Dredging at the Florida Power and Light Station in Cocoa, Florida

Hurricane Related Restoration Dredging of a Fuel Dock Barge Canal

Depending on a canal to receive economical fuel shipments for energy production in Florida during the hurricane season can be challenging. This is the situation that Florida Power & Light found themselves in this past year, 2004. One of the four hurricanes to hit our state last summer, contributed to the blinding off of the fuel barge canal that services the Florida Power & Light generating station in Cocoa Florida. The plant not only provides vital energy for our businesses and citizens, but also discharges warm water into the Indian River basin, providing a haven during cold periods for the endangered West Indian Manatee population known to frequent the area.

Bull Dredging Inc. was called in under the direction of Logan Diving, Inc and Florida Power & Light to dredge a sand bar that had shifted into the fuel barge canal, rendering it unsafe for barge traffic. Working under time constraints imposed by the State of Florida, our joint companies completed the excavation and returned the canal to operations on time. Also working with us during the dredging were environmental personnel keeping an eye out for Manatees in the area. The watchers were stationed on the dredge as well as in boats. Numerous manatee sightings occurred during dredging operations and proper protocols were followed to ensure their safety. Bull Dredging Inc. successfully integrated a necessary industrial dredging operation, while simultaneously helping to protect our natural resources.