Work Safely Hazardous Conditions Remain Top Priority for COMANCO Crews
COMANCO crews continue to work safely in hazardous conditions while making major progress on a large gypsum stack construction project in Central Florida. Despite unpredictable weather, unstable ground conditions, and difficult excavation environments, crews remain focused on maintaining safe operations while delivering quality environmental construction services.
This project involves construction of a 100-acre pond designed to manage rainwater runoff from an active gypsum stack facility. Once completed, the pond will safely store collected rainwater so it can be tested and properly discharged into nearby waterways following environmental regulations.
Challenging Conditions Require Advanced Safety Planning
The gypsum stack material creates one of the most difficult working environments crews can face. The slurry-based material behaves similarly to swamp conditions and can quickly trap heavy machinery if proper precautions are not followed.
Because crews must work safely in hazardous conditions, Superintendent Bill Newman and his team implemented specialized safety measures and construction techniques throughout the project.
The pond bottom must first be excavated approximately three feet to allow the slurry material to dry before additional excavation work can continue safely. This drying process helps stabilize the material and improve equipment access throughout the work area.
Dike Roads Improve Equipment Access and Crew Safety
Due to unstable site conditions, COMANCO crews constructed temporary dike roads to allow safe access for heavy equipment operators and construction vehicles. These roads help transport machinery to excavation areas while minimizing risks associated with soft slurry conditions.
To further support crews working safely in hazardous conditions, every piece of equipment on-site includes emergency safety equipment such as:
- Throw rings
- Personal flotation devices
- Window breakers
- Emergency response tools
These added precautions help protect operators working near unstable slurry materials and deep excavation areas.
Major Progress Achieved Despite Difficult Conditions
Even with weather challenges and hazardous site conditions, COMANCO crews continue making impressive progress across the project. To date, crews have:
- Installed approximately 4.5 million square feet of 60mil geomembrane liner
- Moved more than 355,000 cubic yards of sand and soil material
- Continued covering installed liner systems safely and efficiently
The project demonstrates COMANCO’s ongoing commitment to maintaining production while ensuring employees work safely in hazardous conditions every day.
Safety Continues Leading Every COMANCO Project
COMANCO remains committed to protecting employees, maintaining strict safety standards, and delivering high-quality environmental construction services under demanding conditions across the country.
Learn more about COMANCO’s environmental construction services at https://comanco.com/services/
Explore additional construction safety resources at https://www.osha.gov/construction/
SAFETY ★ QUALITY ★ SERVICE
COMANCO is an environmental, commercial, and civil construction company.
Contact COMANCO to learn how our team supports projects across the industry.
📍 4301 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, FL 33566
📞 (813) 988-8829
🌐 www.comanco.com
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube
