When a structural failure at the Demopolis Lock and Dam in Alabama brought barge traffic to a halt on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), R&D Maintenance, and J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) joined forces to deliver a fast, high-stakes solution. The breach—described by Colonel Jeremy Chapman of USACE as “a hole the size of a school bus”—stopped commercial navigation across two major waterways and threatened economic losses in the millions each month.

Refinery Wastewater Pond Cleanup with Remote Dredging

We recently completed the cleanup of two wastewater ponds for a large producer of transportation fuels. Using a remotely controlled dredge, Brennan removed wastewater sludge from impoundments on the refinery site and dewatered the material with six 2-meter belt filter presses. The remotely controlled dredge added a layer of safety to the project, preventing any health risks that a Leverman might face if exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas released during the dredging process.

Milestone Achievement in Quality, Environmental, and Safety Standards

We are proud to announce that our corporate offices in North Kingstown, RI, and Ottawa, IL, have been officially certified under ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management) Systems standards. This certification extension ensures that our customers nationwide will continue to experience the same exceptional service, quality, and craftsmanship synonymous with Brennan. It also marks a significant step forward in our growth into submarine cable, offshore wind, and renewable energy projects along the coast.

J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) is proud to announce that it has been recertified as a Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the eighth consecutive year. 89% of employees affirm the company as a great workplace, a 2% increase from last year’s 87%, underscoring Brennan's commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture.

Over 80% of Brennan employees participated in the Great Place to Work third-party survey, providing valuable feedback highlighting the company’s ongoing dedication to its team. The survey revealed strong results across several key areas, including justice, corporate image, and camaraderie, which have been central to Brennan’s success.

Nuclear diving demands unwavering safety measures. Every action, from meticulous planning to employing advanced technology, prioritizes the divers' well-being. While water offers a natural shield against radiation, divers operate in a realm where the invisible poses the greatest threat. Dive deeper with us as we answer questions about the intricacies of nuclear diving, where safety protocols are paramount both in and outside the water.

We're at Minnesota Power's hydroelectric dam in Scanlon, Minnesota, to replace 7 of the structure's Tainter gates. Extending the life of this renewable energy source by 50 to 100 years, the Scanlon Dam Gate Replacement Project enables the further creation of clean, renewable power provided to local communities. 

We were pulled into the project very early on during the design phase of the project. Both Brennan and Minnesota Power attribute the project's success to early contractor involvement.

We are at the Lock and Dam 19 facility in Keokuk, Iowa, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Our team replaced an 18,000-LB, 105-FT underwater soundbar with wet-mateable connections (cables and speakers that can be connected and disconnected underwater). This underwater acoustic deterrent system (UADS) upgrade allows divers to replace individual speakers if underperforming rather than continuing to remove the entire system.

Why? The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is spearheading a 3-year study to reduce the number of invasive carp moving toward the Great Lakes. It is the only study on the Mississippi River evaluating a deterrent for invasive carp. 

J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) is honored to accept this year's award for Outstanding Philanthropic Organization from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter. The chapter represents nonprofit organizations throughout Southwestern Wisconsin, Northern Iowa, and Southeastern Minnesota.

Brennan’s work brings us all incredible pride and purpose as we serve clients throughout the inland and purpose as we serve clients throughout the inland and coastal waterways. Through this work, we receive opportunities to truly become part of the fabric of the communities in which we operate by giving back." says Chief Operating Officer Mike Binsfeld. 

J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) collaborated with The Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse (Boys & Girls Club), Wieser Brothers General Contractor, Inc., and Mathy Construction to bring the expansive construction world to Boys & Girls Club members. The annual event is called Kids in Construction.

Club members explored Brennan’s amphibious equipment and commercial dive gear, tested out life as a chemist working in a water treatment lab, and experienced a career working in a support role in the construction industry. Our Brennan team members were on hand to answer all their questions and share more about the exciting world of construction. In this video, Boys & Girls Club CEO Jake Erickson shares his views on Brennan and the benefits of Kids In Construction.

J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the 7th year in a row. The respected award is based entirely on current employees' experience working at Brennan. 87% of employees said it's a great workplace – 30 points higher than the average U.S. company.

"By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Brennan stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work.