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SEDIMENT REMOVAL
Citation:
Peterson, S. SEDIMENT REMOVAL. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-84/207 (NTIS PB84236397).
Description:
When properly conducted, sediment removal is an effective lake management technique. This chapter describes: (1) purposes of sediment removal, (2) environmental concerns, (3) appropriate depth of sediment removal, (4) sediment removal techniques, (5) suitable lake conditions, (6) dredge selection and disposal area design, (7) exemplary case histories, and (8) costs. There are four major reasons for sediment removal from a lake: deepening, limitation of nutrient recycling, reduction of macrophyte nuisances, and the removal of sedimented toxic substances. Environmental concerns associated with lake sediment removal appear to be less negative than might be expected. Another potential impact is effect dredged material has on the area where it is disposed. There is little doubt that dredging can be a successful lake restoration technique if there is a thorough pre-implementation evaluation of the lake setting, if proper equipment is selected, if the disposal areas are designed for end of treatment effectiveness and if the dredging is conducted by conscientious and competent operators.