Hello,
As many of you have probably noticed, Heartland has set their equipment in the Lake. It was a cool scene to witness as a large crane lifted the dredge unit off the trailer and dropped into in the water. The equipment is now staged on the south end of the Lake in preparation of dredging to begin.
Heartland plans to begin actual dredging operations on Monday August 14th. This past week and next week will be used to plan and set up. This past Thursday and Friday, you may have seen a boat going back and forth with a yellow device. This device is a GPS unit. Heartland utilizes GPS for operation of the dredging machine. The GPS planning will also be valuable for future operations. There has also been excavators working to the west of the maintenance shop. These machines are finalizing the holding station where the water and sludge/sediment will be pumped into. The preparation process will be completed by August 11th.
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOW STATEMENTS. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SHARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND GUESTS THAT MAY BE BOATING.
Like all operations, safety is the highest priority. Heartland will be taking several measures to protect their work zone. Their work zone will be bordered by safety buoys positioned 75 feet apart. The buoys will be red circular objects and will have WARNING on them. The buoys will be connected by a cable. They will also be putting beacons on these buoys so that the border is visible during the dark. PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH ALL BOATING FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS. PLEASE STAY 75 FEET AWAY FROM THE WORK ZONE. The cables used will cause damage to your boat/jet ski. Most importantly, we need to avoid injury to ALL family members, guest, and Heartland employees.
I will be in contact, via phone or door to door, with the residents that live along the dredging work zone. I will communicate timing of work in your area so you can plan accordingly with your boat. When work is taking place in your area, you will not be able to get in and out of your dock area. Heartland will be working in sections, so 5 days should be the most an area is blocked off. We will have alternative areas to dock your boat so that you can still get out on the water.
Thanks everyone – Again, please share the safety notes with all members of your family and guests. It’s everyone’s responsibility that the Lake stays safe.
Mike Casimir