Obtaining recognition as a “great place to work” is not something that comes easily for most organizations. Certification as a Great Place to Work requires that a company be evaluated on many different levels. We have worked hard to establish a workplace that inspires the passion of its employees and allows them to use their talents to be motivated by what they do and with whom they work. At Brennan, we have established several foundational attributes which make a great work place. Here are a few examples of what we think is needed to make Brennan a “Great Place to Work”:

Dredging around utilities is challenging, and mistakes can be expensive and dangerous. When utilities, such as power lines, natural gas lines or fiber optics, are above ground they can be easily marked, and a plan can be developed to avoid them. However, when these same utilities are underwater, locating them and working around them adds an additional layer of risk for the contractor.

Turbidity is a hot-button issue in the environmental dredging industry because if it is not controlled, contamination can spread to clean areas. Since every dredge project will experience the presence of suspended sediments in the water column, proper measures are taken to control this problem.

As we begin the month of November those of us that work in and around the water have to start planning for seasonal changes and the accompanying cold weather challenges.  Water temperatures begin to drop rapidly, sometimes over a degree Fahrenheit (F) per day.  This presents a whole new bunch of logistical and safety risks. 

On June 20th, the U.S. Coast Guard published the final version of 46 CFR Subchapter M, a long
awaited revamp of the laws that govern the inland waterway system.  Over the next 11 years, all commercial towing vessels that are longer than 26 feet in length will have to comply to a set of new
rules and regulations.  

We live in a world where focus on construction safety is advancing as rapidly as the development of new microchips.  When it comes to safety, a construction company cannot afford to learn by mistake.  Reacting and correcting is not a sustainable method to our survival in this day and age.  We have to look forward and predict problems before they happen. 

Our blog "Between the Trees" is here!

Traditionally when it comes to installing sheet piling around a bridge pier or along an embankment we think of steel sheet piling.  Steel sheet piling are the most common, and have been one of the most effective methods of installing a deep foundation.  They have a long history of providing a robust barrier through shaped, interlocking sheets that can last for 75+ years. 

When considering our infrastructure often times our inland waterways are forgotten. What most people may not know is that barge transportation is as important as railways or highways.  Barges are responsible for moving more than 60% of grain exports throughout the United States.  Barge transportation is a very efficient mode of moving bulk materials such as grains, coal, and other commodities.  As stated by the National Waterways Foundation 1,750 short tons of dry cargo fit into one barge which is otherwise 16 rail cars or 70 trucks.