Dredging is an essential part of many water management plans. It helps remove any accumulated silt or sediment that can cause erosion and other problems. It is essential to choose the right dredging services if you want a successful outcome for your project. Qualified and experienced dredging contractors can help protect the environment and shorelines while providing a long-term solution to sedimentation issues. 

Risks Involved in Dredging

Be sure to select a contractor that has experience, a positive track record, keeps you in control of the project, and understands and minimizes the risks involved in dredging. These include.

Physical Risks

Physical risks include changes to the water current, the creation of turbidity, and damage to aquatic habitats. The right dredging service should have the experience and knowledge to minimize these risks using appropriate techniques and tools.

Chemical Risks

Chemical risks include the release of pollutants and contaminants into the water. Choosing a dredging service that follows strict environmental regulations and has a track record of safe and responsible operations is essential.

Biological Risks

Biological risks include:

• The disruption of natural habitats.
• The introduction of invasive species.
• The potential spread of disease.

 

A well-designed dredging service provider should create a plan to minimize these risks, such as avoiding sensitive areas or using equipment that prevents the spread of invasive species.

Cultural Risks

Cultural risks include the potential damage to archaeological or historic sites. The right dredging service should have the knowledge and expertise to recognize and protect these sites and comply with local regulations and procedures.

Want an Expert Opinion? Click to learn about the 4 critical factors for success in dredging projects. 

Get Help with Creating an RFP and Selecting Dredging Services

At PondMedics we can simplify your dredging project. Trent Lewis, Chief Visionary Officer, PondMedics and dredgeSMART™, says, “We’re able to create plans that allow you to go out to bid, and you don’t get renditions of six different opinions from contractors.”

Unlike some contracting companies that have no in-house engineering, biological, and environmental experts, the dredgeSMART™ team guides clients on how to make the right decisions in selecting a contractor. Lewis states, “We deliver the success, and we keep the client in control of their project. Because without that information, they’re completely dependent and relying upon the dredging contractor and may not have the outcomes they want.”

Research Potential Dredging Services Providers

Here are some areas to look into when researching dredging companies.

Experience

Experience and expertise are vital criteria when selecting a dredging service provider. Look for a company with established experience in dredging projects of the same type and size as yours.

Equipment

Explore whether the dredging service provider has all of the necessary tools and machines to complete your project, including any specialized equipment needed. Ensure that the company has experience with the latest technologies to ensure your project will be completed as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

Safety

Ask for references from previous customers and check the company’s safety records, including any incidents, accidents, or litigation related to past projects.

Cost

Evaluate cost and pricing models when selecting a dredging service provider is essential. Obtain proposals from multiple companies to compare prices and services offered.

Risk

Consider the company’s ability to adhere to the Request for Proposal (RFP) specifications and reduce risk. The company should thoroughly understand the project scope, including any applicable regulations or standards that must be met.

Evaluate Proposals for Dredging Services

When looking for a proposal from a dredging service, consider the scope of work that will be completed. The proposal should include:

• Information on the type of dredging to be performed.
• Any material removal and disposal stipulations.
• A clear timeline and schedule for completion.
• Pricing terms.
• Any post-dredging maintenance tasks.
• How a project will be determined to be successfully completed.

 

Lewis explains how PondMedics and dredgeSMART™ handle proposals, “When the dredging contractor bids come in, we can review those and ensure they match the requirements in the RFP. We can do bid tabulations and help with contractor selection. We can also be project liaisons on site so that the client doesn’t have to manage the contractor. Instead, we’re making sure that the contractors execute correctly on the plans they are provided.”

Consider Consulting and Dredging Services Together

PondMedics and dredgeSMART™ are ready to help you with your dredging projects in whatever capacity you require. Lewis states, “At dredgeSMART, we can do a design dredge project. We’ve got in-house teams that can handle many projects. Or, we can just do the design phase and help our clients get bids.” Click here to contact us.