[NOTE: The following answers many common questions but is intended only as a general guide is not all-inclusive. Consult IDNR or IDEM official Indiana State sources for more complete information. Off-lake man-made channels not considered here can generally be dredged. Permits and approvals are always required prior to work start-up. Go to: http://www.in.gov/dnr/water/permits/index.html]
Chapman Lakes Dredging project is a joint effort of the Chapman Lakes Conservation Association and the Chapman Lakes Foundation as part of an on-going lake enhancement and water quality program. J. F. New and Associates, of Walkerton, is project management consultant. The Dredging Executive Committee in charge of the project for the two organizations includes Tom Ross, chair, Greg Hall, Larry Gaerte, Dan Lee and Coral Topolski. A project volunteer coordinator is being sought. Your questions can be answered at 9:00 AM, May 19th, CLCA Clubhouse.

• Lakebed dredging may only be permitted during the last half of the calendar year (July 1 - December 31) to protect hibernating wildlife in the winter and reproductive activity in the spring.
  
• Chapman Lakes dredging is planned for late fall 2007 but could be delayed until 2008 due to weather or contractor considerations.
  
• Private projects can be negotiated separately with the CLCA/CLF contractor to take advantage of reduced equipment transportation costs to the lake, but LARE projects will take priority over all other projects.
  
• Private projects, expect dredging cost to be about three dollars per square surface foot; more in vegetated areas.
  
• The permitted dredge spoil disposal site can be expanded to meet the needs of additional dredge projects on the lake; however, CLCA/CLF, or J. F. New must be made aware of additional projects prior to the earthwork on the disposal site. Any additional spoils sites will also require permits from IDEM and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, regardless of disposal property ownership (these permits as well as the spoils site are your responsibility). Persons who anticipate dredging during the Chapman Lakes project should immediately contact a member of the Dredging Executive Committee to assure their spoils can be accommodated. (Tom Ross, Greg Hall, Larry Gaerte, Dan Lee or Coral Topolski.)
  
• The decision whether or not to hydraulically dredge a private project is strictly up to the contractor.
  
• Hydraulic dredging is NOT done from on-shore property, but is a floating barge with suction equipment operating much like a vacuum. Only the spoils pipe itself will cross property (for which arrangements have been previously made).
  
• Dredged material is pumped through a floating six-inch pipe and across the water to the shore where the pipe will cross land and roadways to the disposal site.
  
• Boating traffic and activities at the dredging sites and near the floating material disposal pipe must be restricted during work. Because dredging is anticipated late in the year, inconvenience is expected to be minimal.
  
• There is still time to obtain a private dredging permit. An IDNR permit is good for two years. The permit fee is $100.
  
• Because a property owner objected, the public waterway between the lakes will not be dredged during this project.
  
• Lakebed dredging may be permitted by the IDNR in existing manmade channels that are previously authorized or "grandfathered". (Documented proof is required.)
  
• Greater latitude is likely to be granted for lakebed dredging done with hydraulic suction than excavation because of less off-site disturbance.
  
• Lakebed dredging of sediment deltas and plumes off the mouths of inlets are more likely to be permitted where steps have been taken to reduce inputs from the watershed.
  
• Lakebed dredging of non-channel areas will likely require depth profile data for pre- and post-project comparisons.
  
• Lakebed dredging will not likely be permitted in areas outside manmade channels without proof of prior permitting.
  
• Lakebed dredging of historically shallow areas that are part of the natural lake basin and not located within channels will not likely be permitted.
  
• Dredging of off-shore areas outside the mouths of manmade channels will not likely be permitted without evidence of sediment accumulation (naturally shallow areas do not qualify).
  
• Dredging of shallow areas where prevailing winds and waves have resulted in the accumulation of in-lake sediment from other areas of deposit (sand bars) and not in-lake origin may be permitted but would require close scrutiny.
  
• Dredging of in-lake "muck" areas that may have increased as a result of natural eutrophication will not likely be permitted.
  
• Dredging of shallow areas for aesthetic reasons will not likely be permitted.
  
• Mitigation of the impacts of dredging projects may be required to offset damages to aquatic and wetland plants or other natural resources.