Dredging Clemson Waterways, Dock Access & Coves on Lake Wylie, Keowee, and Hartwell

Over time, sediment washes into lake coves (especially on Lake Keowee or Lake Wylie), making them too shallow for boats, pontoons, and jet skis. Dredging removes this built-up material, restoring the original depth so you can use your boat lift and dock slips year-round, significantly improving property usability and value.

Yes, removing red clay sediment is a primary service in the Upstate. Clay runoff from construction and shoreline erosion is very dense and rapidly fills in water bodies. We use specialized, powerful mechanical and hydraulic systems designed to efficiently break up and remove these challenging, hard-packed clay deposits from HOA ponds and reservoirs.

The frequency depends on the sediment inflow rate. Ponds in new developments or near construction may need dredging every 5-7 years due to high stormwater runoff and red clay erosion. Established community lakes, like those around Greenville or Spartanburg, might only need restoration every 10-15 years. We recommend an assessment every 5 years to plan proactively.

For small HOA ponds and retention basins with independent control, a controlled drawdown is often the most efficient and cost-effective method, allowing for mechanical removal. For large reservoirs like Lake Hartwell or Lake Greenwood, we plan work around existing controlled drawdowns or utilize specialized floating equipment that works effectively in deeper water without requiring a level drop.

Yes. The primary function of a stormwater retention pond in a community like Simpsonville or Fort Mill is to hold a specific volume of runoff. When sediment fills up 30-50% of that volume, the pond cannot function as designed, increasing the risk of neighborhood flooding during heavy rain. Dredging restores the pond's full designed storage capacity.

Most clients prefer the late fall, winter, and early spring. This avoids the main lake recreation season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), minimizes disruption to residents, and often coincides with planned lake level drawdowns on the larger reservoirs. Cooler weather also helps with the dewatering and drying of the excavated sediment.

Clean, sandy/silty material removed from lake coves can often be beneficially reused on-site for shoreline erosion repair, landscaping fill, or property grading within the community, provided the material is tested and approved. Dense red clay is excellent for fill and grading once properly dewatered. We manage the testing and planning for beneficial reuse to reduce disposal costs.

Mechanical dredging uses excavators, often mounted on barges, and is ideal for removing dense red clay, debris, and working in tight lake coves or small ponds. Hydraulic dredging pumps a slurry of water and fine sediment, best for large HOA lakes or areas with soft muck and silt, allowing the material to be pumped long distances to a dewatering site. We determine the best method based on your sediment type and accessibility.