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Water bodies such as ponds and smaller still waters are subject to continuous natural and anthropogenic influences. Over time, sediments consisting of organic material such as leaves, nutrients and mineral components are deposited at the bottom of the water body. This can gradually lead to a reduction in the water volume and thus to siltation of the water body, which can impair the ecological functionality and the existing biotope.
In order to counteract these processes and preserve the natural functions of the watercourse, watercourse maintenance and restoration measures can be implemented. A key method here is desilting, in which the deposited sediments are mechanically removed and then professionally treated.
A project in Witten shows how close coordination between planning and execution can support professional and efficient realisation. In this case, the planning was carried out by M&P Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH Hanover - Part of SIERA as well as on-site support from the TABERG Engineers GmbH - Part of SIERA.
Why desludging is important
Ongoing natural and anthropogenic influences have a continuous effect on ponds and smaller still waters. Several developments can occur when sediments are deposited at the bottom of a body of water.
These include:
- Deposition of organic material such as leaves
- Registered nutrients
- mineral components
- Reduction of the water volume
- Sedimentation of the water body
- Impairment of ecological functionality
- Effects on the existing biotope
These developments emphasise the importance of maintenance and remediation measures in order to preserve water bodies and their natural functions.
Desludging as a central measure
Desilting is a key method among the possible maintenance and rehabilitation measures.
The desludging process includes
- Mechanical removal of the deposited sediments
- Professional treatment of the removed sediments
In this way, siltation processes can be counteracted and the condition of the water body can be supported in the long term.
Importance of the vote
Close and continuous coordination between planning and implementation is of central importance for the successful realisation of desilting measures.
This interaction is supported:
- professional realisation
- efficient execution
- Compliance with the requirements of water protection
- compliance with the requirements of soil protection
The importance of working in partnership is particularly evident at the interface between planning and practical implementation.
Project overview: Witten
This interaction was successfully implemented as part of a sludge removal measure in Witten with a volume of around 5,000 tonnes.
| Project aspect | Description of the |
| Place | Witten |
| Measure | Desilting project |
| Volume | Around 5,000 tonnes |
| Planning | Feasibility study and planning |
| On-site support | Expert support and construction management |
| Period on site | January to April 2026 |
Contribution to the project
A feasibility study was prepared and the measure planned in advance of the project. Based on this, the on-site support from January to April 2026 included expert supervision and construction management.
The continuous presence on the construction site and close coordination with all project participants ensured professional and efficient implementation.r. The requirements of water and soil protection were also taken into account.
Contribution of the measure
The desilting of the watercourse has made a significant contribution in several areas.
The measure supported:
- Improving water quality
- The stabilisation of ecological processes
- The long-term preservation of water bodies
- The preservation of water bodies as habitats
- The preservation of bodies of water as local recreation areas
These results emphasise the importance of coordinated planning and execution for such measures.
Outlook
An article on sand separation will be published in the coming weeks. This topic is also an essential part of desilting measures.
A clear example from Witten shows that successful desilting measures depend on the interplay between planning and implementation. The preparatory work and support during implementation ensured a professional and efficient process.
This has helped to improve water quality, stabilise ecological processes and preserve bodies of water as habitats and recreational areas in the long term.
👉 Learn more about TABERG Engineers GmbH and their role within SIERA.