Ditching job

[Fixastuff]

I'm a "responsible land disturber" in VA. Thought it was a funny name for being certified. Can't work in the Chesapeake Bay watershed without it.

 

[Dozernut]

The oil fields have trucks that bring in "mud" [bentonite or other supplies] but they are always getting buried in the mud during wet times. They use a mud boat, which essentially is a flat barge made of steel plate. They drive the truck on and a dozer pulls the mud boat to the rig. Not suggesting you build a mud boat, but maybe you can get an idea from it.

 

[workinonit]

Good grief. This has gone from what machine would be best to move material from point A to B to getting permission from the federal government.

 

[Hay Dude]

Simpler to just walk away, as once the DEC or DEP get wind of a job
like this they will stop it because it flows into river.

No doubt. Once the Coast Guard gets involved, I’m out.

 

[RidgeHiker]

Have not read the entire thread so this may have been discussed. 1/2 mile distance to berm. Last 400' of soft ground is about 15% or total distance. What about dumping berm dirt just prior to soft ground with something much more efficient to move it? Use the tractor for the last 400'.

 

[Code54]

Can you just use a regular dump trailer (say 16' duel axle) and leave it up on the driveway or some other solid dry spot closer to the work site to lower the running back and forth. Use the tractor to run 10 bucket loads to the trailer, then the 11th load tow the trailer down the rest of the way and dump everything at once. I do this at times as with the 3 point it takes about 30 second to hook the trailer up and go.

 

[redman135]

I have waded through all 17 pages (at this point) and code54(post 166) probably has the most practical low cost idea so far.

BUT,what is the timing of this job? Can you wait until a dry time of year? Hope to start soon is not very specific.
I am a foriegner so I don't know what your wet/dry seasons are.

 

[Hay Dude]

Can you just use a regular dump trailer (say 16' duel axle) and leave it up on the driveway or some other solid dry spot closer to the work site to lower the running back and forth. Use the tractor to run 10 bucket loads to the trailer, then the 11th load tow the trailer down the rest of the way and dump everything at once. I do this at times as with the 3 point it takes about 30 second to hook the trailer up and go.

Yes that could be done
I have multiple tractors. One can shuttle dirt to the awaiting trailer, which would be hooked up to another tractor.
Problem with that is I don’t own a dump trailer yet, and there’s no trailers in stock that suit me beyond this job.

 

[Code54]

You May want to check your local rental yards; they are pretty cheap around me. Also, on Facebook marketplace, at least around us, you will see people renting their trailers out - you may be able to strike a deal for the week or so you need one. Good luck!!

 

[BackRoad]

Inquiring minds need to know...did WE get the job???

 

[Hay Dude]

Inquiring minds need to know...did WE get the job???

Not yet. The land owner is inquiring about permits and contacting the Coast Guard. Lol

 

[Hay Dude]

UPDATE:

As of today, the property owner has wisely postponed the ditching job until July, when it will be very dry here (well, usually anyways). It should be possible to move soil by truck. In fact, if it does get done in July, we should be able to rent a 33,000lb single or 54,000lb tandem dump and move the spoil efficiently, without too much compaction or ruts.

I will be under more time pressure than now because of hay work, but remain optimistic. This will give us time for permits and permission from the Coast Guard.

 

[dodge man]

I worked for a civil engineering company for over 35 years, I’ve never heard of getting permission from the Coast Guard. The Army Corp of Engineers I have heard of. I’m not saying people are wrong, I’ve just never heard of it. A lot of times we would have to prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention plan as part of our plans. At one time if you disturbed over 1 acre it was required. It was often pretty simple stuff, silt fence and some ditch checks, such as hay bales.

 

[Hay Dude]

I worked for a civil engineering company for over 35 years, I’ve never heard of getting permission from the Coast Guard. The Army Corp of Engineers I have heard of. I’m not saying people are wrong, I’ve just never heard of it. A lot of times we would have to prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention plan as part of our plans. At one time if you disturbed over 1 acre it was required. It was often pretty simple stuff, silt fence and some ditch checks, such as hay bales.

The Coast Guard thing is a joke.

 

[dodge man]

Thanks, I’m a little slow on the uptake sometimes.

 

[CaptainZ01]

Hi. Actually, I don't know what I am doing here, but it was interesting to read this thread. My husband works in this sphere, and this forum was opened on our PC when I came. I know almost nothing about your job, guys. I am a phlebotomist. If you wonder, there is an interesting fact about my job - 85.2% of phlebotomists are female. To help you, I saw my husband using a scraper when I went to look at his job. But the thing is that he had a bit different area to work on. Anyways, I will ask him to reply here later. Maybe he can help you. Wishing you all the best!

 

[ovrszd]

Hi. Actually, I don't know what I am doing here, but it was interesting to read this thread. My husband works in this sphere, and this forum was opened on our PC when I came. I know almost nothing about your job, guys. I am a phlebotomist. If you wonder, there is an interesting fact about my job - 85.2% of phlebotomists are female.

Welcome to the Forum!!!

Coincidentally, 14.8% of women are actually men.

 

[charles todd]

Welcome to the Forum!!!

Coincidentally, 14.8% of women are actually men.

Heard this on the news yesterday.

CT

 

[mred2]

I would not doubt the corps of engineers would get involved. If water runs in it, they want to control it. I had a friend that purchase 14 acres to build a house and pond on. The ditch has water in it in the spring. A neighbor turned him into the county to get a permit for the pond. He already had permits for everything else. It was going to cost him over $16,000 to have engineering firm to run a study. Engineer told him it was not a ditch but a stream. No fish, water only part of year. He dropped his idea and sold the land for more than he paid. As long as you don't allow silt to run into the river, I don't see a problem. You are not buildings the drainage, only cleaning it out. It is not new construction, it is repair. I have repaired my dock several times over the last 45 years. No permits required on repairs, as long as no more than 50% is done. I just do half at a time.