Mechanical raking (Hydro-Raking) is a widely used and effective technique for
area selective removal of nuisance, rooted vegetation. In some situations the
Hydro-Rake is also used to clear accumulations of unconsolidated bottom debris
(i.e. decaying leaves, peat, muck). The Hydro-Rake can best be described as
a floating barge upon which is mounted a backhoe with several different size
and functioning rake attachments. The Hydro-Rake is powered by a Diesel engine
which drives the hydraulically operated paddle wheel propulsion system and back-hoe
functions. The Hydro-Rake can operate in water as shallow as 1.0 -1.5 feet and
can remove nuisance vegetation and bottom debris from variable water depths
as shallow as a few inches to a maximum depth of 12 feet. Duration of nuisance
plant control varies, but is typically "summer long" for species such
as water milfoil (Myriophyllum sp.) to 2-3 years or longer for plants with well
developed root systems (i.e. waterlilies, cattails, etc.)
The
Hydro-Rake works from the water and can therefore access coves and shoreline
areas otherwise inaccessible to conventional machinery. Damage to valuable shoreline
habitat and waterfront property are avoided with the Hydro-Rake. The Hydro-Rake
deposits each rake full (maximum 500 lbs.) of material directly on-shore. Where
travel distances for shoreline off-loading are excessive or access is limited,
Aquatic Control can provide a Harvester/Transporter vessel to work with the
Hydro- Rake. Upland disposal of Hydro-Raked material may either be handled by
the client or Aquatic Control can provide optional trucking and disposal services.
Advantages
Plants/debris removed at the sediment/water interface
Operating range in water depths of <1 feet to 12 feet
Removes plants and roots systems
One Hydro-Raking typically provides seasonal to 1-3 years or
longer of nuisance plant control
Clearing of selective areas including beaches, boating/fishing
lanes, etc.
No chemical introduction or water use restrictions
Minimal disturbance to shoreline landscapes
Cost is far less than dredging
Experience
Aquatic Control has logged in excess of 15,000 hours of Hydro-Rake
operation on more than 200 ponds, lakes, rivers and other aquatic systems. These
projects have included: municipal and private beach/swim areas; private estate
and corporate ponds; sedimentation ponds; fish and game club ponds and others.
Representative Projects
Morses Pond (Wellesley, MA)
Lake Winnipesaukee (Wolfeboro, MA)
Cobbetts Pond (Windham, NH)
Silver Lake (Rhinebeck, NY)
Glenmere Lake (Florida, NY)
Hunns Lake (Stanfordville, NY)
Elizabethtown Water Treatment Pond (Elizabethtown, NJ)
The
Hydro-Rake works from the water and can therefore access coves and shoreline
areas otherwise inaccessible to conventional machinery. Damage to valuable shoreline
habitat and waterfront property are avoided with the Hydro-Rake. The Hydro-Rake
deposits each rake full (maximum 500 lbs.) of material directly on-shore. Where
travel distances for shoreline off-loading are excessive or access is limited,
Aquatic Control can provide a Harvester/Transporter vessel to work with the
Hydro- Rake. Upland disposal of Hydro-Raked material may either be handled by
the client or Aquatic Control can provide optional trucking and disposal services.