Cleaning vegetation out a retention pond?

KrayzKajun · Feb 13, 2016

Looked at a retention pond cleaning job this morning. The owner does not want to dig the pond any deeper. He wants to clean the vegetation out of it while the water level is low. Pond is approx 50' W x 200' L. Owner said the depth varies from 1-3' in depth.

The idea I have would be to use a rake type bucket on a mini ex to just scrape the vegetation out. I'll be renting the ex but if it's worth the time and money and could possibly land me some more work cleaning out these ponds for the numerous subdivisions in the area I work. I would consider purchasing a bucket for myself and rent the machine.
I've even thought of finding a old used mini ex bucket on Craigslist and making my own rake/ditching bucket.

Any feedback?

Pics of the pond

buckets I was talking about.

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S-205 · Feb 14, 2016

Will you have enough reach without a long stick or long arm?
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KrayzKajun · Feb 14, 2016

I may be able to drive into the water a bit to get more reach. It is very hard bottom. Really no room to bring in a large ex because the pond is behind the houses.

I'm open to any other suggestions
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Mdirrigation · Feb 14, 2016

We did something similar , didnt take pics . But we took a small I beam 8 ft long , and a 3 point york rake . Made a adaptor to attach it on a mini ex instead of the bucket . It broke one time , we added some supports and it worked well .

109583 · Feb 14, 2016

Retention ponds should go completely dry at some point. I would pump the water out let a dry a week or so then attempt to remove the growth.

KrayzKajun · Feb 15, 2016

I've thought of using my 3" trash pump and draining as much as I can. I can pump it into the culvert at the end of the ditch on the north end of the pond.
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whiffyspark · Feb 15, 2016

I would consider pumping it dry and cleaning everything out. Bottom looks wacky too. I don't think a mini would have the reach without getting yourself in trouble.

Just an idea. He probably won't like that. Maybe hand dredge it lol
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KrayzKajun · Feb 15, 2016

The local cat rental has a 308 with extended stick. I can haul that on my new gooseneck.
Only access to the pond is between these two houses.

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knox gsl · Feb 15, 2016

What about a mini with some mud mats?
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fireball756 · Feb 15, 2016

Declare it a zika breeding ground and county vector forces will move in and fix it for you. Make sure you are complying with your local soil and water conservation service rules I would just treat it with weed control and the muck will sink to the bottom
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MowDaddy · Feb 15, 2016

Could you make a drag with a cable and winch it back and forth scrapping out the vegetation.
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Cleaning vegetation out a retention pond?

KrayzKajun

S-205

KrayzKajun

Mdirrigation

109583

KrayzKajun

whiffyspark

KrayzKajun

knox gsl

fireball756

MowDaddy

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