Ohio Lagoon Cleanup Project
Industrial wastewater lagoons accumulate sludge over time, reducing treatment capacity and requiring costly, disruptive cleanouts—but most facilities settle for temporary dredging that only delays the problem.
This Ohio project proves that the right cleaning method can extend service intervals from 5 years to 15 years, delivering massive cost savings and operational continuity.
U.S. Waste Industries was selected to clean two large clay-lined wastewater lagoons after the client grew frustrated with frequent, expensive dredging cycles. Using our proprietary polymer solidification technology, we completed the entire project in just 5 days—and extended their cleaning interval by a full decade.
The Challenge: Frequent Cleanouts and Rising Costs
The client operated two wastewater treatment lagoons—each measuring 90 feet long × 140 feet wide × 20 feet deep—with clay liners designed to prevent groundwater contamination. For years, they had been dredging the lagoons every 5 years to maintain treatment capacity.
But the process was becoming unsustainable:
- High costs – Frequent dredging meant paying for equipment, labor, and disposal every 5 years
- Operational disruption – Taking lagoons out of service interrupted wastewater treatment operations
- Incomplete cleaning – Dredging didn’t remove enough sludge to allow liner inspections, leaving potential leaks undetected
- Short intervals – The 5-year cycle was far shorter than the lagoons’ designed capacity
During their search for cost-saving alternatives, the client evaluated multiple vendors. U.S. Waste Industries emerged as the provider with the best combination of technology, experience, and proven results.
Our Solution: Polymer Solidification for Long-Term Results
Instead of standard dredging, we recommended our polymer solidification method—a proven technique that transforms liquid sludge into a stable, solid mass that’s easier to remove, safer to handle, and prevents re-accumulation.
Step 1: Site Assessment and Planning
Before mobilizing equipment, we assessed site conditions to determine the best treatment and disposal approach. Our OSHA HAZWOPER-trained team evaluated:
- Sludge depth and composition
- Clay liner condition and access requirements
- Environmental and disposal regulations
- Equipment needs and site logistics
This assessment allowed us to develop a customized plan that minimized downtime and maximized long-term effectiveness.
Step 2: Dewatering
We began by pumping down the water in both lagoons to expose the sludge layer. Depending on permit requirements, water was either treated on-site or discharged to the facility’s wastewater system.
Step 3: Polymer Solidification
Once dewatered, we applied a special polymer solidification agent that instantly transformed the liquid sludge into a firm, stable solid mass. This process:
- Eliminated liquid waste handling and disposal challenges
- Prevented sludge from leaching or re-liquefying
- Made excavation faster, safer, and more thorough
- Reduced the volume of material requiring disposal
Unlike dredging—which leaves residual sludge and moisture behind—solidification ensures complete removal down to the liner surface.
Step 4: Excavation and Removal
With sludge solidified, our crews used excavators, off-road forklifts, and heavy-duty trucks to remove all material from both lagoons. Within 5 days, both lagoons were completely cleared—exposing the clay liner for the first time in 20 years.
Step 5: Liner Inspection and Final Disposal
With the lagoons empty, the client was finally able to inspect the clay liner for damage, leaks, or deterioration. All removed sludge was transported to approved disposal facilities in compliance with EPA and Ohio environmental regulations, with full manifesting and documentation provided.
Project Results: 15-Year Service Extension
The results speak for themselves:
- 5 days – Total project duration for both lagoons
- 15 years – New cleaning interval (up from 5 years)
- 200% increase – In time between cleanouts
- Substantial cost savings – Avoiding two additional cleanings over 15 years
- First liner inspection in 20 years – Revealed no major damage, confirming liner integrity
- Zero operational disruption – Fast turnaround minimized downtime
By switching from dredging to polymer solidification, the client not only saved money—they restored the lagoons to their original design capacity and gained confidence in their long-term wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Why Polymer Solidification Outperforms Dredging
Many facilities assume dredging is the only option for lagoon cleaning, but it’s often the least effective approach for long-term maintenance. Here’s why solidification delivers better results:
| Factor | Standard Dredging | Polymer Solidification |
|---|---|---|
| Sludge Removal | Incomplete – leaves residual moisture and sludge | Complete – removes all material down to liner |
| Liner Access | Limited – residual sludge prevents inspection | Full – liner exposed for complete inspection |
| Re-accumulation Rate | Faster – residual material accelerates buildup | Slower – clean surface extends service life |
| Disposal Handling | Difficult – liquid waste requires special transport | Easy – solid material safely loaded and hauled |
| Environmental Risk | Higher – potential for leaching or spills | Lower – non-leaching solid mass |
| Long-Term Cost | Higher – frequent cleanouts required | Lower – extended intervals reduce lifetime costs |
Industries and Facilities We Serve
U.S. Waste Industries provides lagoon cleaning services for industrial and municipal clients nationwide, including:
- Manufacturing facilities with process wastewater
- Food and beverage processing plants
- Pulp and paper mills
- Chemical manufacturing operations
- Municipal wastewater treatment plants
- Agricultural operations (livestock, poultry)
- Power generation facilities
Services Demonstrated in This Project
This Ohio lagoon cleanup project showcased multiple capabilities under one contract:
- Pond and lagoon cleanout services – Dewatering, solidification, and complete sludge removal
- Hazardous waste disposal – Compliant handling and manifesting (if sludge is classified as hazardous)
- Non-hazardous waste disposal – Transport and disposal of industrial sludge
- Heavy equipment mobilization – Excavators, forklifts, and specialized lagoon cleaning tools
Why Choose U.S. Waste Industries for Lagoon Cleaning
Lagoon cleanouts require more than equipment—they require innovation, speed, and a commitment to long-term results. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Proven polymer solidification technology – Extends cleaning intervals and reduces lifetime costs
- OSHA HAZWOPER-trained professionals – Safe handling of hazardous and non-hazardous sludge
- Fast mobilization and execution – Projects completed in days, not weeks
- Complete compliance documentation – Manifests, disposal certifications, and regulatory reporting
- Nationwide service with local responsiveness – Serving the Southeast, Midwest, and beyond
- 24/7 availability – Call 800-669-9552 anytime to discuss emergency or planned cleanouts
More Lagoon Cleaning Case Studies
This Ohio project is just one example of our lagoon cleaning expertise. Explore additional case studies:
- Virginia Lagoon Removal – 8,000 tons removed in 7 days after a competitor failed
- General Lagoon Cleanout Services – Overview of our methods and capabilities
Get a Free Lagoon Cleaning Assessment
If your facility is facing frequent cleanouts, rising costs, or operational disruptions from lagoon maintenance, it’s time to explore better options. U.S. Waste Industries provides free on-site assessments to evaluate your lagoons and recommend the most cost-effective, long-term solution.
Call 800-669-9552 or contact us today to schedule your assessment. We’ll provide a clear scope of work, transparent pricing, and proven methods backed by decades of experience.
U.S. Waste Industries: Compliance you can trust. Experts you can reach.