Dredging removes sediments like silt from the bottom of bodies of water. It requires specialized equipment and expertise. When done properly, dredging can improve navigation and aid flood control. It can also restore natural habitats and enhance the visual appeal of recreational areas. Despite these benefits, myths about dredging abound.
Dredging myths often stem from a lack of understanding of the process and its complexities. They can also come from misplaced trust in distorted media reports. Unfortunately, anecdotal or outdated evidence, misrepresented data, and sensationalized headlines are rife. Another primary reason dredging concerns exist is unfortunate past events. The reality is that some dredging projects were poorly managed.
Debunking these myths and improving dredging education is vital for driving the industry forward. Greater public knowledge can drive progress that benefits the economy and the environment. Discover six of the most common dredging misconceptions and the truth behind them below.
Myth 1: Dredging Harms All Marine Life
Dredging does not harm all marine life. The myth is rooted in the fact that poor dredging techniques and outdated equipment and practices can affect aquatic life. With modern equipment, dredging’s impact on marine life is greatly minimized. Professionals also employ careful environmental assessments and strategies to ensure this.
On the contrary to harming all marine life, dredging has potential benefits for these habitats:
- Improving water quality: Dredging can improve the quality of waterways. It removes contaminants from accumulated sewage, chemical spills and other harmful particles. Environmental dredging is often necessary to reduce industrial water pollution. An excellent example is how dredging improved the water of Lake Trummen in Sweden.
- Increasing biodiversity: Dredging is a versatile practice that can clean water, improve water clarity and help restore habitats home to diverse plants and creatures.
- Researching and management ecosystems: Dredging projects are excellent opportunities for scientific research. While dredging, researchers can gather information on how various conditions affect marine life, which dredging methods best protect biodiversity, and how dredged sediments can enhance ecosystems.
Myth 2: Dredging Is Only Necessary for Navigation
One of the primary benefits of dredging is that it is an excellent navigation solution. Dredging can clear channels and create better pathways for ships. However, this is not the only good use of dredging. Dredging has multiple purposes, and there are various types of dredging projects, some of which include:
- Flood control: Dredging can deepen waterways and increase a body of water’s capacity. It can be an effective part of strategies to reduce flooding risks.
- Maintaining recreational spaces: Recreational spaces like golf courses and fishing spots must look pristine. Dredging is often used to improve the look of ponds and lakes.
- Land reclamation: Dredged materials can be used to create new land. This is commonly seen in coastal development efforts to control beach erosion.
- Environmental restoration: Proper dredging practices can help correct habitat loss. The West Bay restoration project is an excellent example of how dredging aids land restoration. Dredged sediment was used to facilitate the creation of 800 hectares of new land in the Mississippi River Delta and helped restore coastal marsh habitats.
- Waterway construction: Dredging can be a crucial part of waterway construction. Materials from dredging can be used as a structural fill in construction.
Myth 3: Dredging Is an Outdated Technology
Though it’s an ancient practice, the techniques and technology needed for dredging today are modern and innovative. Dredging relies on technology like powered submersible heads and other innovations that keep the industry evolving. Dredging is an intricate process. When planning to dredge, experts may use the following technologies to make the process as precise and efficient as possible:
- Various types of dredgers and accessories, such as cutter suction dredgers and hydraulic dredges.
- Software for simulating dredges and optimizing routes.
- Advanced positioning systems for accuracy.
- Remote sensing technologies, such as light detection and ranging and sonar, are used to map the seabed and assess sediment volume.
- Equipment and processes for advanced sediment treatment.
Looking forward to the future of dredging, automation and other technological breakthroughs that make the process more efficient and accessible are likely to increase.
Myth 4: Dredging Leads to Permanent Environmental Damage
Dredging can temporarily impact the surrounding environment. However, with the correct equipment and thorough environmental assessments and strategies, dredged ecosystems can see long-term recovery.
Temporary environmental disturbances can and do occur, but long-term recovery with post-dredging strategies can be beneficial:
- Dredged materials can be used to restore and create natural habitats, as seen in coastal areas where they’re used to restore eroded beaches.
- The enhanced water quality after removing pollutants can have a positive impact on human recreational activities and aquatic organisms.
- Dredging for flood management can help protect cities, towns and ecosystems.
Myth 5: Dredging Is Only Done in Coastal Areas
A number of dredging projects happen in and around coastal areas, especially to maintain channels and trade routes, harbors and ports. However, it’s a myth that dredging is only done in coastal areas. Dredging can be applied to various water bodies and environments, including:
- Rivers and streams
- Lakes
- Wetlands
- Retention ponds
- Reservoirs
Myth 6: Dredging Is a Quick and Simple Process
Dredging is a multifaceted and intricate process that requires a high degree of planning, skills and innovation. An expert can ensure dredging operations are as efficient as possible, but no professional would consider it easy. Dredging projects can also be expensive, so managing them correctly is crucial for budget management.
A dredging operation has several stages. The process usually starts with a site evaluation to consider the environmental impact of dredging. This helps ensure dredging is viable and the best solution. Dredging itself involves using complex equipment and software. Additionally, post-dredging requires proper planning and sediment removal strategies.
Contact GeoForm International for Industry-Leading Dredging Equipment
Understanding dredging facts can transform views about the process and dispel dredging misconceptions. Dredging has a distinct and vital role in environmental management and development.
If you have an upcoming dredging project that you want to manage more efficiently, GeoForm International can assist. We offer high-quality dredges, dredge systems and submersible pumps, including our renowned Dino6 and Dino8 Sediment Removal Systems. Our knowledgeable and dedicated team will consider your specific needs and industry and work with you to choose the best industry-leading dredging equipment.
Browse our selection of products, and contact us today to learn more about buying or renting our sediment removal systems. You can also browse our resources for dredging industry insights.