Apparatus for Removing a Layer of Sediment Which has Settled on the Bottom of a Large Water Body

An apparatus for removing a layer of sediment which has settled on the bottom of a large water body, comprising:

• a structural frame configured to contain a bottom water flow and avoid a re-suspension of sediment outside the vicinity of the structural frame, wherein the structural frame comprises a control zone configured for containing liquid and suspended particles dispersed during removal of bottom sediment in a suctioning area that is at least about 3 square feet, said structural frame having at least 4 wheels configured to provide support for a suction height, said at least 4 wheels associated with the structural frame to facilitate conveyance when the structural frame is submerged in the large water body;
• at least one sediment removing vacuum unit operably associated with the structural frame;
• at least one segment of PVC or plastic pipe being at least 1 inch in diameter, said at least one segment being connected to the vacuum unit;
• at least one suction line configured to conduct a suctioned bottom water flow;
• and a filter being permeable to water and having a predetermined size to trap debris;
• wherein said structural frame has one or more sections that direct silt laden water to the vacuum unit;
• and wherein the vacuum unit is adapted to connect to a hose being of at least about 8 feet in length and having a diameter of at least about 2 inches, and said suctioned bottom flow is directed through the filter and wherein the control zone comprises a suctioning area that is at least about 3 square feet;
• a curtain that is flexible, that surrounds a vacuum area and that assists in isolating an area of suctioning and wherein filtered water flow is returned into the large water body.