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Mechanical Dredging
As sediment, sand, and organic debris accumulate in lakes and ponds, mechanical dredging provides a proven, effective way to remove heavy or coarse material, restore depth, and improve long-term lake health.
What is mechanical dredging?
Mechanical dredging removes sediment from the bottom of lakes, ponds, and waterways using heavy equipment such as excavators, clamshell buckets, or draglines. Unlike hydraulic dredging, sediment is lifted directly and deposited at a designated location for disposal or dewatering. This method is ideal for coarse materials, shallow areas, or sites where suction dredging may not be feasible.
IDEAL FOR:
- Lakes and ponds with coarse or heavy sediment
- Shallow waterbodies where hydraulic dredging is not practical
- Areas with limited access or confined spaces
- Sites requiring precision sediment removal in targeted zones
- Waterbodies needing full or partial drawdown for effective sediment management
What we do
Mechanical dredging removes accumulated organic sediment from ponds and lakes, slowing the natural aging process and helping restore depth and ecological balance.
Mechanical dredging is an important tool for restoring ponds and lakes that have accumulated excessive organic material over time. By physically removing nutrient-rich muck and sediment, mechanical dredging helps reduce internal phosphorus loading, slow the natural aging process of the waterbody, and restore depth and basin shape. Removing these accumulated nutrients improves circulation, reduces excessive algae growth, and supports more balanced aquatic conditions.
Material is excavated directly from the pond or lake bottom and managed off-site or in designated holding cells, allowing for controlled sediment handling and minimal disturbance to adjacent areas. This approach is well suited for ponds and lakes with heavy organic buildup, shallow conditions, or areas where hydraulic dredging is not practical.
Beyond immediate improvements in depth and appearance, mechanical dredging provides long-term benefits by removing a major internal nutrient source that contributes to recurring water quality problems. Before developing a dredging plan, Jones Lake Management evaluates sediment composition, pond or lake size, access limitations, nutrient loading, and long-term management goals. In many cases, mechanical dredging can significantly reduce phosphorus availability, improve water quality, and extend the functional lifespan of a pond or lake as part of a comprehensive management strategy.
Still need some things answered?
Dredging FAQs
The three primary methods are targeted hydraulic dredging, lake and channel hydraulic dredging, and mechanical dredging. The best option depends on sediment type, waterbody size, access, and project goals.
Targeted hydraulic dredging removes sediment from specific problem areas using suction equipment and pumps it to filter bags or a dewatering site. This minimizes disturbance and can delay or reduce the need for full-lake dredging.
This method uses high-capacity dredges to remove sediment across large areas or channels and pump it as a slurry to settling ponds or dewatering sites. It is ideal for restoring depth and circulation in heavily silted lakes.
A holding or settling pond is critical because it allows the sediment-water mixture to separate. As the slurry enters the holding pond, solids settle to the bottom, and clean water flows back into the lake. Without a properly designed holding pond, the dredging process would create turbidity and reduce water quality instead of improving it.
No, targeted hydraulic dredging often uses geotextile filter bags instead of settling ponds. These capture solids while allowing clean water to return to the lake.
Mechanical dredging uses excavators or clamshell buckets to physically remove sediment from the lake bottom. It is best for coarse material, shallow areas, or locations where hydraulic dredging is not feasible.
Dredging restores proper depth for navigation, improves water clarity, reduces algae and invasive weeds, and strengthens long-term ecosystem health, making the waterbody safer and more enjoyable.
The sediment-water mixture is pumped into a designated settling area where solids separate naturally. Depending on its composition, the sediment may be repurposed or safely disposed of.
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