Dredging or removal of sediments

Long considered an impediment to flood flows, the sediments transported by watercourses are now identified as an essential factor in preserving and restoring the river’s hydromorphological and ecological balance. Consequently, this bedload transport is an essential contributor to achieving good ecological status in watercourses.

Concept

Reservoirs subject to significant sedimentation may require sediment flushing and dredging or removal of sediments.

Expertise

Expertise

Hydrostadium manages the entire project execution of dredging operations: 

  • sampling strategy proposals,
  • sediment analyses prior to the works, 
  • clarification of the nature and content of the applications to be submitted for review by the competent government authorities, 
  • assistance in selecting the most appropriate dredging methodology, 
  • monitoring of the dredging operation, etc.
This is why sediment dredging must be carried out according to very specific guidelines

This is why sediment dredging must be carried out according to very specific guidelines

  • dredging will only be carried out in the event of excessive congestion of the watercourse,
  • dredging must never be considered on a large scale, but planned by limited and priority sectors,
  • dredging operations will primarily target the central flow channels and will be limited or even avoided near the banks,
  • before any dredging operation, it will be determined whether the deposits are not a response to excessive watercourse width and whether its cross-sectional profile is consistent with the hydraulic regime,
  • in some cases, dredged sludge will not be spread on the banks in order to prevent their enrichment and raising.
This type of work covers

This type of work covers

  • operations involving the simple mobilization of sediments on a very small scale, without removing them from the minor bed of the watercourse 
  • the removal of sediments as part of large-scale watercourse maintenance operations or maintenance work on a structure (for example, dredging dam reservoirs).

What becomes of the sediments 

If “in-river management” is not feasible, Hydrostadium assists project owners in identifying potential land-based management routes for sediments : use in road or landscaping projects, recovery through sorting facilities, use in quarry reclamation, agricultural spreading, cement production, or permanent storage.

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