Understanding Dredge Ponds: A Crucial Step in Maintaining Lake and Pond Ecology

When it comes to maintaining the health and beauty of lakes and ponds, dredging plays a crucial role in removing sediment and bottom muck that can harm the delicate ecological balance. Unfortunately, this process is often hindered by rain, which can set back the timeline by weeks or even months.

Before mechanical removal is possible, the pond must be completely drained to allow the bottom sediment to dry out. This allows for a thorough removal of the accumulated sediment and muck, which can take years to build up at a rate of half an inch to an inch per year.

The process of dredging is necessary because aerobic bacteria in shallow areas break down organic matter quickly, while anaerobic bacteria in deeper areas do not. As a result, the muck accumulates in the deepest part of the pond, creating a bowl-like shape. Wind and rain then contribute additional material, further exacerbating the problem.

In addition to removing bottom muck, dredging also helps to eliminate inorganic sediment like loam soils and soft clays that have washed into the pond through culverts, ditches, and streams or eroded from surrounding areas over time. Our system is specifically designed to tackle this issue by removing both organic and inorganic sediment and detritus (decaying organic biomass) that can cause harm to the lake and pond ecosystem.

By understanding the importance of dredging and its role in maintaining a healthy ecological balance, we can take proactive steps to ensure the long-term health and well-being of our lakes and ponds.

Dredge pond