Frequently Asked Questions

The bioswale is the actual ditch that conveys the water while at the same time allowing a portion of the water to infiltrate into the soil.  The rain garden is an area designed to infiltrate the water into the soil.  Both are very similar and function in the same manner.  Both can have the same plants and soil mix installed. 

A bioswale is an oversized ditch where the bottom portion is filled with soil that allows a portion of the water to absorb or infiltrate into the soil downward.  It helps filter runoff to improve its quality and reduces the amount of stormwater runoff.  The benefit of bioswales is that they still convey the water from a road, building, or other impervious surface to a stream or lake but at the same time it can treat a portion of the water to improve its quality.  Bioswales are typically planted or sodded to prevent erosion within the channel as well. 

A cutterhead hydraulic dredge is a machine designed to pump sediment from a body of water.  Hydraulic dredges are a barge designed to float with various means of propulsion including cables, walking spuds, and paddle wheels.  The dredge has an power source (diesel engine or sometimes an electric motor) that uses belts or hydraulics to turn a pump.  The suction side of the pump has an extension of pipe that extends down a ladder beneath the water’s surface.  The cutterhead turns to agitate the sediment or sludge so that it can be sucked into the pump.  The pump discharges the slurry through a pipeline to a dewatering or disposal area. 

Landscaper’s Planting Mix or PerfectSoil is a great soil media for planting flowers in your landscaped areas.

Long-reach excavators are primary used in dredging applications and cleaning out detention ponds.  Long reaches have the same cab and tracks as a standard excavator but are fitted with an extra long boom or arm.  The bucket size is smaller to off-set the weight of the material further from the machine.  Long reach excavators are efficient and precise at removing material both above and under water.  They can work from the shoreline or mounted on a barge.

A marsh buggy or amphibious excavator is an excavator mounted on a set of specialized tracks designed to allow it to travel over land, mud, swamps, and even open water.  River Sand has customized multiple sized amphibious excavators to dredge within lakes, ponds, and rivers. 

PCN stands for pre-construction notice and it is a form to be filled and submitted to the USACE prior to starting work under a nationwide permit. 

A silt trap is an area designed to capture silt before it enters a pond or lake.  The purpose of a silt trap is to slow the water velocity down.  This will allow the silt to settle from the water before it enters the main body of the lake or pond.  The silt trap should be easily accessible for periodic cleanout.  Most silt traps are cleaned with an excavator. 

What is another name for Construction SandConstruction Sand is sometimes called builders sand, river sand, pit sand, utility sand, manufactured sand, fill sand, m10s, and many other names.  The reason it has so many names is that is really is a general term for any local sand that can work for purposes such as construction and landscaping.  Construction Sand is generally screened and a medium to coarse gradation, but that is not always the case.  Be sure to check to make sure Construction Sand is right for your project. 

Arena Sand is the sand you use in horse arenas and round pens.  The sand is designed to be the best footing to provide traction and cushion for horses as they perform.  The ideal sand is sub-angular in shape.  It comes in a variety of colors, and gradations to best suit the rider’s preference.  Arena Sand should be washed and screened to remove rocks and dust for safety of the horse and rider.  It is also a critical part of the arena’s ability to retain moisture but also drain well after it rains.