The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District competitively awarded the project to excavate and remove over 20,000 tons of colluvium deposits from the overflow area of the lake, a complex project requiring specialty civil and environmental preservation construction expertise.
Vazquez Commercial Contracting will complete an environmental assessment, hydraulic study of the creek, and freshwater muscle survey/relocation before starting the work. The company will also excavate and install a new permanent gravel access road that allows regular and routine access to the lake overflow area. Vazquez will remove trees, brush, and other debris before constructing a temporary crossing over the Mill Creek. Vazquez will excavate, load, transport, and safely dispose of approximately 1,600 dump truck loads of spoils to a nearby facility, over the next 240 days. When the project is complete, the US Army Corps of Engineers and Hamilton County Parks will enjoy easier access for maintenance and monitoring of the lakes overflow area. Careful planning and consideration will ensure this project work will not interfere with the region’s native species including birds, plants, fish, muscles, bats, and other wildlife.
“This is not a glamorous project, but the non-public lake construction activities are extremely important to the safe function of the West Fork Lake, surrounding residents, environment, and the Mill Creek wildlife. We are thrilled the USACE and Cincinnati Community trusts Vazquez with the safe and effective performance of this important and necessary infrastructure work. We are delighted to perform work in Cincinnati, the regional site for VCC’s Ohio River Valley & Great Lakes offices” said Joe Vazquez, President of Vazquez Commercial Contracting.
