LGA Catch Vac

The Catch Vac, a trailer mounted vacuum unit, cleans out stormwater catchments economically and efficiently. Used by public works departments, businesses and homeowners, the Catch Vac maintains catch basins, dry wells and sediment traps.

Prior to 2009, the Catch Vac was used only by local municipalities. Now it is leased to individual property owners as well, helping them live in a more lake-friendly way, The Catch Vac provides a lot of options for treating stormwater on private property. Small catch basins or dry wells are much easier to maintain with the Catch Vac (see the images below). The Catch Vac can be towed behind a truck and is not only easy to operate, but can be maneuvered into tight places. Nims Outdoor Services, a certified operator of the unit, is working with the LGA to let homeowners know the Catch Vac is available for rental.

Lake George is rated as a Class AA-Special water body -- it can be used as a drinking water source. It is also listed on the NYS DEC 303d list as a body of water this is impaired by sediment. This includes the Lake itself as well as the steams that feed it. Due to necessary road sanding operations, erosion and other issues, sand finds its way to the Lake through stormwater systems, adding significantly to the growth of deltas and negatively impacting water quality. Capturing the excess sediment is a primary concern of the LGA, local municipalities, and organizations such as the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District. Working together, we have installed many stormwater devices designed to capture the sediment. Once installed, these devices must be periodically cleaned out in order to work properly. The LGA Catch Vac is here to perform this task.

The village and town of Lake George, the town of Hadley, and the Quality Inn Lake George have used the LGA Catch Vac in recent years, as have individual homeowners. The LGA expects to see expanded use of the Catch Vac, because individual property owners can now lease it, and a professional contractor is available to operate the equipment and remove the material. The Catch Vac is maintained by the village of Lake George; the LGA thanks them for their outstanding work.

 

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