The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District’s board of directors (CNPPID) has approved staff recommendation to return a dredger that has been used for most of the summer to remove sediment from Jeffrey Lake and to solicit bids for a larger dredger on a lease/purchase basis.
Gothenburg Division Manager, Kevin Boyd, told the board that the 8-inch dredger currently being leased by Central has been “ okay and performed as expected ,” but a larger dredger would enable Central to remove a greater volume of material in a shorter time.
Boyd displayed a table that compared dredger capabilities and said a different dredger would have several features that would make it a better investment for Central.
“Another dredger could be more versatile and better suited for use in other areas along Central’s system, including at the Diversion Dam, in the Supply Canal, irrigation canals and at other lakes where sediment issues exist, ” Boyd said.
Boyd said his recommendation was also based on having a dredger with a larger engine, greater cutting depth, a different propulsion system and a self-cleaning feature on the debris guard which would save down-time during dredging operations.
Central initiated dredging activities at Jeffrey Lake near Brady in early May on a project to improve the lake’s operational, recreational and aquatic habitat aspects.
Silt and sediment accumulations in the lake over the past 75 years had reached the point that dredging became necessary.
The dredger now in use will be returned to the manufacturer by August 12.
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