Pond & Lagoon Cleaning Services

Bristola delivers advanced Pond & Lagoon Cleaning Services that remove sludge, protect liners, and reduce downtime with zero-human-entry technology. From covered lagoon cleanouts to sediment mapping for open ponds, our team helps operators improve performance, plan maintenance, and keep critical systems running safely and efficiently.

Robotic pond and lagoon cleaning operation

Our Pond & Lagoon Cleaning Services

Specialized lagoon and pond solutions designed to remove sludge, improve performance, and minimize operational disruption.

Covered Lagoon Cleaning

Clean covered lagoons with Bristola’s zero-human-entry system that removes accumulated solids while the lagoon stays in operation after initial installation, helping reduce downtime, protect workers, and preserve liner integrity.

Sediment Mapping

Use advanced sonar and GPS-based sediment mapping to measure sludge depth, water depth, and sediment volume in noncovered ponds and lagoons, giving operators clear data for maintenance planning and dredging budgets.

Robotic Cleaning System

Deploy a submersible remotely operated cleaning system that removes sludge from covered lagoons and liquid storage facilities without traditional human entry, improving safety and keeping critical processes productive.

Entry Portal Installation

Install a specialized entry portal and pressure-box access point that enables repeat robotic cleaning visits, simplifies future service access, and supports long-term lagoon maintenance without major disruption.

Retrofit Installation

Upgrade existing lagoon or storage infrastructure with Bristola’s zero-human-entry cleaning hardware, creating a safer and more efficient setup for ongoing sludge removal and maintenance.

Maintenance Planning

Build a preventive maintenance strategy using condition data and cleaning insights to reduce emergency cleanouts, improve budgeting, and keep lagoon systems operating at peak efficiency.

Zero-Entry Technology

Safer Cleaning Without Shutting Operations Down

Bristola helps facilities clean ponds and lagoons more safely and efficiently by replacing risky manual entry with patented robotic technology. Our approach removes sludge, protects lagoon liners, and supports ongoing operations instead of forcing costly shutdowns. Whether you manage a covered lagoon, wastewater basin, or industrial pond, we deliver practical solutions that improve maintenance planning, worker safety, and long-term system performance.

Technicians supporting robotic lagoon cleaning
Trusted By Operators

Success Stories

See how facilities improve safety, uptime, and maintenance outcomes with Bristola’s lagoon cleaning solutions.

"Bristola's submersible robotic cleaning system transformed our digester maintenance. Zero downtime, zero human entry risk—we've never had safer or more efficient operations."

Marcus Thompson
The Bristola Difference

Why Choose Bristola?

We combine safety-driven innovation with practical field experience for demanding lagoon cleaning environments.

Safer Access

Patented zero-human-entry cleaning reduces confined-space risk and protects crews during sludge removal.

No Downtime

Our system cleans active covered lagoons without the costly shutdowns traditional methods often require.

Specialized Technology

Robotic equipment, entry systems, and condition data tools deliver precise, repeatable cleaning performance.

Proven Innovation

Founded on a real safety breakthrough, Bristola brings practical solutions to complex industrial cleaning challenges.

Meet The Bristola Team

Experienced leaders driving safer industrial cleaning innovation.

Portrait of Jared Burma, Founder of Bristola

Jared Burma

Founder

Jared Burma is the Founder of Bristola, a pioneering clean technology company he established in 2019 following a near-death experience inside a storage tank that forever changed his perspective on industrial safety. That life-altering moment ignited a passion to create a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional tank cleaning methods. Driven by a deep belief in the future of renewable clean energy, Jared transformed a bold Midwest idea into a global operation serving clients across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and India. His vision led to the development of a patented, zero-human-entry robotic cleaning system that eliminates operational downtime and protects worker lives. Jared continues to lead Bristola with unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and a cleaner future for industries worldwide.

Portrait of Chad Neleman, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Bristola

Chad Neleman

Vice President of Business Development and Sales

Chad Neleman serves as Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Bristola, where he brings an energetic, field-first approach to growing the company's client base and market presence. Known for his ability to build meaningful relationships and identify new opportunities, Chad is a driving force behind Bristola's commercial expansion across diverse industries. He thrives on connecting with clients, understanding their operational challenges, and delivering solutions that make tank cleaning safer and smarter. Chad's hands-on style and commitment to solving real-world problems align perfectly with Bristola's mission to revolutionize the way liquid storage facilities are maintained. His work helps translate Bristola's groundbreaking technology into lasting partnerships across the United States and beyond.

Portrait of Corey Allen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bristola

Corey Allen

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Corey Allen is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bristola, where he leads the company's go-to-market strategy with a blend of creative communication, strategic thinking, and relationship-driven outreach. Corey plays a central role in shaping how Bristola presents itself to the world, turning market opportunities into long-term client partnerships across multiple industries and continents. His ability to bridge the gap between complex technology and compelling storytelling has been instrumental in growing Bristola's brand and global footprint. Corey firmly believes that innovation is not limited to engineering — it extends to every touchpoint a company has with its clients. His work ensures Bristola's mission of safer, more efficient tank cleaning resonates with decision-makers across the renewable energy and industrial sectors.

Portrait of John Aydin, Director of Business Development at Bristola

John Aydin

Director of Business Development

John Aydin serves as Director of Business Development at Bristola, bringing a strong foundation in project development and the renewable energy sector to his role. Having grown up in Canada and built his career across the biogas and renewable natural gas industry, John developed a keen understanding of the complex operational challenges facing liquid storage and anaerobic digestion facilities. His passion for practical, impactful solutions drew him to Bristola after witnessing the company's revolutionary cleanout technology in action. John is dedicated to expanding Bristola's presence in the biogas and RNG markets, connecting facility operators with a system that delivers real results — no downtime, no human entry, and measurable gains in efficiency and output.

Portrait of Ian Dunlap, Chief Technology Officer at Bristola

Ian Dunlap

Chief Technology Officer

Ian Dunlap is the Chief Technology Officer at Bristola, where he leads the research, development, and refinement of the company's most transformative technologies, including the patented airlock-type entry system that makes zero-human-entry tank cleaning possible. Driven by curiosity and a deep mechanical intuition, Ian approaches every engineering challenge with persistence and precision. His work sits at the heart of what makes Bristola unique — the ability to clean liquid storage facilities safely and efficiently while the tank remains in active operation. Ian's commitment to continuous innovation ensures that Bristola's systems remain at the cutting edge of the industry, delivering measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and environmental impact for clients across the globe.

Portrait of Jeff Harclerode, Partner at Bristola

Jeff Harclerode

Partner

Jeff Harclerode is a Partner at Bristola, contributing to the company's strategic direction and financial growth with the disciplined leadership he forged during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. A natural entrepreneur with a proven record of business ownership, Jeff brings a bold, forward-thinking perspective to every aspect of Bristola's operations. His military background instilled in him a commitment to mission, team, and excellence — values that align seamlessly with Bristola's culture of innovation and accountability. As a key member of the leadership team, Jeff helps ensure the company continues to scale responsibly and boldly, staying true to its mission of making liquid storage facility maintenance safer, smarter, and more sustainable for clients around the world.

Portrait of Brandon Croney, Director of Business Development at Bristola

Brandon Croney

Director of Business Development

Brandon Croney is a Director of Business Development at Bristola, where he applies a relationship-first philosophy to expanding the company's reach across industrial and commercial markets. With a professional background spanning the automotive, logistics, and industrial sectors, Brandon brings a versatile perspective and a genuine enthusiasm for connecting clients with technology that can make a meaningful difference. He joined Bristola because he believed in the mission — not just the product — recognizing that the company's zero-human-entry cleaning system addresses critical safety and efficiency challenges facing facilities across multiple industries. Brandon's ability to build trust, navigate complex markets, and deliver tailored solutions makes him a key contributor to Bristola's continued domestic and international growth.

Portrait of Chad Hennigar, Controller at Bristola

Chad Hennigar

Controller

Chad Hennigar serves as Controller at Bristola, providing the financial oversight and operational insight that supports the company's responsible and sustained growth. Raised on a family farm in northern Iowa as one of seven children, Chad developed a strong work ethic along with an early appreciation for teamwork, adaptability, and accountability — qualities that define his approach to finance and leadership today. With a background in accounting and finance paired with a practical understanding of business operations, Chad ensures that all departments remain aligned and that Bristola's financial strategy supports its ambitious global mission. His grounded, detail-oriented perspective plays an essential role in helping Bristola grow with integrity as it expands its reach across industries and continents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do lagoons need to be cleaned of sludge?

Cleaning frequency depends on lagoon design, solids loading, and operating conditions, but many facilities benefit from regular monitoring and scheduled cleanouts before sludge buildup affects capacity or treatment performance. Bristola’s sediment mapping helps quantify accumulation rates, so operators can plan cleaning based on measured sludge depth, volume, and infilling trends instead of waiting for a major performance issue.

How much does it cost to have a pond cleaned?

Can you clean a covered lagoon without shutting it down?

What is sediment mapping and why is it useful?

Will cleaning damage the lagoon liner?

Do you offer solutions for existing lagoons or only new installations?

What types of facilities use pond and lagoon cleaning services?

How do I know when my pond or lagoon needs cleaning?

Still Have Questions About Cleaning?

Talk with our team about sludge removal, mapping, and retrofit options.

Areas We Serve

Bristola supports pond and lagoon cleaning projects for industrial and commercial operators across broad domestic and international service areas.

U.S. & International

Service Area

Des Moines, IA

Headquarters

Multi-Industry Support

Coverage

Need Service In Your Area?

Tell us about your site and cleaning requirements.

Trusted Innovation

Awards and Recognition

Patented Entry System trust badge

Patented Entry System

Proprietary technology enabling zero-human-entry cleaning.

Safety-First Approach trust badge

Safety-First Approach

Built to reduce confined-space cleaning risks.

Global Service Capability trust badge

Global Service Capability

Supporting clients across multiple continents.

Talk With Our Lagoon Cleaning Specialists

Share your pond or lagoon conditions, site details, and maintenance goals. Our team will review your needs and recommend the right cleaning or mapping solution.

Contact Us Today

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