Dredging removes undesirable debris from large bodies of water. The process relies on specialized equipment to suck up and pump out the sediment from the bottom of a water system. It can remove contaminants from accumulated sewage, stormwater runoff and debris like invasive weeds.
There are many reasons for dredging — it significantly benefits various waterway projects, including offshore construction, environmental restoration efforts, property maintenance and research. This guide explains how versatile and beneficial this operation can be.
1. Maintenance Dredging
Maintenance dredging involves excavating rivers, ponds, canals and harbors to remove sediments such as sand and soil particles, silt, clay and other debris.
Routine dredging keeps systems functional and maintains the correct depth, water volume and appearance. Consider the consequences of overlooking regular maintenance dredging.
- Damaging your equipment: Sediment can clog your pumps, and the buildup of abrasive material like sand and other debris can wear down the pump and its rotating component. The risk of pump failure also increases without a regular dredge maintenance schedule.
- Environmental concerns: Waiting extended periods between dredging harms the water system’s ecosystem, as contaminated sediment can be toxic to marine life.
- Impacted infrastructure: Neglected water systems may become clogged with sediment and suffer from obstructed water flow. The resulting flooding can significantly impact shipping infrastructure.
- Impacted aesthetics: The aesthetic appearance of ponds and dams is a top priority for properties like golf courses and gated communities. Maintenance dredging lets business owners and property managers keep ponds pristine, not murky or stagnant.
2. Remediation Dredging
Remediation dredging is one of the most impactful types of dredging projects, as it involves cleaning up sediments that endanger marine life and humans. Sediment pollution occurs when harmful particles build up, affecting water quality, marine ecosystems and aquatic life. Various things can cause this problem, including construction runoff and industrial water pollution, deforestation and agricultural activities.
Though algae can be a natural and beneficial part of the ecosystem, harmful algae blooms are dangerous. As contaminated sediment accumulates on the bottom of water systems, it can increase phosphorous and nitrogen, which feed problematic algae species.
One specific type of bacteria, Cyanobacteria, causes HABs that release various toxins that can affect animal health, causing nerve cell and liver damage, allergens, skin irritations and gastrointestinal issues.
Thankfully, remediation dredging can remove these contaminants and restore waterways’ ecosystems. Remediation dredging typically involves these steps:
- Evaluating the contaminated sediment.
- Determining the best dredging methods, treatment options and disposal techniques.
- Continuing the dredging process until the water quality and clarity have improved.
3. Water Deepening
Deepening dredging is a method for widening waterways like harbors, rivers and lakes by removing sediments from the bottoms. Water deepening by dredging improves navigation by making waterways more accessible for larger vessels.
Deepening dredging can be advantageous for several other reasons.
- Safer operations: Wider, deeper channels make maritime operations safer, decreasing the risk of vessels running aground.
- Increased economic growth opportunities: Ports accommodating larger vessels boost trade opportunities, create jobs and grow the economy.
- Improved flood control: Deepening dredging can improve water flow and reduce the risk of potential flooding during heavy rainfall. Additionally, regular dredging ensures sediment buildup does not obstruct waterways, which helps with water flow and flood control.
- Recreational opportunities: Broader waterways can accommodate more recreational activities and water sports like fishing and boating, potentially boosting tourism.
4. Offshore Dredging
Offshore dredging applications include several types of projects, such as channel deepening. Other applications and benefits of offshore dredging include the following.
- Coastline protection and environmental restoration: The sand collected during dredging can restore eroded beaches and build reefs and breakwater structures that restore marine habitats and protect coastlines from erosion.
- Offshore infrastructure: Dredging is vital to building marine infrastructure. The process can create trenches for underwater pipes and prepare the seabed for wind turbines.
- Research projects and surveying: Dredging is an excellent way for researchers and surveyors to collect samples from the seabed, which is beneficial for geological and marine studies and site assessments before offshore construction takes place.
5. Material or Mineral Dredging
Material or mineral dredging is also a type of offshore dredging. This method allows researchers and companies to extract and gather sediment, such as gravel and sand, from the seabed and use it for construction. Material dredging can even mine sand for other dredging projects, like environmental coastal protection and restoration.
6. Waterway Construction
Dredging is vital in waterway construction, including developing and improving the following.
- Ports and harbors: Dredging creates turning basins and berths so vessels can navigate, dock and load cargo more safely and efficiently.
- Marinas and fishing spots: Dredging gives marinas adequate depth to support recreational activities like boating. It can also improve water quality and access for anglers.
- Retention basements: Building retention basins with dredging effectively manages excess water in areas with heavy rainfall and potential flooding issues.
- Bridges: Dredging allows bridge builders to create stable, durable foundations.
Trust GeoForm International for Dredging Equipment and Solutions
Dredging is a versatile approach that provides solutions for diverse water system work. These projects often lead to extensive economic and environmental benefits. Whether you need to maintain ponds or construct waterways, you can rely on our expert team for industry-leading equipment suited to your dredge applications.
We offer a range of quality dredging equipment, including our popular Dino6 Sediment Removal System and our Dino8 Dredge. Both systems are portable, powerful hydraulic dredges that provide straightforward and cost-effective solutions for various dredging projects.
The Dino6 features a six-inch submersible pump, a 66-inch-wide cutter head and a four-cylinder diesel engine, so it is perfect for applications where maneuverability and accessibility are priorities. The Dino8 doubles the performance of the powerful Dino6, making it the ideal submersible sediment removal system for larger projects. Explore our products online, or contact us to speak to an expert regarding your dredging project.