What does it take to produce more than a million tons of sand and gravel each year? At Silvi Sand of Eagleswood in West Creek, New Jersey, cutter-suction dredging plays a central role in keeping production moving beneath the water’s surface.

In the September 2026 issue of Pit & Quarry, Silvi Materials was featured in “Beneath the Surface,” an article by Kevin Yanik exploring how cutter-suction dredging technology, favorable geology, and experienced operators work together to drive production at one of our sand mining operations.

The feature includes insights from Brian Adams, Area Manager at Silvi Sand, who discusses the equipment, technology, and people behind the operation’s success.

Read the full article in Pit & Quarry >

How Does Cutter-Suction Dredging Work in Sand Mining?

Cutter-suction dredging is a mining method that uses a rotating cutterhead to excavate material underwater. The excavated sand and gravel are then pumped through a pipeline to a processing plant, where they are separated, washed, and prepared for use.

At Silvi Sand of Eagleswood, this process supports annual production of approximately 1.2 million to 1.4 million tons of material.

The 1,700-acre operation produces three core washed sand products and three core washed gravel products, with most of the material supplying Silvi Materials’ downstream operations. Additional products serve outside customers in applications ranging from road construction and septic systems to concrete production and block manufacturing.

The site’s geology plays an important role in that productivity. With a relatively coarse deposit, low clay content, and highwalls reaching more than 80 feet above the water in some areas, Eagleswood offers favorable conditions for efficient excavation and processing.

As Adams explains in the article, the quality of the deposit and the performance of the excavating system are fundamental to successful dredging.

How Automation Improves Cutter-Suction Dredging Efficiency

While the dredge itself operates largely out of sight, the technology behind it is helping Silvi Materials maintain consistent production.

Our three dredging operations in New Jersey use electrically powered cutter-suction dredges manufactured by DSC Dredge.

At Eagleswood, automated controls help regulate pumping speeds based on the flow rate selected by the operator. An auto-swing system also adjusts the dredge’s movement in response to changing material conditions, helping it move efficiently through the deposit.

These technologies reduce the number of manual adjustments required during operation, allowing dredge operators to focus on equipment performance, changing conditions, and production.

The Pit & Quarry feature also explores how further advances in automation and artificial intelligence could support dredging operations in the future.

Why Experienced Operators Still Matter

Technology is only part of the equation.

Operating a dredge requires mechanical knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to troubleshoot equipment in a demanding environment.

As Adams discusses in the feature, experienced dredge operators are difficult to find and train. Their expertise remains essential, particularly when it comes to maintenance, identifying potential problems, and minimizing unplanned downtime.

At Silvi Materials, investing in equipment and maintaining a skilled workforce go hand in hand. The ultimate goal is to operate efficiently and reliably while supporting the needs of our customers and downstream operations.

Building on Our Sand Mining + Aggregates Expertise

Silvi Sand of Eagleswood demonstrates how the right combination of natural resources, equipment, technology, and people can support a productive aggregates operation.

With approximately 90% of mined material ultimately saleable and more than 200 years of estimated mine life remaining, Eagleswood represents an important part of Silvi Materials’ long-term aggregates capabilities.

We’re proud to see the operation and the people behind it recognized by Pit & Quarry.

Read the full feature: “Beneath the Surface” by Kevin Yanik, Pit & Quarry, September 2026.

For additional insight, watch Brian Adams discuss workforce development and construction sand demand in Pit & Quarry’s exclusive interview.