An apparatus for removing material collected in a material collection container having a floor and at least one substantially vertically extending wall. The apparatus includes a material removal assembly for removing material collected in the material collection container. The material removal assembly includes a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit is in telescoping relationship with the second conduit to permit the first conduit to move relative to the second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit each have a longitudinal axis. The material removal assembly further includes at least one material removal header configured to receive material accumulating on the floor of the material collection container. The material removal assembly is preferably configured to enhance numerous aspects of the sludge removal process.