What's All That Dam Banging On Rogers Lake?

Heavy equipment has rolled into the Rogers Lake neighborhood in Old Lyme and much-needed repairs are now underway at the dam.  

In order to complete the repairs, the water level at Rogers Lake will have to be lowered by up to 18 inches. This may have some impact on wells in the vicinity but it's also a good opportunity to make dock repairs should area residents be so inclined.

"We will try to be very quick and lower it for the shortest amount of time needed," said Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder. As the lake is not spring-fed but is filled by rain and water runoff from higher ground, it may take some time for Rogers Lake to get back to normal water levels. 

The water won't be lowered until after July 30 but water will probably be diverted around the dam before then, as the contractors will be putting in new sheeting soon. This is likely to be a noisy undertaking. The machines used to do the job make very loud bangs but they don't cause much vibration. The town will, however, be installing seismographs to measure any ground movement. 

Letters will be going out to nearby residents and to all parties with a vested interest in Rogers Lake to let everyone know what will be happening and when. 

"We will do what we can to minimize impact," said Reemsnyder. The entire project, including the new fish ladder that is being installed, should be completed by the end of September.