Wastewater Sludge Removal Contractors

Bristola provides advanced wastewater sludge removal solutions that help treatment facilities clean tanks, digesters, and lagoons with less downtime, lower risk, and better operational continuity. Using zero-human-entry robotic technology and specialized cleanout methods, our team helps operators improve safety, maintain capacity, and plan maintenance with greater confidence.

Robotic wastewater sludge removal in an industrial tank

Our Wastewater Sludge Removal Services

Specialized sludge removal and cleaning services for wastewater tanks, digesters, and lagoons with safer methods and reduced disruption.

Digester Cleanout

Comprehensive digester sludge removal that includes solids extraction, wall cleaning, heat loop cleaning, and coordinated equipment access for major maintenance or restoration work.

Robotic Tank Cleaning

Zero-human-entry cleaning for wastewater tanks and liquid storage facilities, performed while systems remain in operation to reduce shutdowns and improve worker safety.

Covered Lagoon Cleaning

Specialized sludge removal for covered lagoons using remotely operated equipment that protects liners, limits downtime, and keeps facilities productive after installation.

Sediment Mapping

Advanced sonar-based mapping identifies sludge depth, volume, and buildup patterns in ponds and lagoons, helping operators budget and schedule dredging more accurately.

Facility Retrofits

Retrofit services install entry portals and system components in existing wastewater facilities, enabling safer future cleanings with less disruption to operations.

Preventive Maintenance

Tank preventive maintenance programs help wastewater operators reduce emergency cleanouts, preserve capacity, and support more consistent long-term performance.

Zero-Entry Cleaning

Safer Sludge Removal Without Costly Shutdowns

Bristola helps wastewater facilities remove sludge more safely and efficiently with proprietary zero-human-entry systems and specialized cleanout expertise. Instead of relying solely on traditional confined-space methods, our approach reduces exposure risks, limits production interruptions, and supports cleaner, better-performing tanks, digesters, and lagoons. From one-time cleanouts to long-term maintenance planning, we help operators protect uptime and control costs.

Wastewater sludge removal equipment operating at a treatment facility
Trusted By Industry

Success Stories

See how facilities improve safety, uptime, and cleaning efficiency with Bristola’s sludge removal solutions.

"The submersible robotic cleaning system's patented entry portal and equalization chamber entry system are engineering excellence. We observed their ROV accessing our digester through a standard manhole without draining the tank—technology that simply works."

Steven Kowalski
The Bristola Difference

Why Choose Bristola?

We help wastewater operators solve sludge removal challenges with safer technology and practical field expertise.

Safety

Zero-human-entry methods reduce confined-space exposure and improve worker protection during sludge removal projects.

Uptime

Our systems are designed to minimize shutdowns and keep wastewater operations running during cleaning whenever possible.

Innovation

Patented entry technology and robotic cleaning systems deliver a smarter alternative to traditional manual cleanouts.

Experience

Founded in Des Moines, Bristola supports wastewater and industrial facilities across the U.S. and beyond.

Meet the Bristola Team

Experienced leaders driving safer industrial cleaning solutions.

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

What does a wastewater sludge removal contractor do?

A wastewater sludge removal contractor removes accumulated solids, sediment, and sludge from tanks, digesters, lagoons, and other treatment assets. The work may include sludge extraction, cleaning internal surfaces, mapping buildup, installing access systems, and helping facilities restore capacity. Bristola also uses zero-human-entry robotic methods that reduce confined-space exposure and can limit operational downtime compared with traditional cleanout approaches.

Can sludge be removed without shutting down the entire facility?

Is robotic sludge removal safer than manual tank cleaning?

What types of wastewater facilities can you service?

How do you know when sludge removal is needed?

Do you offer sludge removal for covered lagoons?

Can existing wastewater tanks be retrofitted for future cleanings?

Do you provide preventive maintenance planning for sludge management?

Still Have Questions About Sludge Removal?

Talk with our team about your facility, timeline, and cleaning options.

Areas We Serve

Bristola supports wastewater sludge removal projects for facilities across domestic and international service regions.

U.S. & Global

Service Area

On-Site Service

Project Type

Multiple Industries

Coverage

Need Service at Your Facility?

Tell us where your site is located and what needs cleaning.

Trusted Indicators

Awards and Recognition

Patented technology trust badge

Patented Technology

Proprietary zero-entry cleaning system.

Founded in 2019 trust badge

Founded in 2019

Established safety-focused clean technology company.

Global service reach trust badge

Global Service Reach

Serving facilities across multiple continents.

Talk With a Wastewater Sludge Removal Specialist

Share your facility type, sludge challenges, and project goals. Our team will review your needs and recommend the right cleaning or retrofit approach.

Contact Us Today

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