**Update March 10, 2021: Test wells will begin within the next couple of weeks, weather permitting.
Progress continues regarding efforts to create an augmentation well on Upper Straits Lake to help maintain a higher lake level during the dry summer months. The required number of lakefront owners and associations (including SBIA) signed a petition agreeing to the Special Assessment in order to move this process to the next steps. At the stage, the Oakland County Water Resources Commission takes over the project from Upper Straits Clean Lake Association (USCLA).
The proposed site for the well is in Elmgate subdivision on a lot currently owned by the Orchard Lake Country Club. This was the site which scored the highest rating related to a variety of factors including estimated cost, access, ease of construction, noise and visibility impacts to surrounding residents, available power requirements, etc. This site was also reviewed and approved for further study by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The County will oversee the sampling of geotechnical borings to determine if the depth, soil conditions, and location of the underground aquafer is appropriate. If so, a test well will then be installed to determine if enough water production will be available to justify the augmentation well. It is still possible, although not certain, that a productive well could be in place in late summer of 2021. Two members of the SBIA Board, Larry Goss and Rick Cumbo, are also USCLA Board Members and are representing SBIA in this process. They will continue to monitor and update the progress and report back to our Shady Beach residents through the SBIA.