The Third Ward Milwaukee River remediation project is a pivotal step in cleaning up the Milwaukee River. It targets the site of a decommissioned manufactured gas plant that once operated in the area. 

A Collaborative Effort to Clean Milwaukee's River

Brennan was selected as the prime contractor for this ambitious project, tasked with dredging contaminated sediments and treating water to restore the river's health. Working closely with GEI Consultants, Inc. (GEI), the project’s design engineers, Brennan is delivering comprehensive solutions that combine environmental restoration, water treatment, and marine construction expertise.

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.

TAMPA, FL (June 26, 2024) — The Western Dredging Association (WEDA) has honored J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) and GEI Consultants with a 2024 Safety Excellence Award for their work on the Third Ward Milwaukee River remediation project. GEI and Brennan accepted the award at WEDA’s Annual Dredging Summit and Expo in Tampa, Florida.

WEDA’s Safety Excellence Award recognizes individual organizations or project teams for exceptional safety performance and for exhibiting a proactive approach to raising safety awareness in the dredging workplace.

The Cuyahoga Improvement Project in Kent, OH, aims to improve future recreation experiences while protecting existing natural resources. The purpose of our work is to remove areas of petroleum-impacted soft sediments that were deposited decades ago from discontinued industrial practices upstream. 

Background on a Burning River

The Cuyahoga River has quite a history: a transportation route; a boundary; an origin for oil, rubber, and steel industries; a power source; and a dumping ground. The river was once 1 of the most polluted in the country. The Cuyahoga has caught fire at least 13 times since the 1860s.

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.

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.

The work of a dredge operator is often underappreciated so it's important to take a step back and appreciate the complexity and uniqueness of his or her role in the success of a dredging project. Here, we take a closer look at the essential role of a dredge operator.

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.

Dredging projects are complex and involve many components and significant planning before operation. The intricacy of these projects means that pricing is often multifaceted. Here are seven common areas that drive overall costs on a dredging project.