Hydrauli-Flex Hoses Power Restoration Efforts in Mid-Michigan’s Dam Rebuilding Project
In May 2020, devastating flooding caused the catastrophic failure of four dams on the Tittabawassee River in mid-Michigan. These breaches led to the complete destruction of four man-made lakes—Secord Lake, Sanford Lake, Smallwood Lake, and Wixom Lake. The impacts were felt deeply by local residents, with the Village of Sanford alone losing 25% of its housing to the floodwaters. The task of restoring these damaged lakes and their associated dams fell to a dedicated group of professionals led by the Four Lakes Task Force, a nonprofit organization focused on restoring the region’s critical infrastructure.
At the heart of the ongoing restoration project is the collaboration between skilled contractors, engineers, and technology that includes the use of ICE® (International Construction Equipment) equipment to stabilize and rebuild the dams. Among the key components of these efforts is the use of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses, integral to powering the machinery and equipment that make this monumental restoration possible.
Hydrauli-Flex Hoses in Action
As a trusted manufacturer of hydraulic hoses, The Hose Company’s Hydrauli-Flex Hoses have played a pivotal role in supporting the restoration of the Tittabawassee River dams. These hoses, known for their durability and flexibility, are essential for powering heavy machinery such as the ICE® 22VM Zero-Resonance Hammer. In June 2023, Fisher Contracting used this specialized equipment to drive 50-foot steel sheet piles at the Secord Lake dam site, helping to create a watertight cofferdam for the dewatering process.
Hydrauli-Flex Hoses were crucial in powering the high-horsepower ICE® 22VM hammer, which is designed to install sheet piles with minimal vibration, thus preventing damage to surrounding structures. With these hoses ensuring optimal fluid transfer to the equipment, Fisher Contracting was able to complete the first phase of dam stabilization work smoothly and efficiently. The reliability of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses in such a demanding environment speaks to their superior engineering, ensuring the machinery performs at peak capacity even under harsh conditions.
The Role of Hydrauli-Flex in Maintaining Project Efficiency
The four-dam restoration project has faced numerous challenges, from coordinating equipment staging to adapting machinery for the unique needs of each site. The work at Secord Lake, Smallwood Lake, and Sanford Dam has required precise coordination, where every tool and piece of machinery must work seamlessly. Hydrauli-Flex Hoses helped ensure that the ICE® 22VM and the ICE® IP7 Hydraulic Impact Hammer could operate continuously without interruption.
At the Smallwood Lake dam restoration site, a cofferdam was also completed, with underwater divers assisting in ensuring the water-tight fit of the newly driven sheet piles. Here, Hydrauli-Flex Hoses supported a similar process as they powered pile-driving equipment, contributing to the safe and timely installation of sheet piles that will prevent further erosion and stabilize the site for future work.
The continued use of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses as part of the restoration work demonstrates their value in supporting large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those with complex challenges and high safety standards. With Fisher Contracting actively planning for the upcoming Sanford Dam project, Hydrauli-Flex will remain a key element in the success of this critical undertaking.
The Road to Recovery
The restoration process, though lengthy and complicated, has progressed steadily. By October 2023, the Sanford community had begun to rebuild with new homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Fisher Contracting has successfully completed the first phase of the project, and the work continues with an eye toward completing the full restoration by 2025.
Thanks to the collective efforts of engineers, contractors, and suppliers like The Hose Company, the region is on track to recover. The Tittabawassee River and its surrounding communities will soon return to their former vitality, providing new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Contact Us
The Hose Company is proud to be a part of this important restoration project. We specialize in providing high-quality Hydrauli-Flex Hoses for demanding applications, including heavy-duty construction and infrastructure projects. If you're looking for reliable hydraulic solutions to support your equipment, don't hesitate to reach out.
