US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Clean and Re-coat Bulkhead Dam Gate, Success Dam

Project Overview

This project involved the construction of a gravel access road to reach the bulkhead dam gate once water levels receded, followed by comprehensive lead abatement, surface rehabilitation, and seismic modifications in compliance with EPA, OSHA, USACE, SSPC, and ASTM standards. Pre-analytical testing was conducted to determine lead content in existing coatings and to establish appropriate hazardous material handling procedures. The existing gate was carefully removed by sliding it out of the hoisting structure, after which airtight vizqueen enclosures were constructed one around the hoisting structure using scaffolding and another at a remote staging area for the relocated gate. Hazardous lead abatement was performed using sandblasting under negative air pressure containment, with continuous monitoring and manometer readings to maintain proper enclosure protocols. All activities were carried out by certified personnel in accordance with Federal and State OSHA regulations. Surface preparation included sandblasting of the gate, appurtenances, and ladder, followed by installation of an epoxy coating system applied by SSPC-certified applicators. Coating thickness and profiling were inspected at each stage per ASTM standards and verified by USACE. The work also included removal and replacement of corroded bolts, installation of new J-seals and bronze silicon-coated bolts, addition of two new lift eyes for future handling, and seismic modifications to the hoisting structure and gate assembly. Environmental compliance measures included TSP and PM-10 air monitoring during blasting and coating operations, as well as pre- and post-project soil and water sampling to detect and mitigate any hazardous residues. All waste materials were disposed of through certified ecological facilities with proper waste manifest documentation. Following final cleaning and sweeping, the fully rehabilitated gate was relocated to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers storage yard. To meet strict deadlines associated with rising water levels mandated by the local water board, gas heater systems were utilized within the enclosure to accelerate coating curing and ensure timely project completion.