COMANCO Safely Restores Florida Phosphate Gypsum Stack, Bringing Environmental Responsibility to Life
This Florida phosphate gyp stack project is a prime example of COMANCO’s commitment to safety, quality, and environmental responsibility. The initiative involved comprehensive site preparation, liner installation, trenching, environmental containment, and final restoration efforts, all carried out despite several challenging factors. Some of these challenges included frequent rain and high winds, which required daily adjustments and led to shifts in the schedule. Led by Supervisor Martin Calderon Jr., the crew responded quickly and effectively by prioritizing alternate tasks such as sandbagging and other preparatory activities. Undeterred by the obstacles, the team’s dedication and safety-first practices ensured a successful outcome.
Breaking Ground with Purpose and Precision
The project kicked off with cutting and grading the pad in preparation for the liner installation. The team encountered a significant challenge when unexpected buried pipes and rock obstructions disrupted progress. Trenching for anchor trenches was further complicated by concrete and buried debris, increasing the complexity of the task. These issues were successfully resolved through mechanical excavation and careful rerouting, allowing trenching operations to continue safely and stay on schedule. The team also completed pad compaction and access road grading to maintain momentum. Equipment such as excavators, dozers, rollers, skid steers, and haul trucks played a vital role in achieving these early milestones.
Smooth Transitions from Final Prep to Liner Deployment
The pad grading and anchor trenching were completed, followed by the construction of sandbags to support the liner. Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) temporarily delayed the liner installation while the team verified subgrade elevation accuracy. Remaining proactive, the crew engaged survey support and adjusted the schedule to ensure the liner install met all required specifications. Despite persistent wind delays earlier that week, the team skillfully installed 90,372 square feet of 30-mil liner on March 7, 2025.
Securing Success with Quality Assured Repairs
The team focused on securing the liner edges and conducting minor repairs to ensure the integrity of the installation. Site materials and job trailers were cleaned and packed, and the team conducted pond inspections in collaboration with a third-party consultant to assess any potential liner damage caused by dredging. Subsequently, the repair zones were identified and verified using GPS tracking and paint markers. Thanks to the hard work of our QA/QC teams, 100% of the repairs were verified to meet the highest standards.
Reinforcing Integrity Through Careful Restoration and Earthwork
The project continued with the repair of two designated pond areas, referred to as GNS-S and GNS-N, including backfilling washout areas. The boat ramp area in GNS-S was excavated and restored. Despite conducting thorough inspections for potential liner damage in the ramp area, none was found. All backfilling and grading activities were completed successfully, ensuring the site was ready for the next phase.
Finishing Strong with Restored Drainage and Site Restoration
The team then shifted focus to the upper and lower culvert ditches, where old materials were removed and replaced with new fill. The slopes were graded, and materials were staged for the ditch restoration. Over 1,800 linear feet of sod was installed across the ditches, with careful attention to managing water flow and soil moisture for optimal sod placement. Monthly equipment inspections and job site cleanup were finalized as the project neared completion.
Leading with Safety, Strengthened with Teamwork
Safety remains a top priority for COMANCO, and that commitment was evident throughout the duration of the project. Daily safety meetings addressed dynamic hazards on the job site, including wildlife, trenching risks, high winds, and equipment proximity. The team maintained open communication and prioritized hydration, ensuring everyone stayed alert and prepared for changing site conditions.
Safety was further supported through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and coordination across field crews, supervisors, mechanics, and inspection personnel ensured efficiency and compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.
Delivering Results, The COMANCO Way
This Florida phosphate gyp stack project is a testament to COMANCO’s ability to overcome challenges while delivering a safe, high-quality, and environmentally responsible outcome. Through careful planning and collaboration, our team confidently completed this complex project with long-term sustainability in mind. We are proud to continue demonstrating our expertise in environmental containment and restoration, ensuring that every site we work on is left better than it was found.
SAFETY ★ QUALITY ★ SERVICE
COMANCO is an environmental, commercial, and civil construction company specializing in constructing containment facilities.
This project showcases COMANCO’s dedication to delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions. From liner installation to site restoration, our team remains focused on precision and performance. Let’s talk about how we can bring that same level of excellence to your site. Contact COMANCO today.
4301 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, FL 33566
(813) 988-8829 | www.comanco.com