Repeat the process of digging, dumping and moving the machine until it reaches the opposite end of the pond area and then repeat this step. This way the machine is widening the trench begun in the center but adequately supported on firm ground. As the backhoe operator digs, the spotter should check the depth of each section with a depth stick (a long stick marked in 6-inch increments) to make sure it matches the plans before the backhoe is repositioned.īring the backhoe back to the end that it started digging on and set it the machine up so it can dig at a slight angle to its body.

Have the backhoe operator dig in a straight line all the way across to the other end of the pond (dumping the dirt into your dumptruck or front loader for removal as the pond is dug). Set the backhoe up in the center of the pond at one end of the pond. Spray the excavation depth of the pond for each section on the ground as well so the operator and the spotter can read it easily. Divide the sections according to the depth of the pond shown on the plans in that area. Because of how the pond is used, it makes sense to dredge after sediment levels have accumulated to large levels, but the town should consider the impact this will have on the surrounding ecosystem and may want to consider an ecological impact study to ensure no endangered species depend on the pond or surrounding environment which may need to be rebuilt after the dredging process.Mark the ground with orange spray paint in sections. The higher levels of sediment will also exacerbate the problem of nutrient loading from runoff which promotes plant and algae growth. The increase in sediment will also increase the rate of plant growth in the pond and decrease fish habitat. Without dredging, the pond will continue to accumulate sediments and it will develop characteristics of a marsh. As Puffer’s Pond is a communal area for swimming, fishing and nature-walking these factors must be considered. The decision to dredge a pond rests as on the immediacy of the problem and what the pond is used for. The process of removing sediments and shipping them away is also a costly process. Dredging a pond can be quite destructive on the surrounding wildlife and environment as the pond needs to have its water’s lowered and heavy machinery and equipment needs to be brought in.

How to dredge a swimming pond