Dredging Definitions & Commonly Used Terms

Dredging Applications

Beach Restoration – the act of replenishing the sand loss that occurs naturally over time from tidal cycles, currents, waves, and inclement weather. Beaches that have been restored by dredging are designed to protect local communities from future storm damage and to preserve recreational beach space. Dredges are often used as a primary tool for rebuilding beaches.

Environmental Remediation – a means of dredging that is beneficial to both recreational users and natural wildlife habitats.  The natural flow of sediments and industrial runoff can often choke off channels that feed fresh water to inland wetlands or ponds.  Dredging these channels allows water to circulate in and out of these inland sites, bringing in nutrients and flushing out waste.

Harbor/Inlet Dredging – Ellicott Dragon® dredges are useful in clearing inlets and harbors. Sand accumulation can completely block channels from boating traffic.  After the channel has been dredged, boats can navigate safely.

Hydraulic dredging – a floating barge type machine known as a cutter suction dredge used to remove underwater materials and transfer those sediments mixed with water (referred to as a slurry) through a pressurized pipeline to a deposit location.

Lake Dredging – In both natural and man-made lakes eroding sediment, silt accumulation, and algae blooms can gradually build up causing both depth and water quality issues. Lake dredging helps to maintain a healthy environment for both aquatic life and recreational activities.

Land Reclamation – the process consists of dredging sand, clay, or rock from offshore or inland lakes, ponds, and quarries.  The dredged material is repurposed as fill material forming new land along coastal waterways or inland water bodies, such as swamps.

Marina Dredging – maintaining the depth of a marina, whether private or public, is vital to both marina owners and the customers they serve. Adequate channel depths allow boaters to safely move in and out while protecting vessels from damage.

Mechanical Dredging – the act of removing debris or compressed hardened elements from below the water using a clamshell type bucket or heavy-duty excavator.  This method is preferred when both dredging and placing elements nearby onshore or onto a barge for further transport to a designated disposal location.

Dredge Mining – a practical means for extracting submerged sand, gravel, frac sand, iron ore, coal, fine tailings, and other minerals. Mining with a dredge is an efficient way to obtain materials and hydro-transport them to on-shore processing facilities, whether it be sand, gravel or hard salt deposits.

Reservoir Dredging – is common for cities and municipalities to source the community’s water from open-air reservoirs.  Sometimes these reservoirs will silt-in or become contaminated with material that drains from the surrounding area.  Dredging is an efficient and effective way to continually keep these reservoirs clean.

River Dredging – the most common use for cutter suction dredge equipment. River projects vary in purpose. Some river dredging projects work to maintain adequate channel depths while others are aimed at flood control and mitigation.

Sand and Gravel Dredging – it is an extremely common industry worldwide.  Sand and gravel dredged from rivers or landlocked mines provide aggregate materials for building, construction, and infrastructure projects.

Tailings – Reclaiming or eliminating mine tailings through dredging is a maintenance operation that supports efficient mine operations. Typical sectors include iron ore, gold, and oil sands where reclamation of tailings can have a positive return on investment.