Bay Area, CA - Maintenance Dredging

The inner and outer harbor channel of Larkspur ferry terminal is one of the most vital ports to California; carrying most dry bulk imports coming into the state. This project was completed with the USACE San Fransisco District in 2022. This in-and-out project was quick and thorough. Amber managed and engineered this project throughout. The equipment used was two clamshell dredges. The biggest challenge in this project was the coordination of the equipment. The clamshell dredges were used between three jobs simultaneously and timing was key to the progression of each project. Training from an on-site biologist to protect and ensure the preservation of seagrass beds was pertinent to the project. The project was handled promptly while observing and protecting the natural environment. 

Hueneme, CA - Deepening and Reconstruction 

Hueneme is a welcoming port for vessels carrying heavy loads in both the agriculture sector and general cargo. In this project, the objective was to deepen the berths by -40 feet and construct them into a channel. This change would allow for the flow of vessels to be more efficient minimizing wait time. The field engineer on this project aided in the planning then execution of the removal and replacement of nearly 20,000 cubic yards of sediment. The project also required construction and removal of temporary K-Rail, and fence; demolition, [including removal and disposal of fender piles, fender systems (whales, chocks, rubber fender elements, hardware, etcetera), concrete, cleats, bollards, snubbing bars, and safety ladders; installation of steel sheet piles, composite fender piles, cell fenders, and bollards; new safety ladders; concrete curb and fascia repairs, bollard foundations; concrete deck repair; dredging, armor stone removal replacement and salvage as required to perform sheet pile wall installation; and installation and removal of the temporary deck-mounted bollard.

Long Beach, CA - Redevelopment

Long Beach with its longstanding as the second busiest port in the country is vital to the flow of goods from the Pacific into the US. This project on Pier E Berth E22 involved both demolition and construction. The planning and execution between the crew and materials needed were essential to focus on throughout this project. Amber’s role was field engineer on this project. As the engineer, we were involved in the demolition of a concrete wharf, dredging material with placement into a fill area, rock dike construction, construction of a new pile-supported concrete wharf, and installation of wharf utilities. 

Oakland, CA - Maintenance Dredging

This project maintained the Oakland channel which receives 99% of containerized goods navigating to Northern California. The Oakland Harbor channel steers around 100,000 TEU into its ports every month. The maintenance dredging of the navigation channel included 760,000 yards of material creating a depth of -50 feet with an additional 1-foot over depth.  The sediment excavated with a clamshell dredge. The excess sediment was disposed of at a government-furnished deep ocean disposal site or at an upland site. Amber was the field engineer for this project in 2019. As the field engineer she was trained by the on-site Biologist to handle properly avoiding sea grass beds and other protected species pertinent to this project.

OCEANSIDE HARBOR, CA, - MAINTENANCE DREDGING

Oceanside Harbor boasts of being a summer destination and can do so because of yearly dredge operations. This project was completed with USACE Los Angeles District in 2022. Amber was the lead engineer, utilizing a cutter suction dredge throughout the project. This cutter dredge excavates between 200,000 and 300,000 yards each year. The dredged sand was then used to replenish the beach. On this project, grunions were the main species concern and all project personnel were trained to spot these animals. 

RICHMOND, CA - MAINTENANCE DREDGING

The Richmond Terminal operates as a quick access and efficient port. It is just nine miles from San Fransisco, is easily accessible through its wide channel, and is quickly accessible by land through two transcontinental railroads. This project helped reinforce the base of the channel for ease and maneuverability for vessels coming through the terminal berth. This was accomplished using a clamshell dredge to remove excess sediment. As Lead Engineer, Amber oversaw all maintenance and execution of dredge operations during the project. This maintenance dredging project dredged approximately 20,000 cubic yards. of material using the clamshell dredge. The excess sediment was repurposed for the restoration of the Montezuma Wetlands. The crew was trained in all biological concerns on the project.

VENTURA HARBOR, CA - MAINTENANCE DREDGING

This project was completed with USACE Los Angeles District in 2022. Amber was the lead engineer on this project. The equipment used throughout the project was a cutter suction dredge. All staff was trained by the Environmental Subcontractor to enhance alertness towards environmental hazards and to take precautions towards specific species. The species specific to Ventura Harbor were the California brown pelican, California grunion, steelhead trout and tidewater goby. The project went smoothly without ecological impact or delay.