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Frequently Asked Questions about the Dam Repair project starting in June 2025
When will the repairs start?
How long will the project take?
- Estimated to be 8-12 months
What all is being repaired?
- Repair and Retrofit an existing stormwater management pond and rehabilitate the stream along base of embankment
- Replace existing riser and principal spillway both which show signs of corrosion and potential failure
- Provide a stable stream outfall.
- Minimize impacts to tree and wildlife during construction
- Meet current Maryland Department of Environment Dam Safety Division requirements
- The pond will have a new expanded emergency spillway (where the current marsh area and reeds are growing on the east side of the pond); a clay liner and engineered matting will replace the entire shoreline; trees, shrubs, and streambank livestakes will be planted; a new concrete riser will replace the current "yellow cage;" all trees/brush growing on the downstream slope (the outer facing slope) and within 6-9 feet of the slope will be removed; Benson Branch stream will be stabilized and rehabilitated to protect the outside slope of the dam.
- Presentation from county : Presentation
Can we use the community property during the construction?
- You will not be able to access the area immediately around the lake. There will be orange fencing marking the construction areas. The Community property outside these areas (paths through the woods, Mt. Albert hill) are still accessible
Can I still fish while the work is being done?
- No, all fishing and recreational uses of the lake are prohibited once the project begins until it is complete.
Have we paid our share of the project?
- The Community provided our portion of the cost share to the County on 4/13/2024
How much did Woodmark raise for the project?
- Woodmark contributed $156,000 to the project, which included $128,000 obtained through community donations and used $28,000 from the Community's existing funds.
Did anyone else contribute to the cost sharing?
- Williams/Transco contributed $20,000 to the project.
How is the County accessing private property? Did Woodmark grant the County permission to access the property?
- Yes, on 17 June 2024, the Woodmark Community Association provided Howard County with a fully executed Deed of Easement and recorded plat. This was voted on, and passed, in a previous community vote.
What days will they be working?
- Monday-Friday from 07:00 to 19:00
What will it look like when they are working?
- Construction vehicles regularly will be using Carroll Mill and Benson Branch to access the staging areas. The fire pond will be drained to the extent required to complete the repairs to the entire upstream slope (water-facing slope) and a coffer dam will be erected in the area around the riser. A large silt bag (approximately 10' x 10') with large hoses will be used to control sediment while allowing clean water to seep out from the bag. We do not know what the exposed bed of the pond will look like, as the dam has been filled for decades; we anticipate that the shallower areas essentially will look like mud flats and any deeper areas will retain water due to the three storm drains that feed the dam.
Where are the construction areas?
- A staging area will be located at both ends of the fire pond; one will be located in the area near the dry hydrant on Carroll Mill Rd, the other will be located on Benson Branch immediately across from 12222 Benson Branch Rd.
Will the community have access to the site?
- No. The County has directed that, once the construction fencing is erected, no one shall access the site unless they are part of the construction project.
What will the pond look like when the project is complete?
- The upstream slope (water-facing slope) of the dam will look substantially different due to the clay liner and matting; the downstream slope (the outer facing slope) will have minimal changes; the final water level will be approximately 4" higher than currently adjusted water level.
Will the pond be restocked with fish?
- The project with the county does not included restocking the pond with fish
Will the County refill the pond?
- No. The pond will refill naturally based on rainfall; there are three storm drains that currently feed the pond and two natural springs. There is no estimate for how long this will take as it depends on rainfall after the project is complete.
What happens when the project is complete?
- After the project is complete, Howard County will take on responsibility (from the Woodmark Community Association) for maintenance of the dam, all structures, and monitoring of the dam during emergency conditions. The Woodmark Community Association will retain ownership of the property and access to the grounds.
If you have additional questions - feel free to email info@woodmarkmd.com
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