AS WE are heading for spring after a drier-than-normal autumn and winter, it may be time to take a look at desilting your dams.<\/p>\n
Usually, most dams would be full by now, but as this is not the case, it could be just the right opportunity to turn a bad into a good by removing built-up sediment from dams.<\/p>\n
However, Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Clem Sturmfels is encouraging famers to think carefully before proceeding with sediment removal works.<\/p>\n
“Cleaning out dams at this time of the year can be difficult, dangerous and expensive,” Mr Sturmfels said.<\/p>\n
“Handling wet dam sediment requires specialised equipment and using a excavator to remove this sediment is slow and tedious work and dozers usually don’t have the reach to do this work efficiently.<\/p>\n
“Dams with fresh deposits of soil, manure, and other organic matter are more likely to grow algae and bacteria.<\/p>\n
“Allowing these deposits to dry out over summer allows the material to be removed using a scraper or bulldozer which is way more efficient.”<\/p>\n
The department advise that it’s important to closely monitor the dams while waiting for them to dry out to avoid any animal health issues.<\/p>\n
Dams with older sediment are less likely to have water quality concerns and a metre or so of sediment will have little impact on dam capacity.<\/p>\n
Assessing the depth of sediment in a dam can be difficult and farmers can make an estimate by measuring the depth of the dam and comparing that to the dam’s dimensions.<\/p>\n
A depth sounder or Damdeep measuring device can be used, and there are online videos of how to make and use a Damdeep that are\u00a0very informative.<\/p>\n
Farmers are encouraged to consider the following when undertaking dam cleaning activities:<\/p>\n
The sides of dams can be slippery and pose a risk to humans, stock and plant operators<\/p>\n
Dam sediment should be placed in a location where it cannot re-enter the dam or other waterways<\/p>\n
Steepening the sides of the dam can result in erosion and further sedimentation, and<\/p>\n
Avoid any works which impact the structural integrity of the dam or associated outlet devices.<\/p>\n
Agriculture Victoria recommend contacting the local rural water authority in your area before starting sediment removal works, as a permit may be required.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AS WE are heading for spring after a drier-than-normal autumn and winter, it may be time to take a look at desilting your dams. Usually, most dams would be full by now, but as this is not the case, it could be just the right opportunity to turn a bad into a good by removing […]<\/p>\n