BPW Hears of City Lake Inspection; Awaiting Results

The Holden Board of Public Works (BPW) heard a report about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) inspection of the Holden City Lake, at its regular November 2 meeting.

Water Superintendent Tony Lerda also gave a Power Point slideshow, detailing the history of the lake, as well as other interesting lake facts.

Lerda said of the inspection, “One of the inspectors was illustrating to the group the use of Tordon on the lake dam. Tordon is a very toxic herbicide.”

Lerda pointed out the EPA’s statement on the Tordon label specifically states “Do not apply directly to water, to areas where surface water is present or to intertidal areas below the mean high water mark.” He then added, “We do not allow the use of herbicides above the dam on this property. Nor do we allow the growth of woody vegetation on this dam, eliminating the need for such herbicides. “Physically removing woody vegetation as prescribed in FEMA’s dam management is how this dam has been maintained for more than 40 years and it has proven to be the best practice.”

Earlier in the summer, the dam and recreational facilities had been badly neglected, according to Image sources.

Lerda also noted the disrepair he observed at the lake in June of this year.

He offered for the BPW to again take over maintenance of the city lake as it requires a great deal of detailed planning and execution to keep the lake, dam and surrounding recreational areas at a quality level.

Lerda said he thought he would be doing the City a favor by offering to allow the BPW to again assume the responsibilities for the care and maintenance of these facilities.

He went on to say, “We are all aware of the multiple responsibilities the Street Department is diligently working on with the limited amount of manpower and turnover they have.”

See Full Story In this week’s Image.