Pond Dredging
Introduction to Pond Dredging
Pond dredging is the process of removing organic matter from the bottom of a pond to restore its original storage capacity. For all stormwater systems, regardless of whether they have had a routine maintenance program or not, there will come a time in their lifecycle where sediment has accumulated to a volume that has to be removed.
Sedimentation in Stormwater Ponds
Over time sediment, leaves, trash, debris and other organic matter settle on the bottom of the pond and decay into sludge or muck. This process is called sedimentation. The material compounds, altering the capacity of the pond, reducing the amount of water that can be held. This becomes a serious problem during rain events when ponds are supposed to collect and store runoff, but do not have the capacity to do so, resulting in flooding elsewhere.
Stormwater on Your Property
Some stormwater ponds are not designed to permanently hold water but due to sedimentation become clogged and no longer allow for proper drainage. These ponds must also be dredged to remove nuisance vegetation and compacted soils. As the depth of the pond is compromised due to sedimentation and decomposition, dredging may be appropriate to restore the pond to its original design. Removing this excessive organic material may also remove unwanted smells due to the decaying process and algae buildup.
Repairing an Above Ground Stormwater Facility
How Ponds are Dredged
In large scale operations, dredging may be done with a dredge machine, a barge with a submersible pump to collect sludge and a rotating blade attachment on the front to disrupt built up sediment. Dredging may also be done by dewatering the pond and excavating the material to the proper grade.
Often in this process, the pond is dewatered, and the excess water is held in a silt discharge bag temporarily while the pond bottom is excavated. The material from the bottom of the pond is then disposed of at the proper facility and the water is returned to the pond.
Benefits of dredging include:
- Reduced Risk of Flooding
- Improved Storage Capacity
- Improved Water Quality
- Improved Oxygen Levels
- Algae Reduction
- Smell Reduction
Pond Dredging and Rehabilitation in Michigan
Improper pond dredging and sediment stabilization lead to a second dredging at this educational facility. Learn more about why the original project failed and how this can be prevented on your property.
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