Construction Law

What You Need to Know About Dredging Construction Part 3

Whether it’s improving the environment or an ambitious land reclamation project, there are many reasons why construction professionals take on dredging projects. In this three-part article, the Jacksonville construction lawyers at Cotney Construction Law are discussing the construction process of excavating sediment from waterways. In the first section, we covered the benefits of dredging. In the second section, we went into a little more detail about the dredging process. In this final section, we will discuss the types of dredging equipment that are utilized in this removal process.

Types of Dredges

There are a variety of dredges used in the sediment removal process including:

Suction Dredger: The most common dredgers do not feature cutting tools and rely strictly on suction to remove sediment from the waterway. The suction pipes of the dredger are lowered by a crane and then rest on the bed of the body of water. Utilizing a centrifugal pump, the dredger suctions loose debris. This is typically done to remove sand and other less dense materials.    

Cutter-Suction Dredger: In some cases, the material being excavated needs to be loosened up in order to extract it. For example, any type of hard clay or rock material needs to be cut in order for this debris to be removed. A cutter-suction dredger utilizes a cutting tool to penetrate a hard surface. After breaking up the material, the dredger can then remove the debris with suction pipes.  

Digger Dredger: The sediment removal process sometimes requires a digger dredger that can scoop the material in a variety of ways. Whether it’s a chain of buckets or a backhoe much like the common piece of land-based equipment, there are several types of dredgers that can be utilized to excavate a variety of materials.

Consult With a Construction Attorney

Dredging construction projects require permitting and compliance with federal, state, and local laws. If you are interested in procuring federal contracts for dredging construction work, consult with a Jacksonville construction lawyer. At Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, we are intimately familiar with the bid process for government contracts and can assist your project’s legal needs every step of the way.   

If you would like to speak with a Jacksonville construction lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.