Project Overview: Moose Creek Dam Barrier Wall Modification Project

Role: Quality Assurance Representative / Safety Professional (USACE)

Project Value: $148 Million

Location: Chena Lakes Recreation Area, North Pole, Alaska

Scope of Work: Modification of the Moose Creek Dam barrier wall using SCM Augers to mix existing gravel with cement and bentonite to depths of up to 65 feet along a 4.5-mile length, addressing aging infrastructure risks and extending the structure's lifespan.

Key responsibilities included:

- Quality Assurance: Ensured compliance with stringent USACE standards by conducting regular inspections, monitoring construction activities, and verifying that all work adhered to the project specifications and regulatory requirements.

- Safety Management: Implemented and managed comprehensive safety programs, including site orientations, equipment inspections, and the enforcement of safety protocols for high-risk activities such as at-height work and crane operations.

- Coordination and Communication: Facilitated effective communication between contractors, subcontractors, and the USACE, ensuring that project milestones were met and that any issues were promptly addressed.

- Technical Oversight: Supervised the use of specialized equipment such as SCM Augers to mix gravel with cement and bentonite, achieving the required depth and consistency for the barrier wall modification.

- Project Summary:

The Moose Creek Dam Barrier Wall Modification Project was the USACE Alaska District’s largest civil works project in over 30 years, awarded to Bauer Foundation Corp. in 2021. This ambitious project aimed to fortify the Moose Creek Dam by addressing the risks posed by aging infrastructure. By utilizing SCM Augers, the project team blended the existing gravel within the dam structure with cement and bentonite, creating a robust and durable barrier wall.

As the Quality Assurance Representative and Safety Professional, I was responsible for maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety throughout the project's duration. My role involved conducting thorough inspections to ensure compliance with USACE standards and overseeing the implementation of safety protocols to protect all personnel on site. This included managing safety programs, conducting site orientations, and ensuring all equipment met safety requirements.

Effective coordination and communication were crucial to the project's success. I facilitated seamless interaction between contractors, subcontractors, and the USACE, addressing any issues that arose and ensuring project milestones were achieved on time. My technical oversight ensured that the advanced SCM Auger techniques were executed correctly, achieving the necessary depth and consistency for the barrier wall modification.

The completion of this project not only extended the operational lifespan of the Moose Creek Dam but also significantly improved its structural integrity, safeguarding the surrounding communities and environment for years to come. This project exemplified my commitment to excellence in quality assurance and safety management in large-scale construction endeavors.