Restoring the Verde River: ICE® Vibratory Pile Driver and The Hose Company’s Hydraulic Hoses at Work
The Verde River near Clarkdale, Arizona, has always been a vital waterway, providing essential resources to the surrounding region. However, for over a century, the Clarkdale Dam stood between the river and its natural flow. Built in 1914 to separate water into Peck's Lake for the United Verde Copper Company’s smelting operations, the dam held back the river’s flow for many years after the plant’s closure in the 1950s. While its function was no longer in use, the dam remained in place, preserving the artificial reservoir created at Peck’s Lake.
That was until February of 2019, when an extreme storm caused a 30-foot breach in the dam, sending 15,000 cubic feet of water per second rushing down the Verde River. The breach accelerated the urgency to remove the aging structure, and Freeport-McMoRan, the company responsible for maintaining the Clarkdale Dam, quickly began planning for its removal.
However, the work was not going to be easy. The dam’s 320-foot long sheet wall, which had been driven 20 feet into the ground to form a retaining wall, was a major challenge to remove. To tackle this, Freeport-McMoRan called in Keller North America, a trusted partner on past projects. Keller was tasked with removing the 105-year-old sheet piling while dealing with soft riverbed conditions, strict environmental guidelines, and the pressure of working within a narrow time window.
Challenges of Removing the Clarkdale Dam
Working in the Verde River’s soft, unstable riverbed conditions created a uniquely sensitive jobsite. The removal had to be completed during the low tide period between January and March to avoid disrupting the river’s wildlife, especially endangered species like the Colorado pike-minnow. Additionally, the removal of the sheets had to be done carefully to avoid adding any fill into the river, which could cause further harm to the delicate environment.
To ensure a smooth, efficient process, Keller North America partnered with the ICE® Team, a trusted supplier of heavy-duty construction equipment. Recognizing the precision and care required for this project, ICE® provided the right tools for the job: the ICE® 22 Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractor, equipped with an ICE® Dampener to protect both the crew and the crane.
The Role of Equipment in Ensuring Safety and Efficiency
Keller and ICE® had worked together on numerous jobsites before, and they knew that the success of this project would depend on having the right equipment. In this case, the ICE® Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractor played a pivotal role in safely and efficiently extracting the damaged sheet piling from the riverbed. The vibration technology helped gently finesse the sheet piles from the ground without disturbing the surrounding environment, ensuring the safety of the wildlife and preserving the integrity of the river.
Thanks to the careful use of proper equipment, including the ICE® Dampener to minimize vibration impact, Keller was able to complete the job without any safety incidents. The combination of expert knowledge, appropriate equipment, and precise execution ensured the project’s success.
A Restored River and Thriving Ecosystem
With the Clarkdale Dam removed, the Verde River can now flow freely once again. This is not just a victory for environmental restoration but also a testament to the power of collaboration and careful planning. Endangered fish species, including the Colorado pike-minnow, are now thriving in the restored river, and the Verde River’s ecosystem has been allowed to flourish once again.
The project, which saw the safe removal of century-old sheet piling, is an example of how thoughtful engineering, the right equipment, and attention to environmental impact can lead to successful, sustainable outcomes.
At The Hose Company, we understand the critical role that hydraulic hoses and systems play in projects like these. Hydraulic hoses are essential components in transferring pressurized fluids to power machinery and equipment in demanding environments. Our products, including high-quality hydraulic and industrial hoses, fittings, and custom assemblies, are designed to withstand high pressures and harsh conditions. With over 10 years of industry experience, we are committed to providing reliable, durable solutions for your most challenging projects.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your hydraulic hose needs, don't hesitate to contact us.
