Sediment surveys

In many places, watercourses have been dammed and dams or reservoirs created in recent decades for reasons of flood protection and water retention (water reservoir). As a result, the natural sediment transport of watercourses is interrupted. The inflows to the reservoirs continuously deliver large amounts of sediment, which is deposited in the artificial standing waters. Depending on the size of the water bodies, 10,000 m³ of sediment material or even many times this amount can accumulate during the operating period..

Sediment core with organics

Reservoir with algae bloom

With the increase in sediment volumes at the bottom of the reservoir, the water retention capacity of the dams or reservoirs decreases. In addition, there are usually continuous nutrient inputs from agriculture, sewage treatment plants, industry, etc., which contribute to eutrophication of the water body (nutrient enrichment, e. g. with phosphorus or nitrogen). The consequences are turbidity of the water and algae blooms (blue-green algae), which lead to oxygen deficiency and loss of biodiversity in the water body. In the case of waters used for tourism, temporary bathing bans or other restrictions may become necessary.

In order to improve the water quality of the dams and reservoirs and to fully restore their water retention capacity, (partial) sediment removal is inevitable.
Depending on the catchment area and water inflow, the sediments may show elevated pollutant concentrations (e.g. heavy metals, Hydrocarbons), which must be properly assessed and evaluated. In addition to anthropogenic influences, geogenic and biogenic causes must also be taken into account.
During the survey, the nature conservational aspects also deserve special attention. For example, protected mussel species, beaver populations and fish stocks can influence the scope and course of remediation measures.

View of reservoir

The basis for sediment surveys is always the establishment of a survey concept that is individually adapted to the conditions in the survey area. Only by a suitable number of investigations, depending on the expected sediment quantity and the spatial distribution as well as the correct investigation parameters, reliable statements about the sediment material can be made. Only after coordination with the parties involved in the project (client, nature conservation authorities, other specialized authorities, etc.) does the survey proper take place. After evaluation of the results, we draw up a desedimentation and disposal concept that shows the options for action and the further project steps (including bidding, implementation of the remediation measure, etc.).

Sediment sampling

Soil type diagram according to KA5

Our services to you include:

Preparation of individual sampling and investigation concepts adapted to the water body
Technical coordination with authorities
Conducting sediment sampling with own equipment (boat, sampling tools)
Sediment analysis with regard to the relevant sediment recycling pathways
Preparation of variant studies to determine the appropriate desedimentation method
Creation of desedimentation and removal concepts
Elaboration of bidding documents
Technical support of the desedimentation measure