Liming of Acid Lakes by Barge

Sweetwater Technology has developed a precise and efficient method for applying ground limestone to acid lakes.   Limestone (calcium carbonate) is the ingredient in many antacids such as Tums. Limestone is completely harmless to fish and wildlife and instantly neutralizes acidic water as it settles.   The specially designed barge pictured here is applying limestone slurry to the surface of an acid lake. The limestone is delivered to the site as a dry powder via pneumatic tank trucks. It is blown through hoses into the barge's hold where it is mixed with lake water in a dust free operation to form a 50% to 70% slurry. Continuous agitation maintains a uniform slurry while transferring, transporting and applying.   During distribution, the barge traverses the lake much as a farmer would fertilize a field. A computerized satellite navigational system is used to guide the operator back and forth across the lake in parallel paths. This guarantees a no-skip, no-overlap coverage and eliminates the need to drop and retrieve buoys to mark zones and paths.   The flow of the limestone slurry is controlled by a patented process using the computer shown in the photo to the left. The computer continually monitors the water depth and boat speed and automatically adjusts the valves to deliver a precise dose of limestone to the water.   Application can be made by water volume, by area, or a combination of the two at rates of up to 100 tons of dry material per day.

Sweetwater Barge Facts