The Whitefish Community Development Board recommended approval of WLV 25-01, a major variance request for stabilization work at the City Beach boat ramp. The proposal calls for placing precast concrete slab panels over a riprap foundation, excavation of lakebed material, and use of a temporary inflatable cofferdam to create a dewatered work area.

Why it matters: Boat-launch scouring has eroded the ramp and created safety and traffic problems at the ramp’s end. The project seeks to stabilize the ramp, reduce unsafe trailer drop‑offs and preserve public access while limiting turbidity and ecological impacts to Whitefish Lake.

Project details and environmental safeguards: Staff described excavation volumes (approximately 202 cubic yards of lakebed material with a net reduction) and said a temporary inflatable cofferdam (Aqua Barrier‑style water‑filled barriers) will allow work in a dewatered zone. Dewatered water will be pumped through a filter bag and then between two nested turbidity curtains before discharge back to the lake. The project team obtained an Army Corps of Engineers (Section 404) permit and a state dewatering permit; the contractors will perform daily monitoring and weekly laboratory testing by a certified firm (Wet Water Environmental Technology) and submit reports to state regulators. The Whitefish Lakeshore Protection Committee reviewed the application and—after staff modifications to consolidate sediment/turbidity controls—recommended approval on 07/09/2025; staff supported the recommendation.

Public discussion: Civil Solutions (Brandon Tice) described the cofferdam approach as a way to minimize turbidity compared with open excavation. Board members noted the robust monitoring plan and the layers of permitting and inspection (Lakeshore Committee, state DEQ dewatering permit, Army Corps 404 permit, floodplain permit). Several board members praised the project team’s attention to minimizing turbidity and protecting lake resources.

Board vote and conditions: The board voted to recommend approval with conditions consistent with the Lakeshore Committee recommendations and staff memo (including a defined turbidity control/dewatering plan, inspection, reporting and replanting of native vegetation). The vote passed unanimously.

Next steps: The recommendation will proceed to City Council for final action; state and federal permit conditions and daily/weekly monitoring are required before and during construction.