Introduction
MAE was contracted to remediate contaminated soils at the Callahan mine site. The project required a specialized approach that minimized disturbance to the environment while ensuring effective removal and capping of the impacted material.
Project Name: Callahan Mine super-fund site.
Project Owner: EPA, USACE.
Location: Harborside, ME
Project Type: Mechanical dredging, sediment removal, Capping
Equipment Used: Water-Master w/ clam shell bucket, self- propelled barges.
The Challenge
The soils contained contaminants that needed to be removed with as little ground impact as possible. Traditional heavy equipment such as cranes or floating excavators would have caused too much disturbance to the subsurface. In addition, site conditions made access difficult for standard machinery, creating logistical and environmental obstacles.
The Strategy
MAE deployed its amphibious Water-Master dredger, a versatile machine able to access the site without the need for crane assistance—saving both time and cost. Once in position, MAE began mechanically digging the sediment and hauling it to shore using shallow-water barges, all guided by 3D GPS to ensure precision. For the capping phase, MAE developed a detailed 3D model for operators to follow. Using a small clam shell bucket, the team placed clean fill material in controlled, smaller increments. This careful method reassured the EPA and USACE that grades and specifications were consistently met.
The Results
The contaminated soils were successfully removed and capped with minimal site disturbance. The project was completed on time and within budget. MAE’s approach not only delivered environmental compliance but also demonstrated that a smaller, precise method could be more efficient than larger-scale operations. The capping project was finished ahead of schedule, reinforcing confidence in MAE’s innovative remediation strategies.
