Vegetation on Sludge Pond

[FLdrain]

We have a sludge pond which serves a municipal WWTP that is at capacity and in the next year will start a dredging operation in order to remove the sludge from the pond. To get ready for the dredging operation, we removed a vegetative mat of grass, bushes, and small trees that was growing within the sludge pond. I am looking for recommendations on how to keep the vegetation from growing back before we start the dredging operation.

So far we have sprayed an EPA approved herbicide around the edges of the pond to keep the vegetation from growing around the side. The problem that we are having is trying to spray the middle of the 300’ by 300’ pond without putting people in a boat since the sludge is so thick that it makes moving the boat very difficult, not to mention safety concerns. Does anyone know of any commercial sprayers that are capable of spraying a herbicide 150 or more feet?

 

[micalbrch]

I'm thinking in a high pressure pump with a hose and a nozzle at the end. Something similar like the fire department uses. They have to cover more than 150'. That will work for sure. Your only problem is that you need to get your herbicide into the pump. Do you have a tank vehicle?

 

[dicksewerrat]

Sounds like a good excuse to buy an airboat.

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com

 

[SteveWag]

Call the local fire department.
Steve

 

[ash9144]

Crop duster would work

 

[nackra]

Contractor was proposing to use helicopter to apply herbicide in linear channel. Schedule was much faster than the specified hand application and truck sprayer methods. Due to concern with overspray impacting sensitive agriculture crop in adjacent field we didn't use.