As with all infrastructure and the surrounding grounds, there is ongoing maintenance to keep things operating efficiently and as intended. When the grounds include lakes, ponds or other water bodies that collect stormwater runoff, dredging eventually becomes part of the maintenance plan. When rain events occur and water can’t be absorbed by the earth, it is conveyed to another location either planned or unplanned. Most infrastructure projects require a drainage or stormwater system to manage rain events.
The same is true for airport infrastructure which can include many acres of impermeable surfaces (runways, parking lots, roads, buildings, etc). Over time, the pond or lake that collects the stormwater becomes overloaded with sediment and debris that is picked up and carried downstream. This sediment and debris in effect renders the pond ineffective, as it can no longer hold as much of the stormwater runoff. Dredging is required to remove the sediment and restore water holding capacity.
While dredging projects are essential for maintaining airport infrastructure and the ever-increasing passenger volumes, it is crucial to balance these needs with environmental conservation. Sustainable dredging practices that minimize environmental impacts while achieving project goals are becoming increasingly important in many industries.
As sediment and debris accumulate, the quality and functional design of the pond are impaired. The reduction in storage capacity can also cause storm water to flow through the pond before sediment and pollutants are settled and captured, thus carrying sediment and pollution downstream. In the airport setting pollutants in the stormwater may include oil, grease, jet fuel, de-icing chemicals, detergents, pesticides, construction debris and other hazardous materials. The same is true for DFW Airport, one of the largest airports in the world with more than 73 million travelers each year.
DFW Airport is considered a small municipality with its own zip code, police, fire, and emergency departments. At over 17,000 acres, DFW is larger than the city of Manhattan. The Airport manages over 258 miles of storm sewer pipes, over 150 stormwater outfalls, and 26 miles of creeks and channels, discharging into eight distinct watersheds and, eventually, the Trinity River. (https://www.dfwairport.com/business/community/sustainability/stormwater/) And, DFW prioritizes conservation and pollution prevention and is committed to operating the airport in a manner that encourages environmental stewardship.
33-acre Trigg Lake is the primary reservoir that receives stormwater from much of the airport. The Environmental Affairs Department, Watershed Program, and Stormwater Management Programs work jointly to keep the lake clean and healthy at or above TCEQ standards. One major project for DFW airport in 2025 included the removal of sediment accumulation and invasive plants from Trigg Lake, both of which hinder water flow and water holding capacity.
In line with their approach to environmental protection, DFW Airport employed hydraulic dredges that operate from the water with little impact to the shoreline and aquatic habitat. During the hydraulic dredging process, sediment was pumped into nearby dewatering tubes where the water was filtered and returned to the lake. Water quality and turbidity were monitored throughout the project. 40,000 cubic yards of sediment were removed in the north end of the lake near the inlet, improving water flow, water quality, and storage capacity.
