Chapman Lakes Conservation Association, Inc.--Official Web Site

Sediment Dredging & Pier Rules

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DREDGING RULES COMPLICATED BUT MANAGEABLE

Dredging is possible in a channel, if you follow the rules. You may have to have to have a DNR, IDEM and/or Army Corps of Engineers permit in most cases. Click for "Dredging made simple"    Click for Permit Authorization
Do-it-yourself permits? Click the following link:  http://www.in.gov/dnr/water/permits/index.html
On the above site link you'll find complete information on who needs what kind of permit. Dredging in the lake is a different matter and more difficult. You cannot simply grab a shovel and start digging. You could get arrested!
Dredging by CLCA or by the Chapman Lakes Foundation, Inc., is currently under consideration, but will await completing major watershed improvement construction that will help eliminate the inflow of sediment pollution that is the source of difficulty in several areas of our lakes. You cannot remove any lake bottom without a permit.
A complete, new dredging study is scheduled for completion in early 2006 with new locations and cost estimates.

The Chapman Lakes Conservation Association, Inc., commissioned a dredge survey report to be done in conjunction with a study of Crooked Creek and Arrowhead. The following information is a summary of that report by J. F. New & Associates.
Five areas at the mouths of drains coming into the lakes were surveyed by probing sediments. The five areas are:
Area 1--Nellie's Bay Peninsula. Area 2--Crooked Creek Inlet. Area 3--Arrowhead Park Drain. Area 4--Highland Park Drain. Area 5--Lozier Landing (no dredging recommended).
Dredging of four areas is recommended to restore the lake to its original bottom contour. The total volume of sediments to be dredged in these areas is approximately 8300 yards. The aerial extent of dredging at these four areas is 2.5 acres. The approximate costs to construct the disposal basins and complete the dredging was, at that time, approximately $102,300, plus land costs. Anticipated dredging (see map at left) in 2007 includes the between-the-lakes channel.
The dredging of these areas is recommended to reduce the re-suspension of sediment-bound phosphorus from boat traffic and provide recreation benefits to boaters using the lake.
<--Possible 2007 dredging sites shown.

Go to Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) web site for more information:  Go to our LINKS PAGE and pick your permit information link.

LENGTH, USE OF PIER IS LIMITED

In general, private resident piers must meet the following criteria"

  1. Must be temporary installations only.
  2. Easily removable
  3. Must not infringe on access to the lake by an adjacent landowner.
  4. Must not unduly restrict navigation by watercraft.
  5. Must not be unusually wide or long relative to similar structures within the vicinity on the same lake.
  6. Must be placed by or with the acquiescence of a riparian owner.
  7. As of 2005, multiple family use is restricted.
Piers installed for commercial use require a permit, as do private piers that do not meet the above requirements or the length restrictions shown at right.
Subject to the above:
  • If the water depth, extending from the shoreline out to 150, is six feet or less, maximum pier length is 150 feet.
  • If the water depth exceeds six feet continuously after reaching 75-feet from the shoreline, maximum pier length is 75-feet.
  • If the water depth varies, but is not continuously more than six feet in depth from the shoreline extending out to 150 feet, then maximum pier length is 150 feet.
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