Projects
TRC helped characterize and remove accumulated sediments in a sensitive watershed
Challenges
TRC assisted a client with characterization and removal of accumulated sediments in a Water Quality Pond in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and the sensitive Barton Creek Watershed. The pond served a major highway intersection and had to remain in service while TRC performed the work. Therefore, samples had to be collected through standing water, making collection of representative samples difficult. Standing water, access restrictions and continued operation of the pond during removal required careful planning and close attention to weather events.
Solutions
TRC was able to safely collect representative samples through shallow standing water. Where deeper water was encountered, a dredge sampler was used to collect sediment samples. Construction proceeded only after TRC biologists determined that there were no sensitive species or habitats in the pond or nearby. With the representative sample information and knowledge of the sediment source, TRC was able to negotiate more reasonable disposal rates that allowed the project to proceed. TRC developed a staged construction approach that allowed operation of the pond to continue while sediments were removed. Standing water was pumped from the pond through filter bags to avoid negatively impacting the receiving stream or the karstic Edwards Aquifer Recharge features located there. Finally, loading and transportation operations were adjusted to minimize disruptions to local businesses.
Results
The water quality pond is critical to maintaining sensitive environmental features of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and to the Barton Creek watershed. TRC was able to facilitate timely and cost-effective rehabilitation of the pond without taking it out of service. The rehabilitation project restored the effectiveness and functionality of the pond in removing sediment and debris from stormwater prior to discharge thus protecting critical features and habitats.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
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Metals 101
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TRC Acquires California Construction Management Firm Vali Cooper & Associates
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LOWELL, Mass. – TRC, a leading provider of end-to-end engineering, consulting and construction management solutions fueled by innovative technology, announced today it has acquired Vali Cooper & Associates Inc., a top California infrastructure firm that manages transportation, water/wastewater, utility and facilities projects.
TRC Recognized for Removing Lead Contamination from Mill River in Fairfield, Connecticut
March 7, 2018
LOWELL, Mass. – TRC, a leader in engineering, environmental consulting and construction-management services, has been awarded a pair of awards from the Environmental Business Journal – one for business achievement and the other for an innovative remediation project to remove lead sediment from the Mill River in Fairfield, Conn.