FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced the completion of a two-year dredging project at Lake Linganore. Approximately 150,000 cubic yards of sediment were hydraulically dredged and removed from the lake, restoring water storage capacity in the lake, which serves as a primary source of drinking water for the City of Frederick and a backup source for Frederick County. The increased water capacity ensures that a vital water source is available for local residents and improves recreational access for Lake Linganore residents.
Dredging of the 209-acre lake was a partnership between the County, the City of Frederick and the Lake Linganore Association. The lake was constructed in 1972 and slowly lost storage capacity due to the accumulation of sediment. Portions of the lake north of Boyers Mill Road lost approximately 65 percent of its water volume, threatening the water supply to both the City and County. The project substantially reversed the effects of sediment buildup in the lake, restored water storage capacity in a vital water source for local residents, and improved recreational access for community members. The project also innovatively reused the dredged material. The County utilized the service of Maryland Environmental Service to contract and complete the work.
“Maintaining a clean and adequate supply of water is a fundamental responsibility of local government. Thanks to the project partnership, people on our public water systems can be assured that, for years to come, when they turn on their faucets, clean water will flow,” Executive Jan Gardner said. “As the manager of the multi-year project, Frederick County is grateful for the excellent coordination among all our partners: The City of Frederick, the Lake Linganore Association, and the Maryland Environmental Service.”
Dredging began in July 2019 and was completed in May 2021. Sediment was removed, mechanically dewatered on-site at an upland staging area, and transported via truck to the Frederick County Reichs Ford Road Landfill. At the landfill, the dredged material was stockpiled and ultimately will be used as daily and intermediate cover. This innovative reuse of the dredged material does not consume any of the County’s remaining landfill waste disposal capacity.
The approximately $21 million project was funded by the three entities, with the City funding 50%, the County 25%, and the LLA 25%, plus $3 million in grant funding through the Maryland State Department of General Services Capital Grants Project.
"Lake Linganore is the largest single water source for the City - providing water to Linganore Creek from which we pull to treat up to six million gallons per day to supply potable water to our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Michael O’Connor of The City of Frederick. “Volume in the reservoir must be sufficient to provide for required flow-by in Linganore Creek even during drought conditions. The additional volume regained by this dredging project will allow the City to continue to rely upon this water source for many decades to come. I am thankful for the partnership between the City, County, and Lake Linganore Association, along with State grant funding, as each partner contributed toward the successful completion of this project."
“The MES dredging and restoration staff was uniquely positioned to take on the tasks at Lake Linganore, with over 30 years of experience in dredging and innovative reuse projects,” said Dr. Charles Glass, Director, Maryland Environmental Service. “We are pleased to have successfully managed this lake dredging project so that the City and County can have confidence in their water supply for years to come, all while incorporating an innovative reuse component that reduces environmental impact.”
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