Helpful Information
FAQ
What is dredging?
Dredging is the removal of material or excavation from under a body of water.
What are the benefits of dredging?
Dredging is used to increase water depth for navigation, increase sediment settling capacity, decrease flooding, remove contaminants, create wetlands, increase property values, maintain depth of intake channels, enhance wildlife habitats, and improve overall water quality
What is mechanical dredging?
Mechanical dredging utilizes heavy equipment such as excavators, clamshells, or draglines from the shore or from a barge. Sometimes this involves draining the body of water. An advantage of mechanical dredging is that harder material can be removed easier and if the material needs to be transported, this can be a better route. However, there are also limitations such as it being more invasive, lower production rates, less environmentally conscious, and usually more expensive.
What is hydraulic dredging?
Hydraulic dredging is removing the material underwater and pumping it to another location through pipeline. This method is not only more environmentally friendly, it also yields a higher production, allows for direct pumping to the disposal site, does not disturb the shoreline, is cost effective, and is a clean surgical process. The biggest limitation is that there must be a location near by to dewater the material.
What are the different dewatering methods?
The two main dewatering methods are via a settling basin or geotextile tubes. Methods depend on site specific requirements.
What are the benefits of renting?
Renting equipment, such as a dredge, is the overall best value option due to there being less liability, the availability of on call support, and the ease of maintenance oppose to owning. Not having to make a major capital investment on a piece of equipment that may only be needed once, or infrequently, can make projects feasible that would not be otherwise.
