How AUS Restored a California Mining Pond Overrun by Cattails

Project Overview

Our customer operates a large-scale aggregate mining site in California producing asphalt concrete and raw materials for infrastructure projects across the region. Their tailings pond had been losing efficiency, with sediment piling up and, of all things, cattails spreading unchecked. The functionality—and the water—critical to their mining operations was steadily disappearing. 

Over a 9-week project, AUS Dredge and Dive restored nearly half an acre of water surface and cleared vegetation with rootstalks so dense and intertwined, it had formed a mat you could stand on. Using a custom approach and specialized dredging equipment, we removed the root-choked mat and gave the pond back its purpose: efficient water flow, greater storage volume, and more room to operate.

“The cattail root system was so thick, you could literally walk across the root system and we were still knee-deep in 14 feet of water.” 
- Lee Malone, Project Foreman

The Challenge

A combination of sediment build-up and unusually clear water allowed cattails to thrive at extreme depths—up to 14 feet. Over time, the plants created a thick, floating mat of tangled roots that couldn’t be broken with conventional dredging techniques. The pond had essentially become a sponge: saturated, unusable, and putting strain on the entire water system.

The Solution

We deployed a Mudcat 115D augerhead dredge with a weed harvester head, operated by a dedicated 3-person crew working 40 hours per week. The AUS team quickly identified that cutting or vacuuming beneath the mat of vegetation was stalling the equipment so we changed tactics. 

The Innovation

We flipped the playbook—literally. Our crew set the auger on top of the vegetation mat and dragged it forward, pushing the plants downward like a rolling pin. This pressure sheared the cattails’ root mass, loosened the sediment, and allowed efficient suction without clogging or stalling the system.

Services Provided

• Tailings pond dredging
• Dense vegetation removal
• Custom sediment extraction strategy

Certifications & Compliance

• MSHA-certified dredge crew
• California PERP permit approved for portable dredging equipment
• Safe, compliant operations throughout the project
   

The Results

The project successfully restored water clarity to a depth of 15 feet, with the deepest point reaching 18 feet. The majority of cattails were cleared, greatly improving operational efficiency by enhancing water flow and increasing storage capacity. As a result, the client is now able to take a proactive approach by treating cattails early, preventing them from taking root and enabling more effective long-term management.

What started as a severely compromised pond is now a clean, functional part of our customer’s daily operations—and they’ve already begun planning their next phase of preventive care with AUS.

“Working with AUS has been an exceptional experience. Their team demonstrated utmost professionalism and proactivity, delivering high-quality work under the demanding conditions of the California desert heat. Should any of our sites require pond cleaning services in the future, AUS will undoubtedly be our first choice.

Special thanks to Alexis Hernandez, Cesar Saenz, and Joseph Bennett for their dedication and hard work.” - Scott Rigdon, Plant Engineer

Need to Restore Your Tailings Pond? Let’s Talk.

If your tailings pond is showing signs of overgrowth, flow reduction, or sediment stress, don’t wait until the water stops moving. AUS Dredge and Dive delivers real solutions that restore depth, flow, and performance without halting production.

Use our Sediment Calculator to start planning your project or call us at (817) 377-8512 to schedule a consultation.