Over the past 15 months, five teams from around the world have been developing lab and field-scale prototypes of their solutions to remove the sedimentation that regularly accumulates in reservoirs. The Phase 2 Winners announced today will each receive an additional $25,000 to support costs associated with a larger-scale demonstration in Phase 3.

The Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to congratulate the Phase 2 winners, in no particular order:

  • 3 D Dredger™ (3DD): The 3DD team is developing a fully autonomous dredging system designed to handle sediment and larger debris using three dredging attachments. The system is designed for deployment in any environment, without impacting operation or recreation. The 3DD team consists of inventors at Hydro Maintenance Service and their U.S. partner Prometheus Innovations, LLC. The team is represented by Bartolomeo Mongiardino, Nicholas LaBry, and Kenneth LaBry. 
  • D-Sediment: The D-Sediment team developed the SediMover technology as an autonomous vessel for efficient 24/7 sediment transfer from reservoirs. The patented and scalable, modular technology can be used for downstream river sediment continuity or sediment land processing. There are generally no limits in control, transfer range, and scope. The transfer is measured constantly onboard and is documented. The D-Sediment team has been active in sediment consulting and removal systems for several years. 
  • Mazdak International Inc: Mazdak International is developing a new technology based on 3 steps: (1) a deep dredging slurry piston pump engine, (2) dewatering sediments in settling ponds, and (3) hydraulic capsule pipelines to transport dewatered sediments in dry or semi-dry form. The technology is based on minimizing water and power consumption and reducing abrasion in pumps and pipelines. The team is headed by Baha Abulnaga, P.E. 

While only three of the five teams are advancing to Phase 3, the Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to commend the two runner up teams for their efforts in this phase:

  • Wing Marine Team composed of Doug Thompson, John Crowson, Mel Friedman, Peter Crossland, Bryan Longhurst, James Coats, and Joel Friedman, A Cure for Ailing Reservoirs.
  • Dr. Peter Murdoch and Dr. John Newport, Air Bubble Suction Pipe with Water Recirculation.

Congratulations once again to our Phase 2 Winners!