It’s not every day that a tiny bat dictates a project’s trajectory, but protecting our environment is what drives our heavy construction crew. See how we braved extreme weather and frozen equipment to restabilize an Ohio waterway, all while on the schedule of an endangered species.
A river runs through it
Indian Run is a creek that winds through Dublin, OH. While the waterway provides beauty, recreation, and vital habitat to local species, over the years its riverbanks had become unstable, causing water quality and flooding issues throughout the region. In order to protect both residents and the environment, the City of Dublin embarked on a multistep restoration project to address erosion issues at the cause.
Digging deep to stop erosion
V3 worked with the City’s Waterways Maintenance Program to perform riverbank stabilization at seven distinct points along the creek. The meandering waterway was impeding private properties and needed a variety of solutions to reestablish harmony between nature and neighborhoods.
Our heavy construction team got to work with excavating and grading the creek’s problem areas. For one section, the back-and-forth footprint had become so severe that our crew had to completely relocate the curve; a track hoe was used to dig out a straighter channel, moving the unearthed dirt to fill in the problematic bends.
Erosion and flooding issues were also addressed through use of rip rap installation and planting native trees and grasses. Not only did this work stop residential properties from continuous flooding, but it reduced river sediment and improved overall water quality for the area.
In addition to earthwork, V3 also provided:
- Seeding
- Mulching
- Sod installation
- Sidewalk replacement
- Storm sewer replacement
- Curb and gutter replacement
When it rains, it pours
While relocating part of the creek was challenging enough, this project also faced inclement weather hurdles that required innovative problem solving. Work had to take place around the hibernation schedule of the Indiana bat: an endangered species that roosts in forested areas. Tree trimming is restricted during the summer, and since this project required extensive tree removal work could only be performed during the winter.
River work in January is not ideal, especially when heavy rains continuously add to the existing flooding issues. Our team had multiple 6- and 8-inch pumps running to redirect the overflow away from private properties and active work areas. Freezing pumps and high tides extended work times, but the crew was able to keep the water at bay and push forward.
Powering through the cold was a family affair, as the Ohio field crew was led by father-and-son team Eugene, Levi, and Taylor Pflieger. With over 60 years of combined construction experience, overcoming challenges is just another day in the life of this experienced team.
“Our team is passionate about construction. To see the physical environment that you’re working on change and be the ones actually building it, it’s very rewarding to me and our crew to experience the progress and final product.”
Todd Long, Transportation Group Leader and Project Manager for Indian Run Creek
Work with V3’s construction experts
From site grading and underground utility installation to performing complex ecological installations and management, we recognize that increasingly complex construction projects demand increasingly sophisticated expertise. Connect with our team to learn more.