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Repairing Fish Guidance Nets at a Hydropower Dam

Posted by Lauren Collins, Senior Project Manager on January 20, 2023

Our Pacific Northwest crew mobilized at a hydroelectric facility to repair a fish guidance net at Upper Baker Dam. Upper Baker Dam is 1 of 2 hydroelectric dams on Baker River, near Concrete, WA. The entire Baker River Hydroelectric Project covers nearly 300 square miles.

Upper Baker Dam, a 312-foot-high concrete gravity dam completed in 1959, has a floating surface collector system responsible for attracting and safely holding juvenile salmon for downstream transport around the dam. We supplied dive and topside support teams to assist the prime contractor with the recovery, disassembly, and installation of a new floatation collar on the existing barrier net. This is an essential repair to ensure safe fish passage around the dam.

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Brennan and UW-La Crosse Announce New Partnership

Posted by Kimberly Walters on October 19, 2022

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) and J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) formally announce their partnership. The agreement between Brennan and UWL will further the educational opportunities for students studying environmental science, equipping them to start on the job right after they graduate.

Brennan is partnering with UWL to support student research and curriculum, and to strengthen the talent pipeline, both locally and within the environmental services industry.

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Brennan a Best Workplace in Construction, Ranked 14th Nationally

Posted by Kimberly Walters on September 20, 2022

La Crosse, WI — Great Place to Work® and Fortune have honored J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) as one of the Best Workplaces in Construction. This is Brennan’s first time being named to this prestigious list, coming in at 14th place among small and mid-size companies. Earning a spot means that Brennan is one of the best companies to work for in the country.

The Best Workplaces in Construction award is based on the analysis of survey responses from over 25,000 employees from Great Place to Work-Certified companies in the construction industry. In that survey, 88% of Brennan’s employees said the company is a great place to work. This number is 31 points higher than the average U.S. company.

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Underwater ROVs: What Are They and How Are They Used?

Posted by Joe Baldoni on August 02, 2022

ROV stands for remotely operated vehicle. They are highly maneuverable unoccupied machines used to observe and work underwater, often in areas that are deemed too dangerous for commercial divers. ROV pilots can operate them from a nearby shore or boat.

Remotely operated vehicles are versatile tools commonly used in our industry to inspect, monitor underwater structures, and perform complex work tasks in depths divers cannot access. Although, more recreational ROVs are available with advancements in technology. These revolutionary machines are utilized by many industries to reduce costs to clients and keep divers safe in unknown or dangerous conditions.

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Brennan Announces Significant Expansion

Posted by Kimberly Walters on May 03, 2022

LA CROSSE, Wis., May 3, 2022 ― Specialty construction firm J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) formally announces its acquisition of California-based Harbor Offshore, Inc (HOI). HOI specializes in commercial diving, marine construction, maritime security barriers, and submarine cable installation.

Not only does the acquisition bring submarine cabling and maritime security barrier expertise to Brennan; it expands Brennan's operations geographically. With the addition of licensing along the West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska, Brennan is now operable in all 50 states.

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J.F. Brennan Company Makes Safety A Priority

Posted by Shelley Byrne on December 14, 2021

Safety starts with putting people first.

It’s not just about checklists, inspections, and meetings, said Steve Skau, vice president of safety and compliance for J.F. Brennan Company. It’s also about everyone on a job having the ability to give feedback and know it will be valued.

“Everything we do at Brennan starts with safety, no matter what scope of work we’re doing,” Skau said. 

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Brennan Opens a New Mid-South Location in Paducah, KY

Posted by Kimberly Walters on May 04, 2021

J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) recently established a permanent presence in the Mid-South Region. Our company’s new Mid-South location is in Paducah, Kentucky, and will provide all Brennan services, including above and below-water construction and environmental remediation services.

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Brennan Proudly Establishes Joint Venture with Ahtna

Posted by Kimberly Walters on February 15, 2021

J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) formally announces their Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified joint venture with Ahtna Marine & Construction Company, LLC (AMCC). Publicly titled the Ahtna – J.F. Brennan JV, the partnership establishes a mentor protégé relationship between Brennan and Alaska Native Corporation subsidiary AMCC.

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Brennan Welcomes Specialty Diving Services, Inc. to the Family

Posted by Kimberly Walters on December 21, 2020

LA CROSSE, Wis., December 21, 2020 ― J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) officially announces the asset acquisition of New England-based Specialty Diving Services, Inc (SDS). The acquisition combines two established union companies that specialize in commercial diving and heavy marine construction.

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How We Installed a New Spillway Wall at a Private Hydropower Dam

Posted by Ian Radcliffe on November 16, 2020

102 years of lateral earth pressure and deterioration at Pisgah Dam caused its existing spillway wall to lean. Partnering with private dam owner Otter Tail Power Company, Brennan ensured their hydropower dam received necessary repairs. The project included concrete demolition and the replacement of the dam's north spillway wall over two years.

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