Silver Lake (Pittsfield, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silver Lake |
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Silver Lake with a warning sign (Pre-Cleanup)
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 Silver Lake
Location in Massachusetts
Silver Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pittsfield, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42°27′03″N 73°14′25″W / 42.45083°N 73.24028°W |
| Surface area | 26 acres (11 ha) |
| Max. depth | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
Silver Lake is a lake located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. For many years, this lake faced serious pollution problems. Thankfully, a big cleanup project was started by the city of Pittsfield and the EPA to make the lake healthy again.
Where is Silver Lake Located?
Silver Lake is about 26 acres (11 ha) in size. That's like 20 football fields! The deepest part of the lake is about 30 feet (9.1 m) deep.
The lake is surrounded by different areas. To the north, you'll find Silver Lake Boulevard and Fourth Street. On its west and south sides, there are homes and businesses.
What Happened to Silver Lake?
For a long time, Silver Lake had a lot of pollution. Water from storms flowed into the lake, carrying dirt and other things. There were even two major oil spills that made the lake very dirty. People also dumped garbage and other waste into the water.
One surprising event happened in 1923. The pollution in the lake was so bad that the lake actually caught fire! This shows how serious the problem was.
How Was Silver Lake Cleaned Up?
Because of all the pollution, a huge cleanup project began in July 2012 and finished in December 2013. This effort made a big difference!
Now, Silver Lake is a park that everyone can enjoy. The water is much cleaner and safe for fun activities like fishing and boating. Local officials are happy that the lake is now a great place for picnics and outdoor fun.
A company involved in the cleanup, GE, sends reports every year. These reports share details about how they check, monitor, and maintain the Silver Lake area to keep it clean and safe.
You can learn more about the cleanup efforts on the EPA website.
