Reports
Sedimentation analysis of New Germany Lake
2009, Ortt, R.A., Jr.; Wells, D.V.
File Reports, Coastal and Estuarine Geology, File Report 2010-02
Abstract
In response to a request by the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service and Engineering and Construction, Maryland Geological Survey (MGS) was charged to study the sedimentation of New Germany Lake located in Garrett County in the State of Maryland.
Sediment cores were collected from the lake, sediment accumulation volumes were determined and physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment were analyzed.
Sediment cores were collected in October 2008. The cores were analyzed and a sediment accumulation thickness ranging from 0.56 meters to 1.16 meters [1.8 to 3.8 feet] was observed throughout the cores. The calculated amount of sediment accumulated since the construction of New Germany Lake is currently a maximum of 33,191 cubic meters [43,412 cubic yards] within the confines of the current shoreline.
Four cores were analyzed for historical patterns in lead and zinc. Three of these cores displayed patterns that suggest only a portion of the sediment has been deposited since the construction of the New Germany Lake Dam and the remaining sediment is from the original Swauger’s Mill dam.
An elemental analysis was performed on thirty sub-samples from the sediments in the collected cores. The only elements which showed enrichment above national screening levels were aluminum, iron, and barium. However, the elevated levels of these elements are most likely due to the analysis methods which were used.
Three samples were analyzed for priority pollutants using EPA 8270 methods. These samples all reported results below the detection limits for the laboratory equipment.
