Since 1882, the Everglades have been drained for farming and it is now half the size it was a century ago. But that’s changing. One of largest ecosystem restoration projects in the U.S. in currently underway. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan began 20 years ago and is a giant hydrological restoration project consisting of, among other things, the build of a new basin storage reservoir in the Caloosahatchee estuary, called the C-43 water reservoir project. When complete the reservoir, which is spread over 40km2, will hold excess water from a nearby lake, where it will be treated and then released during the dry season. In total the dam will be able to hold 200 billion liters of water.
UP TO THE CHALLENGE
Working on a construction project virtually the size of Manhattan comes with its share of dilemmas. And the hundreds of canals that have to be navigated during both rainy and dry seasons, pose even more challenges. Massimo Bugliosi, Project Director with Lane Construction-Salini Impregilo, is the one in charge of solving these issues. He says preparation is essential and relies on the dependable performance of Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) machines.
Volvo CE machines are versatile and up to the toughest of challenges. “The key is planning and properly sequencing activities in the right way, and the equipment must be versatile – Volvo machine are up to the challenge,” he says.
Currently, there are 42 machines from Volvo CE working on the C-43 water reservoir project. This includes a mix of A45 articulated haulers, and EC750E 75-ton excavators– with more on the way.
“We chose to use Volvo equipment, because it is versatile and can handle the mixes of different kinds of soil,” explains Massimo Bugliosi.
Another challenge is something that no-one can rule over. The weather in South Florida can be rough and unpredictable – not to mention hurricanes coming to visit annually. But this is no surprise to the guys at Lane Construction-Salini Impregilo, who are well aware of the necessary precautions.
A TANGIBLE DIFFERENCE
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan will boost the quality of life for humans and wildlife alike. The Everglades is home to more that 350 species of birds, 50 unique reptiles – and that’s not all. Every year more than one million visitors, from around the world, flock to the Everglades, helping to drive a rich economy in tourism and recreation. This natural reservoir also provides drinking water for southern Florida’s local population – of 8 million. This ecosystem restoration venture is a huge step towards creating a sustainable future where human expansion no longer poses a threat.
“To have the opportunity to serve as an essential supplier on a project of substantial environmental impact; is something we all strive for,” says Stephanie McCall, Vice President Key Accounts, Region North America. “Knowing that Volvo CE and our local dealer Alta Equipment is working to preserve the Everglades water estuaries and wildlife ecosystems for generations to come is by far the most rewarding work we could be a part of. ”
