When silt builds up in a canal or river, it can cause ‘high spots’ on the river bed. In order for boats and other vessels to pass through safely, the water must be a specified depth at given points.
High silt levels can also cause degradation in water quality and an increase in weed growth, both of which can mean problems for wildlife. Silt can build up around locks and tributaries so these need particular attention.
At Blue Boar, we work on a variety of de-silting projects – dredging canals and rivers using long-reach, suction and floating dredging.
Our team is experienced at dealing with all kinds of issues that can arise and we offer a full project management service that covers:
- Land restoration (disposal of the silt onto agricultural land)
- Water edge restoration (using hard or bio-engineering)
- Towpath construction
- Specialist equipment with operators – from specialist long reach excavators to pontoon-based excavators.
Initial site survey
An initial site survey will identify the volume of silt to be removed and allow us to assess the requirement for long-reach or floating excavators.
- Land restoration:
We use specialist soil scientists for sediment analysis to determine if the silt is suitable for re-distribution onto agricultural land. We can manage the entire process - identifying suitable locations, working with farmers and landowners, liaising with the Environment Agency and applying for a Waste Exemption Certificate on your behalf. - Surveys and searches:
A full services search will ensure that there are no submerged pipelines that could be affected by the dredging works and an ecology survey will identify any protected species of wildlife that might be present. - Edge restoration:
We can use a variety of materials, including natural products, to restore eroded water edges so that they meet both aesthetic, environmental and safety requirements.
If necessary, we can also install bypass culverts or silt curtains to protect the course of the water and to isolate certain areas and avoid contamination.
The cost for each project is dependent on the area of the river or canal, the amount and ultimate location of the silt, the proportion of long-reach dredging to floating dredging - and any restoration work that may be required.
For more information on canal and river dredging talk to one of our team.
Call us on: 01788 810854 or enquire now>>
In this section
- Lake and pond dredging
- Canal and river dredging
- Land restoration
- Water edge restoration
- Other services and small works
- Project consultancy
- Specialist plant hire
