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Hi Simon
It's quite possible that the silt is (or might be) classified as hazardous waste.
One of the problems faced on the Somerset Levels was what to do with the silt and organic matter produced from dredging. Some of the waste was considered as either toxic or hazardous, it meant it couldn't just be transported locally and re-introduced into farmland.
Have a read: http://mikerigby.org/2014/02/28/1068/
Commercially I think you will have to take your responsibility seriously.
Practically, and I guess it depends on the amount of waste involved, I'd consider composting the silt and using it as a soil conditioner.
You'll have a duty of care so it's best to write out a risk assessment and an action plan, just in case you're ever challenged.
Have you considered the 'Siltex' treatment option?
Jeff,
can you expand ? We also look after a number of ponds on commercial sites and regulalry have to clear them and as mentioned above, sometimes the waste is considered contaminated in respect of off-site disposal.
If the silt is predominately organic it can be reduced significantly by using 'Siltex' and therefore no need to dredge. Try: http://www.aquacultureequipment.co.uk/index.php/products?page=shop....
Also you cannot dispose of it "on site" as the customer may want, as again it is most likely classed as either contaminated or not suitable for use as a soil ammendment.
It depends largely on its structure IE is is clay / organic based etc. You could have it tested, or mix it in with other organic material for disposal in planting borders.
As a temporay measure you could store it in a bund, solving the main issue, and leave waste disposal for a later date when you know what it contains - It is dries to a fine dusty element, and a soil test comes back safe / fine you could then use is as a good soil ammendement, It often has high PK and organic mater levels making it good in this regard.,
Actually, there are quite a lot of things you can do with the silt "on-site" that fall within the current legislation.
We specialise in the low impact de-silting of heritage feature and can almost always find a solution which doesn't involve off site disposal.
You do need to be realistic with what works like this will cost however, so that would be my first point of caution with "ridiculous" quotations.
Feel free to check us ot at Ebsford.co.uk and have a look at the kind of projects we have do before. I've never had to off site the sediment.