Lake Restoration Project Timeline

1950-present

Weeds grow on Lake Truesdale, Stormwater and road runoff contribute to sedimentation of lake bottom. Associations treat lake with herbicides to curb weed and algae growth during spring summer months. Lake Treatment permit process becomes increasingly burdensome, expensive, and uncertain.

1999-2001

Growing recognition of the need to document and study the lake and conditions. Initial discussions about forming not-for-profit to manage lake treatment. Some discussion about forming special tax district. Associations learn that extensive study and documentation is required. Focus is shifted to documentation and learning.

1999

Lake Management Committee (comprised of members from TEA and TLPOA) begins Citizen's Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP) monitoring, sending observations and samples to the program which uses volunteers to monitor lake health throughout the state.

Summer 2001

TLPOA and TEA jointly commission Land-Tech to prepare initial lake study.

Sept 4, 2001

Land-Tech delivers lake study, notes problem with dam, six stormwater discharge sites around lake.

April 2002

Land-Tech presents results of lake study (Powerpoint version) at South Salem Presbyterian Church in community forum.

Land-Tech commissioned by TLPOA and TEA to produce 2^nd study focusing on Dam.

July 11, 2002

Land-Tech delivers results of Dam Study, documents problems related to age of dam and recent damage received during Hurricane Floyd in September 1999, Recommends more expert engineering plans be drawn up to outline exactly what needs to be done with dam.

2003-4

HTE Northeast is commissioned by TLPOA to produce engineering study of dam (pdf version) and evaluate need for repairs.

Feb 10, 2004

HTE Northeast delivers dam engineering plans.

2004

Land-Tech is commissioned by TLPOA to prepare detailed engineering drawings and plans focusing on original six stormwater discharge sites (discussed in initial lake report Sept 2001) around lake.

2005-2006

TLPOA retains Don Rossi, attorney specializing in forming tax districts, to consult and help formulate a plan.

March 22, 2005

Land-Tech delivers engineering drawings focused remediation and repair of the six stormwater discharge sites (and later provides written summaries and preliminary cost estimates) around lake that have the largest impact on sedimentation and nutrient loading.

April 2005

Town becomes involved due to Department of Environmental Protection East of Hudson (DEP EOH) Stormwater grant application. Site walkthroughs for Truesdale Lake stormwater sites.

Sept 2005

Townwide meeting about EOH grant, second walkthrough of 4 sites at Truesdale and several sites around Three Lakes (Waccabuc, Oscaleta, Rippowam). Other Lewisboro lakes are also in attendance at meeting.

November 2005

Follow-up meeting about EOH grant at Lake Katonah Clubhouse. Representatives from 5 lakes around Lewisboro are in attendance as well as Supervisor, Westchester County, and NYC DEP.

Dec 2005

Town applies to DEP for EOH grant money ($312,500) and commits town matching funds (additional $312,500) for townwide lake projects. Truesdale’s projects total approximately $100,000 of the grant money including town matching funds. Grant funds (and town matching funds) must be used and reported to DEP within 5 years of approval.

March 28, 2006

Community Meeting to discuss 5 years of work and effort collectively named the Truesdale Lake Restoration Project.

June 2006

Follow-up Letter to Residents of Proposed Tax District. Addresses frequently asked questions and concerns raised at community meeting on March 28th and afterwards.

Late 2006

Lewisboro Lakes Committee formed by Town of Lewisboro to oversee DEP grant money, search out other areas of funding, and assist in implementing best practices lake management throughout the town.