Powering the Restoration of Mid-Michigan’s Lakes
In May 2020, mid-Michigan witnessed a catastrophic event as four dams on the Tittabawassee River failed, leading to the disappearance of lakes that had defined the region for nearly a century. The breach of the Edenville Dam triggered a chain reaction, with Sanford Dam and others succumbing to the overwhelming floodwaters. Entire lakes vanished, leaving behind a trail of debris and devastation, including ravaged homes, boats, and infrastructure. However, the story doesn’t end with loss. Thanks to an ambitious restoration project led by the Four Lakes Task Force and industry experts, these iconic lakes are on track to make a comeback.
At The Hose Company, we take immense pride in manufacturing Hydrauli-Flex hoses, integral components powering the equipment driving critical restoration efforts just like these. Our durable and reliable hydraulic hoses play a key role in supporting International Construction Equipment (ICE®) equipment—trusted by professionals like Fisher Contracting—to stabilize and rebuild these vital structures.
The Challenge: Restoring the Lakes
The task of restoring Secord, Sanford, Smallwood, and Wixom Lakes is monumental. Nearly 25% of Sanford Village’s housing was lost, and the affected communities faced the daunting challenge of removing thousands of debris points and rerouting the Tittabawassee River to its original course. With careful planning, this project is progressing on schedule, with Secord and Smallwood dams expected to be restored by 2024 and Sanford and Wixom dams by 2025.
Key to this progress is the construction of watertight cofferdams. These structures allow for dewatering and stabilization work in the restoration process. At the Secord Lake site, an ICE® 22VM Zero-Resonance Hammer, powered by Hydrauli-Flex hoses, drove 50-foot steel sheet piles for a cofferdam downstream of the powerhouse. The precision and durability of Hydrauli-Flex hoses ensured that the hammer operated at peak efficiency, minimizing vibration impact on existing structures.
Hydrauli-Flex: Built for Demanding Projects
Hydrauli-Flex hoses are engineered to handle the most demanding conditions. On projects like the Tittabawassee River dam restorations, equipment faces constant exposure to water, debris, and varying pressures. Our hoses are designed to withstand these conditions, delivering consistent performance and enabling equipment like the ICE® 22VM and IP7 Hydraulic Impact Hammer to achieve precise, reliable results.
Fisher Contracting has praised the performance of ICE® equipment, citing its ability to install piles with minimal impact on the dams’ fragile structures. Hydrauli-Flex hoses are a critical part of this success, ensuring that equipment operates safely and efficiently, even under challenging conditions. The use of these hoses has allowed contractors to maintain high safety standards while navigating tight workspaces and unique site challenges.
Supporting Mid-Michigan’s Recovery
The restoration of the Tittabawassee River dams is more than a construction project; it’s a testament to resilience and innovation. The progress at Secord and Smallwood Lakes—and the ongoing work at Sanford and Wixom—demonstrates how communities, engineers, and contractors can come together to rebuild after devastation.
The lakes, once lost, are on their way back to becoming vibrant community hubs, with Hydrauli-Flex hoses playing a behind-the-scenes but essential role in making it happen.
Contact Us
Are you planning a challenging project that demands reliable hydraulic solutions? The Hose Company is here to help. With decades of experience in hose manufacturing, we specialize in products that deliver unparalleled performance and durability. From construction to industrial applications, our hoses are built to meet the highest standards.
Contact us today to learn more about Hydrauli-Flex hoses and how they can support your next project.
