January 9, 2014 (BALTIMORE, MD) — Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Alfred H. Foxx announced that geotechnical studies will begin later this month at Druid Hill Lake. The work is necessary for the engineering design work leading to the construction of two buried tanks in the western side of the lake, as well as a comprehensive plan to enhance the lake’s recreational and aesthetic value.

 

Plans call for 80 test borings to be taken. These will be in the footprint of the tanks, along the shoreline, and elsewhere near the western end of the lake. Testing on the water and shoreline will be done in accordance with industry standards in order to preserve the environmental integrity and water quality of the lake.

 

DPW is installing buried tanks as part of its plans to secure – long into the future – the water supply of 1.8 million people in the City and surrounding counties. It has installed buried tanks at reservoirs in Towson and Montebello, and is beginning construction soon on buried tanks at the Guilford Reservoir. Buried water tank projects at Druid Lake and Lake Ashburton are just entering the detailed engineering design phase.

 

To take the borings in the water, DPW’s contractor will be using a barge that is outfitted and operating in accordance with precautionary measures, including using a floating boom around the vessel. The barge will be towed by a small boat with an electric motor. Both vessels will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before going into the water and will be operated within strict health and safety guidelines. DPW will monitor the quality of the lake’s water throughout the testing period.

 

Testing on the water and shoreline will last about four months. Engineering design work will take about two years, and construction will be completed in the first half of 2018.

 

Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx stated: “We are working diligently not only to enhance the long-term safety of our award-winning drinking water, but also to enhance our communities. By working with other City agencies and listening to City residents, we are helping to create amenities that will serve the Baltimore region for generations.”