Commissioners approve legal lake level for Clarkston Mill Pond after resident petition

In a recent meeting of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee, Oakland County officials discussed a significant proposal aimed at addressing water level issues in Clarkston Mill Pond. The proposal, which seeks to establish a legal lake level for the pond, comes in response to a petition from local residents who have expressed concerns about fluctuating water levels affecting their properties.

Ryan Wersherkow, a lake level engineer with the Water Resource Commission, presented the recommendation, highlighting that over 70 residents support the initiative. The establishment of a legal lake level is expected to facilitate better management of the pond and alleviate ongoing disputes between residents and the current private owner of the dam. This move would mark the 44th lake in the county to have an established legal level, enhancing the county's ability to maintain water levels effectively.

The process for establishing this legal level began with residents petitioning the county, which required a two-thirds majority to move forward. Wersherkow noted that the county had already conducted a study funded by a state grant, ensuring that all necessary information was available for the court proceedings that will follow the committee's recommendation.

The discussion also touched on the ecological implications of the proposal. Some committee members raised concerns about the potential environmental impact if the dam were to be removed, as it could expose contaminated sediment and lead to habitat loss. Wersherkow assured the committee that maintaining the dam would prevent these negative outcomes and preserve the local ecosystem.

In addition to the lake level discussion, the committee addressed the funding structure for the project. The costs associated with the dam's reconstruction and ongoing maintenance will be covered through a special assessment, which means that local residents will bear the financial responsibility. Wersherkow confirmed that residents are aware of the anticipated costs and have been involved in the planning process.

As the committee moves forward with this recommendation, the focus remains on balancing the needs of the community with environmental considerations. The next steps will involve court proceedings to formalize the legal lake level, ensuring that residents can enjoy a stable and well-managed water resource in Clarkston Mill Pond.