PORTLAND – Laurelhurst Pond in Southeast Portland has been drained and will be cleaned as part of an effort to improve water quality at the popular park.
Sediments and nutrients accumulated in the pond, resulting in excessive blue-green algae, poor water quality, and hazardous conditions, according to Elizabeth Kennedy-Wong with Portland Parks and Recreation.
The cleanup project will involve clearing out sediment, dredging the pond, and improving circulation, as well as cordoning off the pond and posting health warnings.
Experts studying the pond said the buildup of sediment had reduced the average depth of the lake from 13-15 feet to only 18 inches.
“This very shallow water heats up quickly, creating a condition that produces large quantities of blue-green algae each Spring,” said Kennedy-Wong.
The Portland City Council approved $1.28 million for the cleanup-project.
Laurelhurst Pond, also known as Firwood Lake, is 2.39 acres in size and located in historic Laurelhurst Park, on the corner of SE 39th Avenue and Stark Street.
