Question 1

What areas does Eco Waterway Services serve?

Accepted Answer

We primarily serve Wisconsin lake and waterfront property owners across the state, including the Milwaukee metro area, Lake Geneva, the Northwoods, and surrounding Midwest regions. Contact us to confirm availability in your area.

Question 2

How do I get started with a project?

Accepted Answer

Simply call us at 262-337-0083 or fill out our contact form. One of our eco specialists will schedule a site visit to assess your waterway, discuss your goals, and provide a free project quote.

Question 3

Do you offer free consultations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer free on-site consultations and project quotes for all of our services. Our specialists will evaluate your property and recommend the best approach for your specific situation.

Question 4

How long does a typical project take?

Accepted Answer

Project timelines vary depending on the scope of work, the size of the area, and permit processing times. A small D.A.S.H. weed removal project may take a few days, while a large hydraulic dredging project can span several weeks. We will provide a detailed timeline during your consultation.

Question 5

What is D.A.S.H. and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

D.A.S.H. stands for Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting. Our trained divers hand-extract aquatic plants by the root system underwater, then bag and remove the material from the lake entirely. This prevents regrowth and eliminates the need for herbicides.

Question 6

Is D.A.S.H. safe for fish and wildlife?

Accepted Answer

Yes. D.A.S.H. is one of the most environmentally friendly weed removal methods available. Because divers work by hand and remove plants by the root, there is minimal disturbance to the lake bed, and no chemicals are introduced into the water.

Question 7

What types of aquatic weeds can you remove?

Accepted Answer

We can remove a wide variety of invasive and nuisance aquatic plants including Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, starry stonewort, and other species regulated by the WI DNR. We will identify the specific plants during your site consultation.

Question 8

Will the weeds grow back after removal?

Accepted Answer

Because D.A.S.H. removes the entire plant including the root system, regrowth is significantly reduced compared to cutting or chemical treatments. Annual maintenance visits may be recommended for heavily infested areas.

Question 9

What is hydraulic dredging?

Accepted Answer

Hydraulic dredging uses a specialized dredge boat with a rotating cutter head to loosen and pump sediment from the lake or waterway bottom. The sediment slurry is transported through piping to geo-textile dewatering bags on shore, where the water drains back and the solids are retained for disposal.

Question 10

Why is hydraulic dredging preferred by the WI DNR?

Accepted Answer

The WI DNR prefers hydraulic dredging because it causes minimal disturbance to the surrounding aquatic environment, keeps sediment contained, and reduces turbidity in the water compared to mechanical methods.

Question 11

When is mechanical dredging used instead of hydraulic?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical dredging using an amphibious excavator is used when water depth is too shallow for a hydraulic dredge boat, when there is limited laydown area for dewatering bags, or when the material is too dense or debris-laden for hydraulic removal.

Question 12

How deep can you dredge?

Accepted Answer

Our hydraulic dredging equipment can work in a range of water depths. The appropriate depth and method will be determined during your site assessment. Contact us to discuss the specifics of your project.

Question 13

What happens to the dredged material?

Accepted Answer

Dredged sediment is pumped into geo-textile dewatering bags on shore. Once the material has dewatered sufficiently, it can be used as fill material on your property (if approved) or hauled off-site for proper disposal, depending on DNR requirements and the nature of the sediment.

Question 14

Do I need a permit for aquatic weed removal or dredging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Wisconsin, virtually all in-water work including aquatic plant removal and dredging requires permits from the WI DNR and may also require local county approvals. Eco Waterway Services handles all permit filings on your behalf.

Question 15

How long does the permitting process take?

Accepted Answer

Permit processing times vary by project type and agency workload. Simple permits may be approved in a few weeks, while more complex projects can take several months. We recommend starting the permitting process as early as possible, especially for projects planned for the following season.

Question 16

What permits are typically required?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the scope of work, permits may include a WI DNR Chapter 30 permit for in-water work, an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) management permit, and local county shoreland zoning approvals. Our specialists will identify all required permits for your specific project.

Question 17

Can I do any work without a permit?

Accepted Answer

Some very limited activities may be exempt from permitting, but most in-water work in Wisconsin requires approval. We strongly recommend consulting with us before beginning any work to avoid fines and project shutdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

D.A.S.H. Weed Removal

Dredging

Permits & Regulations

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