Century Engineering, Inc. was engaged by the Boy Scouts of America to perform a preliminary evaluation and prepare a feasibility report concerning the dredging of Lake Straus. This 36-acre lake and 25-foot high concrete dam was constructed in 1947. The lake was originally designed to be 12 feet deep. Siltation occurred over many years, reducing the water depth to between 6 inches and 3 feet and rendering it unusable. The Owner's goal was to reduce the size of the lake to create a wetland habitat for educational purposes and to dredge the remainder of the lake to restore their boating and water sports program. A forebay pond was also planned to trap sediment prior to reaching the main body of water. Our evaluation included field reconnaissance, sediment sampling, laboratory testing and review of record documents in order to develop conceptual options and cost estimates.

• Redeveloping the lake into a viable resource that can support the mission of the Boy Scouts and at the same time be available to the surrounding community.
• Exploring various options with the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Department of the Environment, U.S. Fish &
  Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Administration and Harford County.
• Assisting the Owner in exploring potential funding sources.