AQUATIC VEGETATION REMOVAL

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is seeking a qualified contractor to mechanically shred and remove floating aquatic vegetation from Rice Hope Lake and Quarterman Lake in the Bonneau area. The work must achieve 100 % removal of vegetation mats, with the shredded material deposited on designated upland sites for natural decomposition. The contractor must provide all required equipment (heavy‑duty shredders, aquatic harvesters, airboat, marsh excavator, and barge with rotovator), demonstrate ownership of each equipment category, and comply with a blackout period that protects waterfowl. Bids are due 9 / 16 / 2026, with award expected 9 / 17 / 2026. The contract runs roughly from mid‑2026 to mid‑2027, with a mandatory 90‑day bid‑open period. • Mechanical shredding of aquatic vegetation at two ~62‑acre lakes (Rice Hope and Quarterman). • Required equipment: 240 hp shredders, aquatic harvesters, airboat, marsh excavator, barge with rotovator – all owned by the contractor. • No work allowed between 20 Nov 2026 and 10 Feb 2027; completion required by 15 Jun 2027. • Lump‑sum contract; payment upon completion of each lake; no budget disclosed.