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Lake of Egypt couple opens environmental business

BY DIXIE TERRY, FOR THE SOUTHERN

Saturday, October 4, 2008 11:32 PM CDT

LAKE OF EGYPT - Private landowners and the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative have struggled with shoreline erosion ever since Lake of Egypt was built in 1963.

When Michael and Allison Hasler moved from central Illinois to Eagle Point Bay, the largest of 24 subdivisions that have developed around the Lake of Egypt, they became aware of shoreline erosion in their own backyard.

So Hasler and his wife, in a nutshell, formed a business called American Shoreline to create an economically feasible solution to the lake's 45-year-old program. They developed a watercraft called American Shoreline Model 1430, which can gain close access to the shoreline via the water.

"Most waterfront property owners feel it is their duty to implement measures which protect against erosion," Hasler said. "Traditionally, the most feasible option for shoreline stabilization has involved the use of heavy construction equipment to assist with the building of pathways to the lakefront, followed by reshaping the shoreline and placement of preventive materials. This cumbersome and intrusive method comes at a high cost to the property owners and to their landscape."

He pointed out that many of the lots around the lake are too steep for a gravel truck or heavy equipment to descend with loads of riprap, which is rock or other material used to armor shorelines against erosion.

The Haslers' vessel distributes riprap from water rather than land. The vessel, which has a working platform of 14-by-30 feet, is pushed by a gas-fueled workboat less than 20 feet long. The working platform is a barge-like structure skated on both ends. This design allows for close access to the shore and ramps.

Hasler said American Shoreline can also remove unwanted debris within the lake, such as fallen trees, or dismantle deteriorated boat docks. Weeds and underwater stumps can be removed, too. He said applications and permits are distributed to landowners, as required by SIPC, before shoreline improvements are performed.

"We intend to provide an economic means of shoreline protection and debris removal on the Lake of Egypt," Hasler said. He added that American Shoreline will serve as a liaison between waterfront owners and the power cooperative.

The 2,300-acre Lake of Egypt was built by SIPC as a cooling reservoir for its newly constructed power plant. The lake's 93 miles of shoreline lie in Williamson and Johnson counties.

For more information about American Shoreline, call Hasler at 694-2985.