Brookhaven completes key Murphey Candler projects
A view of the newly-dredged Murphey Candler Lake from the vantage point of the dam.
Work completed on schedule, despite snow and coronavirus
Brookhaven, GA, April 17, 2020 – Winter is usually not the best time to undertake construction projects. The past few months have been very rainy, and there was even some snow this year. Since March, COVID-19 was also a factor. Yet Brookhaven was able to complete two large public works projects at Murphey Candler Park: The dredging of Murphey Candler Lake and the completion of shoreline restoration of east banks of Murphy Candler Lake.
Located in the 135-acre multi-use Murphey Candler Park, the lake is also a popular recreational spot surrounded by walking trails which doubles as a valuable regional stormwater management resource. After a competitive bid process, Merrell Bros., Inc, from Kokomo, Indiana was tapped to undertake the much-needed underwater reclamation project at Murphey Candler Lake.
At left: an aerial view of Murphey Candler Lake before dredging. At right: A lone excavator operator dredges in the snow in February 2020.
The is one of the major projects (NC4-016) in the Nancy Creek Watershed Improvement Plan adopted by the Brookhaven City Council in 2016. The dredging effort was needed to improve water quality and address the mass accumulation of sedimentation along the northern portion of the lake that was promoting the growth of invasive species. An estimated 13,768 cubic yards of sediment material was dredged between January and April of this year and disposed at area landfills.
“We are elated that this effort was completed in time for the summer season,” said District 1 Council Member Linley Jones. “This greatly improves the recreational quality of the lake for residents, helps the environment and surrounding wildlife, and helps reduce the potential for flooding in the area. We had some temporary inconveniences over the winter to accommodate the contractor, but the beautiful result made it worthwhile.”
City Council approved the Dredging Contract with Merrell Bros., Inc for $1,795,828. This project was completed on schedule and came under budget at $1,647,001.
The shoreline restoration of the east shores of Murphy Candler Lake is the second major project completed during the same period. Restoration of shorelines at Murphy Candler Lake, classified as “poor or threatened” is another major project (NC4-05) identified in the Murphy Candler Lake Watershed Improvement Plan.
The Shoreline restoration project was completed on schedule at the cost of $181,591.
“The City is continuing to complete major Capital improvement projects during this difficult time. Citizens will be able to observe several projects still going in full speed throughout the City. Completion of these two major projects will significantly improve water quality of Murphy Candler Lake and provide additional storage capacity at the lake during major rainfall events” said Mayor John Ernst.
