Hydraulic Dredge

A hydraulic cutterhead dredge, sometimes referred to as a dredge or dredger, is the most popular type of machine to remove sediment or sludge from a waterbody.  Hydraulic dredges are available in many different sizes and typically are classified by the size of the discharge side of its pump.  The smallest dredges start at 4 inches which are most commonly operated remotely or with diver assistance.  More common are hydraulic dredges that are 6”, 8”, 10”, and 12”.  Portable dredges, meaning that they can be disassembled for transport, usually are sized from 6” up to 20”.  Our dredging fleet contains dredges considered to be small to medium sized from 6” to 12”.  Dredges from 6” to 10” are sometimes one-truck transportable offering the advantage of being transported completely assembled.

• Lake or pond does not have to be drained or lowered
• Low impact removal with very small area necessary for access
• Recreational and navigational activities can continue
• No loss of fish or wildlife
• Removes excessive nutrients and sediment that lead to nuisance odors and unsightly conditions
• Very little noise while dredging
• Pipeline can be routed through small easements and under/across roadways for minimal impact on traffic
• Disposal can occur at the discharge or dewatered for off-site disposal
• Very efficient and timely removal of large volumes of sediment

Generally, speaking a cutterhead dredge is ideal for many types of sediments and the smaller point of contact can utilize its power to cut or remove various types of consolidated materials such as sand or gravel.  The cutterhead can be used as a means to screen larger debris from entering the suction line and pump.  An auger dredge is more advantageous when covering a large area with low density sludge or clay sediment.

Dredging with a hydraulic dredge is one of the best methods to eliminate the need to lower or drain a lake, pond, or lagoon.  A dredge can be placed in the water utilizing an existing access point that typically requires no removal of trees.  The pipeline can be placed within the lake or along the shoreline so that boat traffic can still navigate the lake.  Fish, turtles, ducks, and other wildlife will remain unharmed during the process as the sediment removal only occurs within a few feet of the dredge cutterhead.  Typically, you can fish and boat during a dredging project.  Even better you will not be dependent on rainfall to refill your lake once the project is complete, and this dredging method does not require restocking of fish.

Yes, the alternative to hydraulic dredging is mechanical dredging.  That process involves digging or excavating sediment from a lake, pond, or lagoon.  The limitations of hydraulic dredging include removal of large debris, usually greater than 3 inches, like cobble, trash or tires, vegetation, limbs, and logs.