BCI Engineers and Scientists

This project enhanced the navigability, habitat, and water quality of the 1,100-acre Lake Beauclair by removal of over 1.2 million cubic yards of organic sediment, a partial lake pump-down, and installation of aquatic vegetation.

BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc. provided a preliminary design report for the project. This entailed assessing the water and sediment quality for nutrients, pesticides, metals, and geotechnical/agronomic characteristics to determine the beneficial uses of the dredged material. It also required BCI to measure lake bathymetry and define the thickness and distribution of undesirable sediments for removal.

We recommended dredging specifications and estimated costs to reduce navigation hazards and enhance in-lake habitat and water quality. We also developed a water balance model of the lake and designed a hydraulic system for the pump-down. Pre-application meetings were organized with our clients (Lake County Water Authority & FWC), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to determine permitting requirements and potential issues for design.

BCI recommended use of the dredged material to cap soils in a subsided muck farm near Lake Apopka at sufficient elevation to support wetland restoration (emergent marsh). BCI is currently designing the disposal area embankments, alum treatment system for the supernatant, and the pipeline and pumping system for sediment management at a disposal location chosen by SJRWMD.