Nikolaus Sires ET-493 Advisor: Dr. Rana Mitra

Problem 1 The site of this senior project is a pond of approximately three acres. I desire to remove one foot of loose sediment from the bottom. This amount of sediment would be approximately 5,000 cubic yards. (A percentage of this will be water)

Problem 2 The site is surrounded by trees, and I desire to minimize the environmental impact to the location. Typical remote controlled dredging systems are large and cumbersome.

Solution I propose the construction of a small, partially radio controlled dredging system. Propulsion could be achieved through the use of a trolling motor/motors. Dredging could be done through the use of a small trash pump mounted to a floating platform, or an electric pump powered by a small generator.

Some ideas Use winches to raise/lower the suction hose and anchors Solar panels to maintain battery life and minimize downtime for charging of these systems Floating discharge hose easily redirected from the bank Radio control system to control trolling motors

Other considerations How to catch the sediment removed How much of one hour can be devoted to actual dredging, and not relocation of the dredge system

Preliminary numbers Typical small trash pump capable of moving up to 16,000 gallons per hours At 50% efficiency and 50% of the material being sediment and not water, this equates to 20 cubic yards per hour with dredge working the entire hour. It took about 8 hours for me to move 1 cubic yard of material (with the pond drained)

Deliverables Examine the pros/cons of a pump centered system vs. a generator based system Take sediment samples from various locations in the pond and determine average pond depth Make selection of system type based upon soil sample findings Draw design plans to allow ease of system access based on findings of average pond depth Complete cost analysis of dredging system costs Study methods to efficiently collect dredged pond sediment Begin purchasing materials and assembly of dredging system

Timeline System type study 3/05/ /19/2015 Take sediment samples 3/16/ /23/2015 Choose system type 3/24/ /26/2015 Design plans 3/21/ /28/2015 Cost analysis 3/28/ /04/2015 Collection methods 4/04/ /11/2015 Purchase materials 4/11/ /04/2015 Begin assembly 4/25/ /25/2015

Sediment Sample Collection

Two samples were taken from four locations. (North, South, East, and West sections of pond)

Initial purchases include a pair of waders, and collection containers (1 quart).

The samples will be allowed to settle for a few days, and I will begin removing the water.