Bangs Lake channel dredging delayed in Wauconda until spring 2015
Dredging work that was supposed to start Monday at Wauconda's Bangs Lake has been postponed until spring 2015, the group behind the project announced.
The project will focus on the mouth of Circle Channel, which has become shallow over time because of drought, sediment and other factors, making boat travel difficult.
A volunteer group called the Bangs Lake Alliance formed last year to tackle the problem. Work was to take place this week.
On Sunday, however, the group announced on its Facebook page the dredging will be delayed "due to a number of circumstance beyond our control."
The cold snap that began last week was a factor. It could cause problems with the equipment needed to do the work, the group said.
"We will continue to work with all parties involved to be at the highest level of readiness so that we can move forward at the earliest opportunity," the Facebook post read.
Bangs Lake Alliance member Ken Siwieck called the decision to postpone "very difficult."
The three channels that feed into the 306-acre Bangs Lake - Circle, Washington and Kimball - are on its north side. All are privately owned.
The mouth of the channel will be deepened, to as much as 5 feet, according to plans.
Boulders will be added to the sides of the channel to prevent erosion, and vegetation with deep root systems will be planted nearby to further strengthen the land alongside the waterway.
The cost of the restoration project was estimated at $32,010 earlier this year.
Funding or equipment are coming from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, Wauconda Township, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the village, individuals and private groups, including the Lakeview Villa homeowners association, village documents indicate.