Brennan embarked on a vital restoration project for the middle section of the Lake George Canal. The primary goal was to protect aquatic organisms by separating them from contaminated sediment through a multi-layer sediment cap.
Initial Site Challenges
Hydrographic surveys revealed areas of varying slope and stability as the first layer of cap material was placed over the canal bottom. These issues were attributed to soft underlying sediment within the canal footprint. The success of this project hinged on effective collaboration between Brennan and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to address these types of challenges.
Collaborative Effort and Innovative Solutions
Facing changing site conditions, Brennan and the USACE worked together to design and install a bank-to-bank geogrid system. Spanning 1,800 linear feet from the west end to the east end of the canal, this geogrid supported the remaining three cap layers. Brennan mobilized a team of operators and union commercial divers to sew the geogrid panels together and deploy them into the canal. Our dive team secured the geogrid to an existing timber pile wall and ensured proper alignment and overlap.
Continuing Capping Operations
Once the geogrid was installed and verified, capping operations resumed within the canal footprint. Brennan’s restoration partner began planting trees, shrubs, and aquatic vegetation plugs to enhance biodiversity. Structures such as boulder and cobble clusters and woody debris were added to create habitats conducive to marine life, including resting spots for turtles and swim-throughs for fish.
Lake George Canal Remediation and Restoration — Whiting, Indiana
Ecological and Community Impact
The goal of these ecological projects is to return the canal and its environment as close to its original state as possible. Brennan is committed to benefiting the community by enhancing biodiversity around their operations. This project, a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others under the Great Lakes Legacy Act, exemplifies that commitment.
Praise for Brennan
Collaboration and communication were key to the project's success. “What I really liked about collaborating with Brennan was the communication. They were always very forthcoming, honest, provided valuable feedback to us in trying to come up with solutions.” – Project Manager Natalie Mills, USACE.
“I can tell you the feedback that I received from individuals that worked with Brennan was stellar. It was positive, and that's what we like to see, that type of partnership, collaboration, that there's no negatives, all positives.” – Vice President of Refining Donnie Brown, BP.
Photos of Lake George Canal Remediation and Restoration
We sincerely thank all Brennan team members for their dedication to the Lake George Canal Middle Section Restoration Project. We also appreciate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—Chicago District, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, BP Products North America, Inc., and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for their collaboration and invaluable partnership.
About J.F. Brennan Company
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a fourth-generation, family-owned, marine construction firm that specializes in environmental remediation, dam construction, commercial dive, harbor management, and submarine cable services. Working closely with public and private owners of water-based infrastructure since 1919, Brennan operates throughout coastal and inland waterways nationwide.
