AECOM
System and method for dewatering sediment ponds

Abstract:

The installation of one or more prefabricated drains beneath the surface of sediment in a sediment pond utilizing suction or a vacuum to withdraw water from the sediment material to lower the water level down to the level of the prefabricated drains below the pond surface. Dewatering may be coupled with imparting vibrations to the material to further promote both additional dewatering and compaction of the sediment material in the pond. A suitably graded bottom ash, fly ash, sand or large-diameter-solid particle or sediment layer may be added on top of the horizontal drains to enhance dewatering of finer sediment material.