Camden County, Pa., announced plans to dredge Newton Lake, as well as address toxic algae and erosion issues at the site. The lake, created in the 1930s, has suffered a sediment buildup that has gradually been reducing the size and depth of the water body. Additionally, storm water runoff laden with nutrients from fertilizer and animal waste has led to the formation of an algae bloom.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the $25 million, 18-month long erosion control project is set to be the biggest in the history of the Camden County Park System and has received overwhelming support in the Philadelphia suburb. It will be funded by a 30-year low-interest loan from the state.
“We’re quite happy the lake is being dredged,” said Lorraine Prince, member of Newton Creek Watershed Assn. “Our main purpose now is to act as the watchdogs over how it will be done.”
The erosion control project will begin October and is scheduled to be completed in 2020.
