A significant build-up of silt in water storage facilities reduces storage capacity, risking overflow and severe environmental damage. Specialty dewatering pump company Integrated Pump Rental (IPR) urges operators to urgently desilt facilities to ensure that the anticipated influx of rainwater can be contained.

IPR MD Lee Vine notes that dams may be nearing full capacity as a result of accumulated silt, posing significant risks if not properly maintained.

“It is essential to maintain the required storage volumes in water storage dams, settlement ponds and similar reservoirs,” Vine says. “Equally important is the regular cleaning and desilting of these facilities to prevent overflows that could lead to environmental damage during periods of heavy rainfall.”

Vine notes that a growing demand for IPR’s SlurrySucker desilting solution spans various industries where water is crucial for recycling or process-related activities, including the management of settlement ponds.

Vine explains that the process of desilting involves pumping high solids material from the storage facility, which can be challenging if the wrong equipment is used. Incorrectly specified systems not only reduce efficiency but can also lead to environmental harm.

“Traditional methods like manual excavation have proven to be inefficient and often fail to remove the necessary volume of sediment,” Vine notes. “Our experience and proven track record show that a more systematic approach is needed to achieve effective and cost efficient desilting.”

IPR says its dewatering team can visit sites to assess the specific needs and conditions of each application. Depending on the situation, high solids material may be pumped to a nearby dam or reservoir. Alternatively, the material can be captured in geotextile bags where water is separated from the solid content.

Once the dam or pond’s condition has been assessed, the team decides on the best course of action. The SlurrySucker requires a sufficient volume of water to operate, and in cases where water levels are low, a hydro-mining solution is employed for the drier areas.

The SlurrySucker is equipped with a pump designed to handle large volumes of solids. For areas with particularly dry slurry, monitoring guns are used to direct the material towards the discharge point. Specialised pumps featuring chopper blades to manage plant debris can also be added to the system.

Manufactured locally by IPR, the SlurrySucker is engineered to handle a variety of high solids materials, including coal slurry, silt and sand. Vine also highlights the safety benefits of using the SlurrySucker, which can be remotely operated, keeping personnel at a safe distance from the water’s edge.

“What is most important is that this environmentally friendly solution is available for rent which means that operations can take the important step to ensure that water storage facilities are desilted before the rainy season is upon us. The SlurrySucker offers an efficient, cost effective and safer alternative to traditional methods, and we continue to assist operators to avoid the risks associated with silted-up dams and ponds,” Vine concludes.