Otter Lake Shoreline Erosion Control Project

              OTTER LAKE
SHORELINE EROSION CONTROL PROJECT
Financial Assistance Agreement 3190709
November 3, 2009
Prepared by: Otter Lake Water Commission
Dennis Ross, General Manager
PO Box 468, Virden, IL 62690
(217) 965-1566
Prepared for: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Bureau of Water
Watershed Management Section
1021 North Grand Ave. East, P.O. Box 19276
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276
This report was prepared using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funds under Section 319
of the Clean Water Act distributed through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The
findings and recommendations herein are not necessarily those of the funding agencies.
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Project Partners:
Owner: Otter Lake Water Commission
Dennis Ross, General Manager
PO Box 468, Virden, IL 62690
(217) 965-1566
Contractor: Otter Lake Water Commission
Dennis Ross, General Manager
PO Box 468, Virden, IL 62690
(217) 965-1566
Funding: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
60% Illinois Clean Lakes Program and Section 319 Program
P.O. Box 19276
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276
Funding: Otter Lake Water Commission
40% PO Box 468
Virden, IL 62690
(217) 965-1566
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Otter Lake is located in Macoupin County Illinois; and is owned and operated by the
Otter Lake Water Commission. The lake was built as a water supply for the towns of Auburn,
Divernon, Girard, Pawnee, Thayer and Virden. In recent years the towns of Nilwood and Tovey
were added as well as two water districts.
Otter Lake Data
Surface Area 765 acres
Maximum Depth 54 feet
Average Depth 21 feet
Storage Capacity 16,065 acre feet
Watershed 12,992 acres
Lake Type Damned Stream
Year Constructed 1968
Public Access Yes
Otter Lake has experienced significant amounts of sediment accumulation and degrading
of its shoreline. This situation has contributed to increased levels of phosphorus and manganese.
Phosphorus is a nutrient source for algae.
Otter Lake has seen high counts of blue green algae in recent years. Further testing for 2
methylisoborneal (MIB) and geosmin were conducted confirming high counts of these taste and
odor causing compounds. The presence of these compounds have increased both treatment
expense and customer complaints. Reduction of phosphorus from nonpoint source pollution
should reduce algae blooms on the lake. This project is one of many efforts being undertaken by
the Water Commission to reduce nonpoint source pollution and in turn improve the finished
water quality to the towns it serves.
A Phase One: Diagnostic-Feasibility Study of Otter Lake was completed in October
1999. A number of management practices were identified for implementation to improve water
quality. The Commission applied to Illinois EPA for financial assistance to help with the
implementation of some of the recommendations in the Phase One study. The IEPA awarded the
Commission a Section 319 Grant reference number 3190709 to be fulfilled between the dates of
August 27, 2007 and December 31, 2009 for shoreline stabilization and tree planting.
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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
According to the Phase One: Diagnostic-Feasibility Study of Otter Lake (Oct. 1999. Shun
Dar Lin, William C. Bogner & Ramank Raman) Otter Lake had 160,102 feet of shoreline
identified as severely to minimally eroded. The project proposed to stabilize 16,000 feet of
shoreline using placement of riprap and bald cypress seedlings. All stabilization work would be
done by the Commission using their own equipment.
A construction permit was obtained from the US Army Corp of Engineers, following
guidelines of the General Permit. Permit number MVS-2009-233 was issued on April 28, 2009,
copy attached to this report.
RIP-RAP METHODS
Two basic rip-rap designs were selected for this project. The first being “Lean
Revetment, the second is known as the “Breakwater with Transitional Wetland”. Both methods
require filter fabric to be installed and pinned prior to the placement of the rip-rap. Design
schematics are included in this report. Hank Sutton, President of Macoupin Boat Works supplied
the design for the Breakwater with Transitional Wetland; this is a technique that was used on
Kinkaid Lake in southern Illinois. Most of the areas of installation on Otter Lake were far by
better suited for the Breakwater method. While this method requires more rip-rap, the
performance in areas with higher banks is unsurpassed. This method is impractical when laying
rip-rap by hand.
Over the project period the Commission installed 14,063 tons of RR# rip-rap,
approximately 827 barge loads. This rip-rap provided protection to 14,567 feet of shoreline.
The average rate of rip-rap placed was 1 ton per foot of shoreline.
On May 30, 2007 the Commission took delivery of a mechanical barge for placing rip-rap
for shoreline erosion control. This barge was also used in conjunction with the In-Lake
Sedimentation Control Project (3190212).
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Mechanical Barge being loaded with John Deere 210 Backhoe.
Mechanical Barge being loaded with Cat 928F Front End Loader.
During the first year of this project the Commission loaded the Mechanical Barge with an
existing John Deere 210 backhoe. This two wheel drive backhoe was equipped with a 1 yard
bucket, loading of the barge took approximately 17 scoops. The hopper on the Mechanical
Barge holds 17 tons of RR3 rip-rap. While this method did produce results, it became apparent
that loading time was excessive.
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Pictured on left is the Cat 928F Front End Loader and the John Deere 210 backhoe is on the right.
On April 22, 2009 the Commission purchased a 1994 Cat 928F rubber tired front end
loader. This loader is four wheel drive with a 3 yard bucket. Loading the barge is completed
with 5 scoops using this loader. This improvement in equipment increased our production
significantly.
Three man crew laying rip-rap along shoreline.
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Operators cab on mechanical barge.
A three man crew was utilized in the project. One employee operated the mechanical
barge. Including loading, piloting barge to the rip-rap site and unloading the barge. A second
employee operated the “push boat”. This small jon boat was used to move the barge laterally
along the shore as the rip-rap was placed.
The push boat is used to position the mechanical barge when unloading.
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While the barge operator can control the speed of the belt and the height of the drop, the
position of the belt laterally must be done by hand. The third employee controls the end of the
conveyor belt on the mechanical barge. This is accomplished by having the employee stand in
the water, with steel toed hip waders, moving the fixed conveyor back and forth to control the
placement of the rip-rap. This employee also operates the barge used to bring the filter fabric to
the jobsite, also known as the “paper barge”.
The conveyor belt is controlled side to side by hand while placing the rock.
While the mechanical barge is returning to the loading site, the other two employees
make final hand adjustments of the rip-rap, clear brush or place filter fabric for the next load of
rip-rap.
Installing filter fabric from paper barge.
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TREE PLANTING
Planting bald cypress trees in tubex tree shelters at the edge of the shoreline.
In addition to the rip-rap, 1,200 trees were also planted in conjunction with this project.
Survival rates of these trees are being tracked.
Approximately, 800 Bald Cypress trees were planted at the waters edge with Tubex
shelters. Planting of these trees has been an ongoing effort by the Commission. Past experience
has shown first year rates to be very good, over 75 percent, but rates decline through year five.
A reasonable expectation in the fifth year would be 50 percent.
Established water willows.
Water willows were transplanted from Beaver Dam State Park south of Carlinville,
Illinois eight years ago with very positive results. The water willows have spread to several
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shallow water shorelines that would not have been high priority rip-rap areas. The trees planted
in 2008 were purchased through the Macoupin County Soil and Water Conservation District,
trees for 2009 were donated to the project.
Approximately, 400 assorted hardwood trees were also planted as an ongoing reforesting
project. These trees are planted in areas where adjoining landowners have cleared Commission
property. Clearings were done without the Commissions approval. The Commissions active roll
on the lake coupled with several letters has minimized additional clearings. This has proven to
be an effective method to deter this type of encroachment. While measuring the reduction of
sediment loading may be impossible, some areas have seen reduction in paths used by ATV’s.
Maps detailing the location of trees planted is included with this report.
Bald cypress trees approximately 6 years old.
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PROJECT REIMBURSEMENT
Project Cost OLWC 40% IEPA 60%
Agreement $394,316.00 $157,726.00 $236,590.00
Invoice # Total Match Invoiced
# 1 8,773.07 3,509.23 5,263.84
# 2 24,694.02 9,877.61 14,816.41
# 3 25,090.01 10,036.00 15,054.01
# 4 26,245.50 10,498.20 15,747.30
# 5 25,848.49 10,339.40 15,509.09
2009-01 4,187.29 1,674.92 2,512.37
2009-02 12,370.68 4,948.27 7,422.41
2009-03 53,505.11 21,402.04 32,103.07
2009-04 39,231.00 15,692.40 23,538.60
2009-05 71,284.40 28,513.77 42,770.63
2009-06 28,912.39 11,564.96 17,347.43
2009-07 51,398.85 20,559.55 30,839.30
2009-08 27,424.21 13,758.67 13,665.54
TOTAL $398,965.02 $162,375.02 $236,590.00
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EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Shoreline area # 11 before rip-rap was laid.
Stabilized shoreline from area # 11.
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Shoreline area # 10 before rip-rap was laid.
Stabilized shoreline from area # 10.
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Shoreline area # 9 before rip-rap was laid.
Stabilized shoreline from area # 9.
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Shoreline area # 15 before rip-rap was laid.
Stabilized shoreline from area # 15.
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Shoreline area # 13 before rip-rap was laid.
Stabilized shoreline from area # 13.
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BANK STABILIZATION
Shoreline Feet of
Shoreline
Stabilized
Sediment
Load
Reduction
(ton/year)
Phosphorus
Load Reduction
(lb/year)
Nitrogen
Load
Reduction
(lb/year)
Proctor Cove – Bank #1 115’ 5 5 9
North Proctor Cove – Bank # 1 600’ 48 48 96
North Proctor Cove – Bank # 2 1140’ 18 18 36
South Proctor Cove – Bank # 1 450’ 36 36 72
South Proctor Cove – Bank # 2 1272’ 20 20 41
02-2009 Report – Bank # 1 532’ 13 13 26
Bank A Area 1 – Bank # 1 324’ 1 1 3
Bank A Area 2 – Bank # 1 303’ 2 2 4
Bank A Area 4 – Bank # 1 576’ 3 3 7
Bank A Area 6 – Bank # 1 490’ 2 2 4
Area 8 – Bank # 1 300’ 1 1 2
Area 8 – Bank # 2 332’ 20 20 40
Bank A Area 13 – Bank # 1 243’ 1 1 3
Bank A Area 14 – Bank # 1 600’ 4 4 7
Bank A Area 14 – Bank # 2 216’ 1 1 2
Bank A Area 15 – Bank # 1 550’ 3 3 7
Bank A Area 15 – Bank # 2 330’ 1 1 3
10/20/2009 Report – Bank # 1 2316’ 4 4 7
10/20/2009 Report – Bank # 2 2870’ 172 172 344
Area 13 – Bank # 1 195’ 3 3 6
Area 13 – Bank # 2 309’ 12 12 25
TOTAL 14,063’ 370 370 744
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SUMMARY
Total dollars spent on this project were $398,965.02, in an effort to ensure all grant funds
were utilized the Commission slightly overfunded the project. The goal was to protect 16,000
feet of shoreline with this grant. Final numbers show 14,657 feet of shoreline were protected
with RR3 rip-rap or 91% of the goal. The remaining 1,433 feet of shoreline were protected by
the planting of 800 bald cypress trees and 400 hardwood trees. Each cypress tree will stabilize
several feet of shoreline. However, time to reach maturity and survival rates will be factors.
Rip-rap laid by volunteers at Otter Lake Campground.
Additional shoreline work was done during this project by volunteers at the
campgrounds. Campers were excited to see this project take form. They in turn agreed to lay
rip-rap around boat docks, by hand. These areas were much too small to access with the
mechanical barge. An additional 560 feet of shoreline were protected using this volunteer hand
placement method.
A highlight of this project is the use of multiple state and federal programs and grants for
a common cause. During the same timeframe of this Section 319 grant two other projects were
underway. One, a NRCS Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project (NRCS-WHIP) grant on the
forested area owned by the Commission surrounding Proctor Cove. The other project was a C-
2000 project (# BRPSPG-07) on adjoining landowners property which was completed in August
2008. The NRCS-WHIP grant was awarded to the Commission to manage 125 acres of oak-hickory
woodlands, surrounding Proctor Cove, in a manner that protects and increases critical
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Redheaded Woodpecker habitat, promotes native plant communities and reduces nonpoint
pollution impacts to water quality. The project included heavy mechanical clearing of invasive
bush honeysuckle in the area east of Proctor Cove and hand clearing of the remaining areas
around Proctor Cove. The purpose of C-2000 project was to restore oak-hickory woodlands in
the Otter Lake watershed for the targeted wildlife species Redheaded Woodpecker, promote
native plant communities, minimize agricultural non-point pollution impacts to water quality,
and work with local landowners as well as government organizations to accomplish necessary
watershed management goals. Total cost of this project was reported to be $108,120 with
matching funds provided by USFWS-Partners for Fish and Wildlife $20,000, NRCS-WHIP
$34,590 and Pheasants Forever $3,530. C-2000 funds provided the remaining $50,000.
Both of these projects will improve wildlife habitat and restore the understory of areas
immediately adjacent to Otter Lake. The improved understory will serve as a filter strip to
reduce runoff entering Otter Lake.
Additional plans for Otter Lake Water Commission include two current Section 319
applications. The first would implement best management practices in the watershed as
identified in the Hodges Creek Watershed TMDL Report (November 2006). The second
application would continue shoreline erosion control on Otter Lake. An inventory of the entire
shoreline is proposed for 2010. This inventory will quantify shoreline protected, shoreline
needing protection, shoreline needing maintenance, and shoreline needing no work. This
inventory will be used for future projects on Otter Lake. A Forest Management Plan has recently
been completed for all properties (approximately 750 acres) owned by the Commission
surrounding Otter Lake. This plan provides a step by step plan to manage these lands. Again the
methods are different than this current Section 319 project, but the goals and results are very
much in step. Multiple funding options will be considered for the Forest Management project.
West Campground Rip-rap Laid By Volunteers.
South East Campground Rip-rap Laid By Volunteers.
North Campground Rip-rap Laid By Volunteers.
Emmerson Airline Road
Otter Lake Water Commission
Shoreline Erosion Control Project (319 07 09)
Proctor Cove
North Campground
Deep water areas requiring more than normal amounts of rip-rap.
C = Cypress Trees O = Oak & Walnut Trees
Emmerson Airline Road
Otter Lake Water Commission
2008 Tree Planting
(500 Cypress and 200 Hardwood)
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C = Cypress Trees O = Oak & Walnut Trees
Emmerson Airline Road
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2008 Tree Planting
C = Cypress Trees O = Oak & Walnut Trees
Emmerson Airline Road
Otter Lake Water Commission
2009 Tree Planting
(300 Cypress and 200 Hardwood)
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C = Cypress Trees O = Oak & Walnut Trees
Emmerson Airline Road
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2009 Tree Planting