Clearing waterways of nuisance vegetation can be a green achievement

Local governments are looking to buy greener, environmentally safe grounds maintenance equipment, says Tara Lordi, CEO of Weedoo, a South Florida-based firm, with more than 20 years of experience producing environmental workboats and amphibious work equipment.

Lordi explains: “We find that many government agencies are trending toward ‘green’ initiatives, yes. But at the end of the day, what officials really want is a product that makes their job easier, not harder. They need to provide results to their constituents. The Weedoo is a proven model that not only provides effective and immediate results; it also saves these agencies a lot of money.”

Lordi notes that the phrase “grounds maintenance” for many grounds and property managers includes aquatic cleanup. She adds that a key part of that maintenance includes a growing demand for products that can get rid of nuisance weeds and other vegetation overgrowth without the use (and overuse) of dangerous herbicides.

“Government agencies are under pressure from environmental groups and the citizens they serve to protect their waterways by using more sustainable solutions. Consequently, there’s been an explosion in demand for equipment like the aquatic cleanup boats made by Weedoo. These easy-to-maneuver boats can clear 100 tons of vegetation in a day, without the use of herbicides.” Today, Weedoo craft are safely cleaning waterways in 41 states and 18 countries worldwide.”

Related:EV fleets get fueled via solar chargers and managed charging software through existing grid

Lordi outlines the success of her firm’s products compared to traditional weed-killer chemicals: “One municipality went from spending $250,000 a year on herbicides to clear up its lakes and waterways to zero dollars in three years.”   

The Weedoo machine provides a method that effectively cleans lakes and streams without causing significant harm to the water. It is user-friendly and sturdy enough to complete the job. The company’s TC-Series workboat, which has been compared to a skid steer on water, can easily navigate through shallow rivers, streams, ponds and other bodies of water.

The company also offers versatile amphibious machinery that efficiently cleans up and removes vegetation in swamps and wastewater retention ponds. The firm’s complete range of products ensures productive, successful remediation — whether on water, in wetlands or on the mainland. The following link takes you to product photos and videos on the company’s website.

Mechanical harvesting with the Weedoo machines ensures:

• Precision weed removal; using the machines also prevents build-up of biomass and muck.

Related:Mobile servicing and specialized service centers keep public sector fleets in good working order

• Safe removal of lake weeds. Using the machines enables immediate use of waterway for swimming, fishing and irrigation.

• According to one source, there are currently more than 177 plant species (>295 biotypes) that have developed resistance to herbicides worldwide. Roughly 70 of those species are in the U.S., with most occurring in agricultural systems.

Lordi urges government grounds managers and purchasing officials to listen to their equipment operators when they are thinking of acquiring aquatic cleanup apparatus. “They are the ones on the frontline and know what tools they need to achieve the task at hand. Consider where you are buying your equipment from — is it some company overseas? How easy will it be for you to get spare parts and keep your machine running? The Weedoo is hand-crafted with pride in the United States.”

The firm offers a variety of tools and assets that can assist owners of Weedoo equipment to get the most out of their Weedoo experience. Lordi explains: “We offer everything from online ‘shop talk/how-to’ videos and in-person/on-site training to a 24-hour service line. We are committed to this fight to save our waterways.”

What best practices and procedures should local governments follow when they are considering buying aquatic cleanup equipment? Lordi tells Co-op Solutions: “Each agency has its own specific rules and standards. Generally, government agencies need to provide a use justification of the equipment and then perform an invitation for bid (IFB), request for quote (RFQ) or other solicitation to gather bids for equipment that may suit their needs. The equipment or fleet manager can then choose the item they prefer and typically a board of commissioners has to approve the purchase.” Agencies may also be able to use cooperative procurement agreements to obtain the equipment.