February 6, 2023 — Specialty marine contractor J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) recently finalized the asset acquisition of the dredging and dewatering division of Infrastructure Alternatives, Inc. (IAI). The purchase brings dewatering, water treatment, and treatability testing services into the organization for the first time.

Last fall, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) crews successfully concluded environmental remediation efforts after 3.5 years on the Grasse River in Massena, NY. This project had a challenging scope involving dredging, material processing, water treatment, mussel relocation, capping, and habitat restoration. Through a combination of strong teamwork and outstanding production efficiencies, our team completed every phase of work and executed a safe demobilization. Here’s how we did it.

Our experience in wetland habitat restoration began 30 years ago with the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR), the largest restoration program ever undertaken on a major waterway, worldwide.  Since then we have carried out many more restorations along the inland waters of the United States, including restoration after large-scale environmental remediation.  

One of the challenges faced during a remediation, restoration, or construction project located
in the middle of a marshland is access.  Typically contractors have to construct temporary roads to safely reach work areas.  This requirement is costly, especially in the case of an environmental remediation project where all materials have to be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste.  Building temporary roads also negatively impacts the sensitive wetland environment and its inhabitants.   There are other options that can save time and money, while greatly reducing the negative impact on both aquatic plant and animal species. 

            Hydrographic surveys are a very effective way to map the bottom of a river, lake, or other water body.  By using some of the latest technologies a 3-dimensional model can be developed to show contours, obstacles, scour areas, and large debris.  Even in the most turbid conditions, a hydrographic survey done correctly can be very effective.