LGA is a not-for-profit membership organization of people interested in working together to protect, conserve, and improve the beauty and quality of the Lake George Basin.