Project Description

This project was a significant effort to transform the Terminal 4 waterfront in the City of Richmond. The goal was to revitalize the area by removing the aging wharf, warehouse, and supporting piles, and restoring the shoreline to a more natural state.

The project team worked diligently to execute this vision, drawing on their expertise and innovative approaches.

Major Challenges

The condition of the shoreline was unknown until the existing buildings and docks were demolished. This required developing a plan to test and properly dispose of the excavated soil based on the soil test results.

Demolishing the structures left the shoreline exposed to high wave and erosion forces from tidal action, wind, and commercial shipping and ferry traffic.

Adjacent roads had to remain open, and certain structures could not be removed, which limited the available space for equipment and materials. This created numerous safety hazards, such as working under live electrical lines, that had to be carefully mitigated.

Existing toe rock had to be excavated, hauled away, sorted by size, and then brought back and placed at the new levee toe.

During excavation, any rocks with marine growth had to be identified and placed back into the tidal zone.

Project Highlights

A key highlight was the strategic placement of unique “Oyster Balls” during night shifts to take advantage of low tides. This allowed the team to create specialized oyster habitats at the precise locations and elevations required by the city.

Project Scope

The key element of the project scope is shoreline excavation and restoration. This involved the removal of the existing wharf and warehouse structures, as well as the piles supporting them along the Terminal 4 shoreline. The excavated area was restored to a natural shoreline condition, enhancing the overall appearance and ecological function of the waterfront.

Project Description

Portions of the Staten Island levee system along the North Mokelumne River are below the Delta Specific PL 84-99 Standard, which requires levee crown elevations to be 1.5 feet above the 100-year flood elevation. Additionally, seven levee sections along the North Mokelumne River are experiencing waterside erosion below the normal waterline. The project includes 16,000 LF of landside levee rehabilitation and 6,125 LF of waterside habitat enhancement above Mean High Water (MHW) from Sta. 1040+00 – 1200+00.

Project Scope

The landside work involves raising the levee crown and stabilizing the landside slope through the construction of a counterbalance berm. Levee sections experiencing erosion below the normal water line will be setback to restore the waterside geometry. Aggregate base material will also be placed on the levee crown to create an all-weather roadway.The waterside work includes excavation of the existing waterside slope at the seven setback levees to construct a habitat bench above MHW. The habitat bench and setback levee waterside slope will be planted with native species, which will be monitored and maintained for 3 years to ensure the success criteria are met.The key objectives of the project are to bring the levee system up to the Delta Specific PL 84-99 Standard, address the waterside erosion, and enhance the habitat along the North Mokelumne River.

Project Description

In a monumental effort to reinforce the levees along the Sacramento River near California’s capital city, The Dutra Group has undertaken this large project along the Sacramento River to place more than 500,000 tons of material by barge. The project is a crucial component of the Corps of Engineers’ initiative to prevent potential disaster in the face of looming high-water events.

Dutra’s current endeavor involves reinforcing approximately 3.4 miles of the Sacramento River’s east levee, safeguarding  this area from potential flooding. The project is part of the broader “American River Common Features [ARCF] 2016” initiative aimed at bolstering flood protection in the wider area.

Working within tight timeframes to minimize disruption to sensitive fish species and environmental habitats, Dutra is strategically placing over half a million tons of riprap along the base of the levee. This riprap, sourced from Dutra’s San Rafael Rock Quarry, acts as a protective barrier, dissipating the river’s energy and preventing erosion.

Additionally, Dutra’s team is creating wetland benches and fish habitats along the levee, utilizing a mixture of quarry rock, soil fill, and woody material from local nut orchards. This intricate process requires meticulous planning and coordination to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permit conditions.

Despite numerous challenges, including limited access to the project site, fluctuating river flows, and stringent environmental regulations, Dutra’s team remains steadfast in its commitment to safety and project success.

Looking ahead, Dutra takes pride in its role in safeguarding Sacramento from flooding and expresses eagerness to continue contributing to projects of this magnitude in the future. With a focus on safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship, Dutra remains at the forefront of levee reinforcement efforts, ensuring the resilience of communities along the Sacramento River.

Major Challenges

Tight Schedule with Environmental Constraints: Completing the work within specific July-October windows over two years was crucial to avoid harming sensitive fish species. This tight timeframe demanded meticulous planning and efficient execution.

Working Entirely from Water: The project’s location along the Sacramento River necessitated all work to be done from barges. This limited space for equipment and materials, and presented logistical hurdles compared to traditional land-based construction.

Dynamic River Environment: The ever-changing river conditions, with fluctuating water levels and currents, required constant adjustments to maintain safety and efficiency throughout construction.

Balancing Protection and Habitat Creation: The project aimed to both strengthen the levee and create new wetland habitat. Striking a balance between these goals meant ensuring minimal disruption to nearby sensitive ecosystems while effectively reinforcing the flood defenses.

Project Highlights
Dutra’s team is creating wetland benches and fish habitats along the levee, using a mix of quarry rock, soil, and woody material. This intricate process requires meticulous planning to comply with environmental regulations.

Dutra is undertaking a monumental effort to reinforce over 3 miles of the Sacramento River’s east levee, placing more than 500,000 tons of material by barge. This crucial project is part of the Corps of Engineers’ initiative to prevent potential flooding disasters.

Project Scope
Sacramento River Erosion Contract 2 is addressing erosion and levee failure risk by placing approximately 3 miles of rock revetment. Rock is being placed on the levee by barge, with some use of heavy equipment along the rock platform. Improvements include bankfill revetment, riparian bench, quarry stone, and in-stream woody material.

Dutra is reinforcing 3.4 miles of the Sacramento River’s east levee as part of the broader “American River Common Features [ARCF] 2016” flood protection initiative. They are strategically placing over 500,000 tons of riprap from their San Rafael Quarry to act as a protective barrier.

Despite challenges like limited site access and environmental regulations, Dutra’s team remains committed to safety and project success. Looking ahead, Dutra takes pride in their role in safeguarding Sacramento and looks forward to future levee reinforcement efforts.

Project Description

Project Description

Dutch Slough Project was a Tidal Marsh Restoration Project for Reclamation District 2137 in partnership with DWR in Oakley, CA. The project involved the restoration of 662 acres of marsh wetland on Emerson and Gilbert Island to its native conditions. The project involved 5 external levee breaches, 2 internal levee breaches, levee degradations, levee raises, and the installation of 2 bridges at major breaches for future use.

The levee breaches and degradations required considerable planning in order to complete the excavations and placements in a sequence that enabled efficient and effective project management. This planning also went hand-in-hand with the project environmental permit requirements. The internal degradation and breaches on Emerson and Gilbert Islands were completed prior to the external breaches in the adjacent areas. RipRap was placed to reinforce exposed levee slopes after the external breaches were completed.

The Marsh Creek and Dutch Slough Bridges were installed on the project for future use as community trails and pathways. Precast Concrete Piles were driven for the foundations for both bridges. The Marsh Creek Bridge is a 114’ Single Span Bridge and the Dutch Slough Bridge is a 200’ Three Span Bridge on the Big Break shoreline. Both bridges are made of structural steel with reinforced concrete decking.

Dutra received a Change Order to install log boom barriers to prevent unauthorized boat traffic from reaching the interiors of Emerson and Gilbert Islands.

Major Challenges

On-Site Material Management – Excavation and placement of materials on-site was critical to ensuring that the project progressed efficiently.

Time Constraints – Project Environmental Permitting only allow for In-Water work from July 1 through October 31.

Delayed Fabricated Bridge Delivery – Procurement and fabrication of the project bridges was delayed 6 months due to the material availability resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. This delay made it necessary for a Crane Barge to set the final bridge by water because the breach at the location was already completed.

Project Highlights

Restoration of over 500 acres of tidal marsh habitat, the reestablishment of tidal connectivity to benefit native fish species, the increased food production in the marsh that can flow out with the tides to support the surrounding ecosystem.

Project Scope

The project involved the removal of existing water control structures and the widening of channels to facilitate effective tidal flows across the marsh. The main objectives were to reestablish tidal connectivity and enhance the overall ecological function of the marsh, with the understanding that tidal marshes are important for food production and can benefit native fish species.

Project Description

The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project was an ambitious undertaking, representing the largest tidal wetland restoration effort on the West Coast. Spanning an impressive 15,100 acres, the project transformed a network of industrial salt ponds into a rich mosaic of tidal wetlands and other vibrant habitats.

To minimize the project’s footprint and impact on the delicate habitat, the team utilized specialized amphibious excavators to access the site via water rather than land. This innovative approach allowed them to carry out the necessary work, which included lowering 1,500 feet of levee tops and creating 3 strategic breaches, all while preserving the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem.

Despite these complexities, the project was completed on time and under budget, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the team. The result is a revitalized and thriving wetland landscape that not only enhances the local environment but also provides valuable recreational and educational opportunities for the community.

Major Challenges

The biggest challenge to this project was working in such a biodiverse area and being aware and respectful of the endangered Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse (SMHM). Dutra deployed a team of biologists and landscaping professionals to hand clear each area thoroughly before mobilizing our equipment onto the levees where the breaches were to occur. After encountering numerous SMHM nests we notified Ducks Unlimited & USFW and together we created a new plan as to how to complete this project while preserving the SMHM habitat by eliminating 75% of the levee lowering in the original plans ensuring that the SMHM has a home after the levee breaching operation is completed.

Project Highlights

This project required a lot of coordination and communication across multiple stakeholders, especially when the endangered Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse was encountered. Requiring us to pivot and change our approach as to how to complete this project responsibly while being good stewards of the land. Utilizing amphibious excavators helped us limit our footprint on this project while traveling via water to minimize our impact to the habitat. Completed the project on time and under budget.

Project Scope

The project scope consisted of the restoration and reclamation of a portion of the old South Bay Salt Ponds by lowering 1,500′ of levee tops; 3 breaches in strategic locations.

Project Description

The Winter Island Tidal Habitat Restoration Project was undertaken by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to reestablish tidal connectivity and enhance the ecological function of the 500-acre marsh on Winter Island, located at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. Historically, Winter Island was operated as a duck hunting club, but DWR purchased the property with the goal of restoring the tidal habitat and improving the overall ecosystem.

Major Challenges

The major challenges faced included coordinating the removal of existing water control structures to restore tidal connectivity and widening channels to facilitate effective tidal flows across the 500-acre marsh, ensuring the project design and implementation aligned with the ecological goals of enhancing marsh function.

Project Highlights

Restoration of over 500 acres of tidal marsh habitat, the reestablishment of tidal connectivity to benefit native fish species, the increased food production in the marsh that can flow out with the tides to support the surrounding ecosystem.

Project Scope

The project involved the removal of existing water control structures and the widening of channels to facilitate effective tidal flows across the marsh. The main objectives were to reestablish tidal connectivity and enhance the overall ecological function of the marsh, with the understanding that tidal marshes are important for food production and can benefit native fish species.

Project Description

The Tule Red Project is a large-scale habitat restoration initiative focused on revitalizing the Tule Red wetlands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region of California. The project aims to restore over 2,000 acres of tidal marsh, seasonal wetlands, and associated upland habitats to provide critical ecosystem services and support native wildlife populations.

Major Challenges

Coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including state/federal agencies, local communities, and environmental groups. Addressing complex hydrology and water management issues in the Delta region. Mitigating potential impacts to sensitive species and habitats during construction. Securing long-term funding and resources for ongoing maintenance and monitoring.

Highlights

Utilizes nature-based solutions to enhance flood protection, water quality, and carbon sequestration. Provides vital habitat for endangered species like the Delta smelt and Swainson’s hawk. Incorporates traditional ecological knowledge and community input into the restoration design. Serves as a model for large-scale wetland restoration efforts in other regions.

Project Scope

Restore 2,100 acres of tidal marsh, seasonal wetlands, and associated upland habitats. Construct new levees, water control structures, and other infrastructure to manage hydrology. Implement long-term monitoring and adaptive management strategies to ensure project success. Engage with local communities and stakeholders throughout the planning and implementation process.