Hydrauli-Flex: Helping Restore the Verde River with ICE® Equipment and Hydraulic Hoses

The Verde River near Clarkdale, AZ, has reclaimed its natural course, thanks to the collaborative efforts of multiple organizations, including Keller North America, Freeport-McMoRan, and ICE®. But the success of this remarkable project wouldn’t have been possible without the right equipment and hydraulic systems—elements that are crucial for handling sensitive and challenging jobsites.

As a manufacturer of hydraulic hoses, Hydrauli-Flex has seen firsthand how high-quality, durable hoses make all the difference in projects like these. From the restoration of the Verde River to other infrastructure rehabilitation efforts, hydraulic hoses are essential to ensuring that the heavy machinery performs optimally under tough conditions. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the journey of the Verde River project and highlight the important role Hydrauli-Flex and our partners at ICE® play in such high-stakes projects.

The Story Behind the Verde River Restoration

In 1914, the Clarkdale Dam was built to redirect water from the Verde River into Peck’s Lake for the United Verde Copper Company’s smelting plant. After the copper plant closed in the 1950s, the dam continued to operate, preserving the artificial reservoir. But a century later, in February 2019, the dam breached following a fierce storm that tore a 30-foot gap, sending 15,000 cubic feet of water per second rushing down the Verde River.

Freeport-McMoRan, the company responsible for maintaining the dam, had already been planning for its removal. However, the breach accelerated the need to act quickly, and the company called upon Keller North America for the delicate task of dismantling the structure. The situation was further complicated by the fact that the breach had created unstable riverbed conditions that made safe removal difficult, particularly with soft soils and fluctuating environmental conditions.

The Challenge of Working with Sensitive Environments

The environmental constraints of this project were significant. The work had to be completed during the months of January through March, when the water levels in the river were lowest to minimize impact on the delicate ecosystem. Any introduction of fill material or disruption of the riverbed could harm local wildlife, including endangered species like the Colorado pike-minnow. Keller North America needed to work with precision to pull the sheet piling without disturbing the natural environment.

Given the sensitive nature of the site, Keller turned to ICE® (Integrated Equipment Solutions) for the specialized equipment required to safely remove the dam’s 320-foot-long sheet pile wall. The team needed a machine that could operate efficiently in soft soil conditions, apply minimal force, and provide a safe working platform for the crew.

ICE® Equipment on the Job

Having worked together on numerous projects before, Keller knew that ICE®’s vibratory pile driver/extractor would be a perfect fit for the job. The 22-ton Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractor, paired with an ICE® Dampener, was the right equipment for the delicate task of pulling sheet piles from the riverbed. The ICE® Dampener was key in reducing vibrations and noise, ensuring both worker safety and minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment.

With the proper hydraulic hose systems from Hydrauli-Flex integrated into the ICE® equipment, the operation went smoothly. Our hoses, known for their reliability and high-performance standards, ensured that the vibratory equipment and other machinery ran without interruption, even in harsh riverbed conditions. Hydraulic hoses are the lifeblood of such machinery, and we take great pride in knowing that our products contribute to the success of projects like this.

Hydraulic Hoses: The Backbone of Safe, Effective Operations

Hydraulic hoses are an often-overlooked part of the machinery, but they are essential for controlling the high-pressure systems that power the vibratory pile drivers and other critical components on-site. The ICE® Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractor relies on hydraulic power to drive and extract the sheet piles from the ground, and Hydrauli-Flex hoses ensure that power is delivered smoothly and safely.

In soft soil conditions like those found at the Verde River jobsite, hydraulic hoses must be flexible yet durable enough to withstand the harsh environment. The integrity of these hoses is crucial, as failure could result in costly downtime or, even worse, unsafe operating conditions. Hydrauli-Flex designs and manufactures hoses that are resistant to abrasion, UV damage, and wear and tear from extreme pressure, ensuring that every piece of equipment operates at peak performance.

A Successful Partnership: ICE®, Keller, and Hydrauli-Flex

Thanks to the careful planning, the right equipment, and the collaboration between Keller North America and ICE®, the 105-year-old sheet piling was removed safely, and the Verde River was restored to its natural state. The project, which involved delicate machinery, precise timing, and a strong commitment to environmental preservation, was completed without any safety incidents, a testament to the quality of both ICE® equipment and the hydraulic hoses supplied by Hydrauli-Flex.

Today, the Verde River is once again a thriving ecosystem, and endangered species like the Colorado pike-minnow are returning to its waters. This successful project highlights the importance of working with trusted partners—like ICE® and Hydrauli-Flex—who understand the technical demands of complex jobsites and prioritize safety, performance, and environmental stewardship.

Looking Ahead: More Projects, More Success

At Hydrauli-Flex, we are proud to support the companies and organizations that are working on critical infrastructure projects around the world. Whether it’s river restoration, dam removal, or other heavy-duty tasks, we know that our hydraulic hoses play a key role in the smooth operation of equipment and the success of the overall project.

As we look forward to future collaborations with partners like ICE®, Keller, and others, we remain committed to providing high-quality hydraulic hoses that support safer, more efficient jobsite operations. The Verde River project is a perfect example of how the right equipment, coupled with the right hydraulic components, can help restore nature and protect our environment for future generations.

If you’re working on a challenging project and need the right hydraulic hoses to get the job done, trust Hydrauli-Flex. Together, we can tackle the toughest jobs and make a lasting impact on the world around us.

Contact Hydrauli-Flex today to learn more about our hydraulic hose solutions for your next project!