DaRube,

I to read with interest the suction overflow system and would like to see it in action.

As far as suction dredging I have never looked into it. If you investigate and find a contractor and get cost info I would be interested.

Like you said 1/2 acre is not very large and my guess is that the cost to suction dredge would be prohibitive.

If you did not want to cut the dam you could even rent a gas powered pump and get most of the water out that way.

Good luck whatever you decide and my appologies for not being more help at this point.

JW