COMANCO in Final Phase of Gypstack Closure in Mississippi
COMANCO is wrapping up a large-scale closure at a phosphate plant in Mississippi. Since beginning this project, the crew has worked through multiple phases of construction using Watershed Geo®’s ClosureTurf® System. Under the leadership of Superintendent Carlos, along with Leadman Amancio Lugo, the team continues to deliver results. Their work highlights COMANCO’s dedication to safety, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Significant Progress in Final Phase
This project covered three phases. The first involved the closure of the gypstack, spanning approximately 72 acres. The second phase included a 47-acre stormwater pond. The final phase focuses on two large Water Return Ditches (WRD South and WRD West), totaling around 48 acres.
Work on the WRD South section has reached completion, with the installation of over 2 million SF of 50 mil LLDPE Super Gripnet liner and 1.8 million SF of ClosureTurf®, both supplied by Watershed Geo®. To put that into perspective, the crew installed enough liner to cover more than 30 football fields. Kemron, along with Air Pump USA, is spraying 1.4 million SF of sand.
The crew is now advancing work on the WRD West area. This phase will include installing approximately 792,000 SF of ClosureTurf® and grooming the final layer of sand.
Adapting and Thriving Together
Superintendent Carlos rotated experienced crew members to support other sites, while welcoming new hires and guiding them through demanding tasks in Mississippi. The adaptability of new hires learning “The COMANCO Way” has demonstrated impressive resilience. Despite a steep learning curve, the crew stepped up under pressure, showing how teamwork and training can drive success on a project of this scale.
Regardless of high temperatures, rainy conditions, and a changing mix of team members, the crew has consistently achieved substantial installation numbers for liner, turf, and sand. Carlos’s leadership and the team’s flexibility have driven steady progress across every phase.
Smarter Closure with Lasting Benefits
The ClosureTurf® System combines AGRU’s Super Gripnet liner with Watershed Geo®’s synthetic turf. This system is topped with a 5/8-inch sand ballast that provides UV protection and ensures stability, even in heavy rainfall. This approach is more sustainable than traditional methods that require cover fill and ongoing vegetation maintenance. Once complete, the system will reduce the need for mowing and other labor-intensive upkeep, saving time and resources for site owners.
Prior to this closure, the phosphate site spent millions of dollars each year managing stormwater runoff from the old gypstack. With the installation of the ClosureTurf® System, runoff will be significantly reduced, saving millions of dollars annually. Beyond financial benefits, the project also delivers meaningful environmental protection by minimizing the processing of harmful runoff and securing the surrounding ecosystem.
Final Phase in an Environmental Legacy
As COMANCO nears the completion of this multi-phase phosphate Gypstack closure project in Mississippi, the team remains committed to delivering a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective solution. The progress achieved so far demonstrates the strength of COMANCO’s crews and the advantages of adopting innovative closure systems for long-term success.
SAFETY ★ QUALITY ★ SERVICE
COMANCO is an environmental, commercial, and civil construction company specializing in constructing containment facilities.
COMANCO continues to lead the way in safe and sustainable closure projects across the country. Our work at this Mississippi phosphate plant demonstrates the impact of innovative systems like ClosureTurf® in protecting the environment and reducing long-term costs. Our crews remain dedicated to delivering quality results while maintaining the highest safety standards. Contact COMANCO to learn how we can support your next environmental project.
4301 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, FL 33566
(813) 988-8829 | www.comanco.com