Brennan restored the middle section of the Lake George Canal. The project protected aquatic organisms by separating them from contaminated sediment with a multi-layer sediment cap.
Initial Site Challenges
Hydrographic surveys identified varying slopes and unstable areas after crews placed the first cap layer. Soft underlying sediment within the canal footprint caused these conditions. Brennan and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) worked together to overcome these challenges.
Collaborative Effort and Innovative Solutions
As site conditions changed, Brennan and the USACE designed and installed a bank-to-bank geogrid system. The geogrid stretched 1,800 linear feet from the canal’s west end to its east end. It supported the remaining three sediment cap layers.
Brennan mobilized operators and union commercial divers to sew the geogrid panels together. The team then deployed the panels into the canal. Our dive team secured the geogrid to an existing timber pile wall. Divers also verified proper alignment and panel overlap.
Continuing Capping Operations
After crews installed and verified the geogrid, capping operations resumed throughout the canal footprint. Brennan’s restoration partner planted trees, shrubs, and aquatic vegetation plugs to increase biodiversity. The team also placed boulder clusters, cobble clusters, and woody debris throughout the canal. These features created habitat for aquatic life, including turtle resting areas and fish swim-throughs.
Ecological and Community Impact
The project aims to restore the canal and surrounding environment as closely as possible to their original condition. Brennan remains committed to strengthening communities by enhancing biodiversity. This project reflects that commitment through a partnership under the Great Lakes Legacy Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other partners supported the effort.
Praise for Brennan
Collaboration and communication drove the project’s success.
“What I really liked about collaborating with Brennan was the communication. They were always very forthcoming, honest, provided valuable feedback to us in trying to come up with solutions.“
— Natalie Mills, Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
“I can tell you the feedback that I received from individuals that worked with Brennan was stellar. It was positive, and that’s what we like to see, that type of partnership, collaboration, that there’s no negatives, all positives.”
— Donnie Brown, Vice President of Refining, BP
We sincerely thank every Brennan team member for supporting the Lake George Canal Middle Section Restoration Project. We also thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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