Crystal Project Aims to Improve Water Quality Along Bassett Creek

A major dredging project on Winnetka Pond is underway this week to remove more than 18,000 cubic yards of sediment. Crystal Public Works Director Mark Ray says the removal will help control flood capacity as well as help improve the habitat of the pond and Bassett Creek.

Dredging underway in Crystal

City workers are dredging Winnetka Pond. During the dredging, they will be getting rid of 18,400 cubic yards of sediment. That equals out to a nine and a half foot tall pile of dirt. Getting rid of this sediment is beneficial in many ways, and can help prevent future issues.

“What can happen is that sediment can smother habitat downstream,” says civil engineer Karen Chandler. “It carries pollutants with it and causes murky water downstream as well.  It can also pile up in places you don’t want it to.”

Dredging Will Improve Water Quality 

Dredging Winnetka Pond mainly improves water quality. It also helps control flood capacity, so the pond will not overflow after a rain. Due to the large amount of sediment in the pond, there was worry that the pond could become a problem area.

Once the project is completed, the pond will be 6 feet deep.

However, this project will also improve the overall habitat of the area.

“We are adding a native buffer along the shore to improve appearance,” says Mark Ray, the Director of Public Works for the city of Crystal.  “The new vegetation will also help support pollinator life. We are also doing some other things to help outlet structure which will help with drainage and maintenance operations.”

Bassett Creek ultimately feeds in to the Mississippi River so this project not only affects people positively in the northwest suburbs but across state lines as well. City workers will be removing sediment from the area for the next few weeks. In the spring, native plants will be added to improve habitat for wild life. For more information on this project click here.

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