(Ames, IA) -- Crews plan to remove 38-hundred cubic yards of soil and sediment from Ada Hayden Heritage Park in Ames. The sediment is from a wetland cell that has reached capacity. The effort begins this Friday, September 30th and weather permitting, will take six weeks, The soil will be taken to an offsite location. During the projects park visitors will notice signage at designated trail locations.
“The wetland cells on the western and southern portions of the park have a very specific role in protecting the water. The cells slow stormwater entering the park and allow soil, sediment, and contaminants to be deposited in the wetlands instead of entering the lake,” said Joshua Thompson, Parks and Facilities Superintendent. “When stormwater settles in the wetlands, aquatic plants and organisms absorb the nutrients and reduce contaminants in the 130-acre lake.”