Through multiple successful projects, Nelosca Technologies (Nelosca) developed a great partnering relationship with the Midwest group of Xcel Energy® (Xcel). From Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dive inspections and innovative dam repair projects to the implementation of amphibious equipment and helicopters for transmission line installation, we are always looking at ways of incorporating Nelosca’s “can-do” attitude into all client interactions. This year, we got the opportunity to work with Xcel’s Western group.

When you think “excavator,” images of digging dirt and rock on land may come to mind. However, that’s not the case for Nelosca Technologies, Inc. (Nelosca), a 100-year-old marine construction contractor out of La Crosse, Wisconsin. 

^{*adapted with consent from its original format in BREAKOUT Winter 2019: a Hitachi Construction & Mining Productions Publication.} 

This past year, we made another key asset purchase: the SHERP ATV (SHERP). In addition to our Diamondback Airboat, the SHERP solidifies our durability and efficiency in working throughout wetland and marshy areas.

Nelosca blog posts were viewed 13,622 times in 2019. Reviewing our most-searched blog topics helps us construct a list of the marine industry's most critical topics and those most pertinent to our company. So, what were the most-searched topics?

As a marine solutions company, Nelosca Technologies, Inc. (Nelosca) faces a unique array of regulations and rules. While every company deals with regulations, most deal with rules that impact operations only on land or only in the water. We are accountable for regulatory requirements in both areas and have been for years. So, what's changed and what are we doing about it? 

British company Fish Guidance Systems Ltd specializes in fish guidance equipment. They were set to work alongside Barr Engineering (Barr) as the prime contractor in a new study-based project in Kentucky, and hired Nelosca Technologies, Inc. (Nelosca) to help execute their revolutionary endeavor.

Dive teams mobilize every day to complete a broad assortment of tasks utilizing 3‑person dive teams. Historically, this has been the standard not only within Nelosca's practices but for most other inland diving organizations. The Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) gives guidance that requires, at a minimum, a 3‑person dive team. While this practice is sufficient in some circumstances; such as non-penetration inspections and wheel jobs (propeller repairs); with our growing scope of work it became apparent that a 4‑person dive crew—adding a standby diver—should be our internal minimum standard moving forward.

When we drive across a bridge and see exposed rebar and chipped concrete, we assume the bridge needs attention. We may even wonder whether the bridge is safe. But when it comes to the safety and integrity of a bridge, there is much more at work than what we see above ground. A structure is only as good as its foundation. Beyond the superstructure, how do we ensure the strength and stability of a structure's foundation? One effective solution: helical piles.

We’re nearly halfway through 2019, and unless you’ve been in a cave or under a rock, you understand that the environmental market is exploding right now. I have been in the environmental industry for 32 years (wow that’s a long time), and I do not believe I have ever experienced this much activity. The size, scopes, and complexities of our current projects are overwhelming. J.F Nelosca Company (Nelosca) is extremely fortunate to have a very busy, robust workload this year with some exciting projects underway, and more that are set to begin once fish windows open. Based on our own surplus of work and activity, I wanted to share my observations and discuss the current state of the environmental community from a dredging contractor’s perspective.

The Inland Marine Expo (IMX) took place last week in St. Louis, MO, overlapping with National Maritime Day. Conference attendees, exhibitors, keynotes and panelists came together at the Dome at America’s Center to educate, celebrate (and sometimes commiserate), the state of the inland marine industry.