Taplin CLEAN IMPACT Spring/Summer 2023

clean impact

MMSD: PCB LEGACY CONTAMINENT CLEANUP

Crews from across the Taplin family of companies come together to tackle a major project in Milwaukee.

MUSKEGON LAKE NATURE PRESERVE: GREENSPACE FOR ALL

Environmental restoration of a local greenspace to benefit the community, the wildlife and the natural ecosystem.

SUGAR LOAF: A MOUNTAIN OF DEMOLITION

A once booming ski resort turned health hazard and eye sore gets cleaned up and ready for a new lease on life.

Taplin partnered with MMSD and embarked on a significant environmental cleanup project aimed at removing approximately 485 cubic yards of PCB-impacted sediment from 1.5 miles of 60”-72” interceptor sewer within their city limits. The source of the contamination can be traced back to a former superfund site that underwent a cleanup process in the early 2000s. The current project focuses on further remediation efforts to ensure the long-term

MILWAUKEE METROPOLITAN SEWERAGE DISTRICT

PCB SEDIMENT CLEANUP: TAPLIN TEAMWORK GETS THE JOB DONE

health and safety of the local water systems.

The primary objective of this endeavor is to eliminate the lingering environmental risks posed by the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the interceptor sewer. PCBs are a group of toxic chemicals known to have adverse effects on human health and the environment. By removing the impacted sediment, the project aims to prevent the potential spread

of contaminants and safeguard the water quality of Glendale and Milwaukee.

A crucial initial component of the project involved the development of an area identified as NS3, which serves as the location for a 100,000-gallon-per-day treatment facility. Within this facility, all wash water resulting from the cleaning operations, as well as the solidification process of the impacted sediment, will

be meticulously treated before reintroduction into the interceptor system. This comprehensive solidification and treatment system is housed within a 125-foot-long by 75-foot-wide sprung structure, ensuring efficient containment and protection throughout the remediation process.

With the establishment of the treatment system, the cleaning operations commenced in fall of 2022 under the guidance of a specialized Large Diameter Sewer Cleaning team from Taplin. The crew employs a high-flow system capable of delivering up to 250 gallons per minute (GPM). The powerful equipment enables effective and thorough cleaning of the sewer system, ensuring the removal of the PCB-impacted sediment.

Environmental authorities overseeing the project emphasize the importance of these remediation efforts to mitigate the potential risks associated with PCB contamination. By addressing the issue at its source and implementing an advanced treatment system, the project aims to ensure the long-term protection of Glendale and Milwaukee’s water infrastructure, safeguarding the health and well-being of local residents.

The successful completion of this cleanup endeavor will mark a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to restore and maintain the environmental health of Glendale and Milwaukee.

MUSKEGON LAKE NATURE PRESERVE ERASING THE (FOUNDRY) SANDS OF TIME FROM A MUCH-LOVED LOCAL GREENSPACE

The Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve restoration project aimed to revitalize a polluted and overgrown public area, addressing contamination from foundry sands and metal, as well as invasive species dominance. Located on Lake Avenue just west of the causeway, the preserve was designated as a targeted area of concern (AOC) and required comprehensive efforts to restore its ecological health and enhance its overall beauty.

The project focused on achieving several key goals. Firstly, the general habitat of the nature preserve needed improvement, necessitating the removal of soil and the lowering of elevation in targeted wetland areas. By creating new disconnected wetlands, the project aimed to provide a safe haven for amphibious species to thrive without the threat of predation by fish. Additionally, hydraulic connections were established to restore natural water migration within the preserve, further enhancing the ecological integrity of the area.

An important aspect of the restoration efforts involved intensive control measures to combat invasive species, which had encroached upon the preserve and displaced native species. Through these measures, the project aimed to restore natural diversity and promote the resurgence of native plants and animals, thereby revitalizing the overall vitality of the preserve.

Ultimately, the project sought to transform the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve into a clean and natural environment, resembling its original state. By eliminating pollution, restoring wetlands, and promoting the recovery of native species, the preserve would offer an improved habitat for wildlife and provide an aesthetically pleasing setting for residents and visitors to enjoy. The successful completion of this project ensured that the preserve would continue to serve as a valuable ecological resource and a cherished public space for years to come.

SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN RESORT DEMOLITION

The Sugar Loaf Mountain Ski Resort, located in the picturesque landscapes of Northern Michigan, enjoyed a vibrant past before falling into abandonment. For more than 20 years, the resort remained untouched, its buildings and structures slowly succumbing to decay and the relentless forces of nature while becoming an increasing eyesore and public safety concern. What was once a bustling hub of winter activity became a ghostly reminder of bygone days.

While the physical structures have vanished as a result of Taplin’s efforts, the memories and experiences woven into the fabric of the former Sugar Loaf Mountain Ski Resort will remain treasured by those who once embraced the thrill of the slopes.

The future of the former Sugar Loaf Mountain Ski Resort site beckons with endless possibilities. Discussions abound about repurposing the land for outdoor recreational activities, nature conservation efforts, or

new resort spaces and business developments.

The restoration presents an opportunity for Northern Michigan to reimagine this onceabandoned space, offering a fresh canvas for innovative ideas that blend sustainable development and the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.

SPARKS FLY AND WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN:

GIVING A SHUTTERED PROPERTY A CLEAN SLATE AND A NEW LEASE ON LIFE

SAFETY SPOTLIGHT

The goal is to make safety automatic in all aspects of our lives and ensure everyone goes home safe, every day. There are 3 elements to being a good safety steward:

1) Proactivity: Thinking ahead of safety issues before they happen. Specific task hazard analysis“what’s the worst that can happen?” and being proactive to prevent it.

2) Protocols: JSA’s, safety gear and PPE, checking the list before you

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: WHERE TO FIND US EXHIBITING AND TRAINING

See

WEF Collections Systems Conference

June 27-30

Kansas City, MO

MACDC

July 26-28

Thompsonville, MI

Brownfields 2023

August 8-11

Detroit, MI

Great Lakes Water Infrastructure Conference

September 19-21

move on.

3) Prevention: By being proactive and following outlined protocols and by utilizing stop work authority whenever needed, we can all do our part to prevent safety mishaps and keep each other safe.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

MWEA Scholarship Golf Outing

May 24th

@Timber Trace Golf Club

WM AWMA Scholarship Golf Outing

May 31st

@The Meadows GVSU

Taplin at Growler’s Baseball

June 10th

@Homer Stryker Field

MAEP Golf Outing

July 11th

@Coyote Preserve Golf Club

Join us!

THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR EVERY JOB: NEW TECH AND TAPLIN EQUIPMENT READY TO SERVE YOU

DTG3 Deep Trekker Submersible ROV

The DTG3 from Deep Trekker makes getting eyes underwater easier than ever before.

With expert engineering and the help of gravity, the patented pitch system of the ROV allows you to rotate your imaging sonar, grabber and camera head, allowing the operator to scan areas or optimize the positioning of their addons without engaging thrusters. Built to withstand harsh underwater conditions with tough materials and innovative magnetically coupled thruster design.

Locate and identify targets and further understand your position underwater with sonar and USBL positioning systems. From grabber tools to net patch kits to cutters, a suite of industry specific tools are available to help get the job done in various environments.

Get a complete understanding of your environment with various tools including water quality sensors, laser scalers, calipers, dissolved oxygen sensor kits and more.

ALLU Soil Stabilization Tools:

ALLU Stabilization System is a new working method to increase the strength and dynamic stiffness of soft soil, in order to improve the engineering characteristics of soft soil and to remediate contaminated soil.

The ALLU Stabilization System consists of three components. The first component is the Power Mix, a versatile hydraulic accessory for excavators. The second component is the Pressure Feeder, which injects the binder via hoses into the ground. The third component is the DAC Data Acquisition System, which measures, controls and provides data during the stabilization project.

The equipment provides a quick and cost effective solution to improve soft soils by mixing binder into clay, peat, mud or dredged sediments. This method can also be used in treatment of contaminated soils, by encapsulating contaminants within the ground and preventing migration to the surrounding areas.

TAPLIN CELEBRATES INDUSTRY INCLUSION DURING 25TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK

Since 1998, the National Association of Women in Construction has recognized Women in Construction Week every March. This event is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in the construction industry. From architects and engineers to project managers and tradeswomen, women are breaking barriers and leaving their mark on the construction world in countless different ways.

Taplin is proud to employ a team of incredible women across our family of companies, all of whom contribute to Taplin's continued success and mission via their many unique paths and roles. From behind-the-scenes to work in the field, the women of Taplin help turn the gears and get the job done!

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY WEEK RESONATES WITH EMPLOYEES ACROSS TAPLIN’S DIFFERENT DIVISIONS