If you own waterfront property on Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley, you know that water depth around your dock can sometimes be a challenge. We recently had Marc Peebles with Andrus Dock Dredging visit one of our listings to talk with us about the possibility of dredging around the dock. That conversation got us thinking about how many lake property owners may not realize that dredging can sometimes be an option.
We asked Marc to help us better understand the process, including when dredging may be possible and what property owners need to know before getting started. A big thank you to Marc for taking the time to answer our questions and share his knowledge. Here’s what we learned.
Question #1: Why would someone with property on Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley want their dock dredged?
The KY and Barkley lake levels are raised and lowered every year. Some factors include power generation at the dam, flood control upstream throughout a large portion of the central United States, commercial boat traffic, and flooding downstream on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, all of which can affect government decisions about our local water levels. All homeowners are looking to have “year-round water” for their property. Not only is good water depth functional but it increases property values. For a homeowner in one of the many bays on either lake, sometimes there isn’t enough water depth around the dock to get a boat in and out of the slips. That’s where dredging comes in. (For more information: How Deep is the Water on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley?)
Question #2: What types of properties are ideal for dredging?
Most properties are suitable for dredging, but we first need to inspect the site to make sure there is adequate access to get the equipment down to and into the water. We also need to determine how the material removed during the dredging process can be transported off the property by large trucks. Sometimes we simply don’t have good access but we have recommendations on how to reach those properties by bringing in a dredging barge. That is a more expensive option, but all docks can be dredged by one method or another.
Question #3: Does dredging require a permit?
Dredging does require the homeowner to obtain a permit from either TVA or the Army Corp of Engineers, depending on which lake you’re on. For more information, you can contact those offices directly; however, Andrus Dock Dredging can also help with that application process and supply the forms that a homeowner will need.
Question #4: Do docks need to be moved to be dredged?
Yes, we move the docks so that we can dig out the area underneath, after dredging we relocate the dock to the original position. Note that movement of the dock from it’s original position does require approval of the Army Corp of Engineers or the TVA.
Question #5: What type of equipment do you use to dredge?
Andrus Excavating and Dredging uses long-reach track hoes that can extend up to 72 feet from the bank. If we need a longer distance, we take the equipment out into the mud/water to make sure we are getting not only around the dock but also into a channel to reach good water at winter pool. We dig to the allowed dredging depth of 3 feet below winter pool, load into tri-axle trucks and then remove the spoils offsite to a nearby location that is looking for fill.
Question #6: What steps do I need to take if I'm interested in having my dock dredged?
The first step in the process is to contact a licensed and insured professional such as myself. We will come out for a site visit and work up an estimate. Andrus Dock Dredging does this free of charge. There is a seasonal window for dredging on both lakes, which occurs when the water is at winter pool. We begin scheduling dredging projects in November and typically continue through the end of April. It’s important to get an estimate early and complete the paperwork for the permit as the permitting process can take months to complete. Give me a call to get the ball rolling: 270-293-8802
Thanks so much to Marc Peebles with Andrus Dock Dredging for taking the time to answer our questions about dredging.