WINTER - Issue 4 | 2019

In This Issue: A Time for Reflection High-Altitude Diving Introducing the M/V Merrell Colsch Dredging for Princeton University All About Farmer - Retiree Gary Dondlinger Driving caissons with a helicopter - The Brennan Civil Group and Erickson Air Crane deliver an innovative solution to a common transmission line challenge.

A TRimee ffolrection Heading Into 2020 The holiday season is a unique and singular time of year, where we pause to reflect on what has been. Oftentimes we take stock, and while doing so, set goals for improvement in the new year. It is a time of excitement; a time of renewal, and—most of all—a time for gratitude. We certainly have much good fortune for which to be thankful.

We are thankful for what, in many ways, has been people and stakeholders beyond Brennan. When done a historic year. In March, we celebrated our 100th right—as we conduct our work—business can provide anniversary, a landmark that very, very few companies a higher purpose than just profits: being an immensely observe. For us, it is a testament to the generations positive force, giving back, and improving lives. of Brennan team members who came before us. We enjoy an abundance of opportunities and a stellar Most of all, we are thankful for all of you who make reputation because of the way they conducted their this team who we are and the families at home who work and the culture they fostered. I have no doubt, if support us as we do the work of Brennan. Each day Jim Brennan attended the celebration last March, he across this country, we execute an important mission; would have been incredibly pleased and perhaps a bit few other companies can lay claim to having missions surprised at what has become of his company. of similar significance. We help residents of coast- al areas adapt to the effects of climate change and We are thankful for the record year we are now com- higher sea levels. We retrofit and maintain bridges, pleting. This year, we will record nearly 850,000 man- dams, and public infrastructure for the impacts of more hours of work across the country. We have never done powerful storms. We provide a cleaner and safer en- so much work, over such vast geography. With every vironment, which many times becomes the foundation year that passes, we get better in delivering our work for the rebirth of entire communities. to a wider array of clients; this is not to say we have “arrived” or that we can’t advance further, but more Our crews move the products that grow our econo- that we are on a journey of continuous improvement. my throughout the inland waterway system, and the Our climb toward being the safest, highest quality, work we do on America’s water-based infrastructure most efficient, and innovative company will never end; allows our agricultural sector to compete on a global however, along our quest to better ourselves, we have scale. To be this impactful requires highly talented and been fortunate to enjoy success. fundamentally great people. We have some of great- est! Thank you for all that you do—for the effort spent We are thankful that we are collectively able to give in the arena and the commitment you have to looking back to the communities in which we work and live. after one another. I hope this Christmas finds you at We are, fundamentally, a group of people dedicated to home, well, and with family celebrating one another’s serving others. Your willingness to volunteer for orga- company. A very Merry Christmas to all, and here’s to nizations that improve the lives of others, coach youth, a wonderful 2020! or bring forth community initiatives worthy of funding, allow all of us to share our success in business with Matt Binsfeld President and CEO Thankful

SAFETY Toolbox Talk: Endless and Synthetic Sling Inspections By Tim Butz In industries like marine construction, the consequences of skipping or rushing through “simple” inspections or “ordinary” storage practices can be catastrophic, for all our equipment and tools. For example, Brennan uses various types of slings to hoist all kinds of materials, from piping and equipment, to dredges and other vessels. Slings are critically important to the work we do; we need to ensure they are in excellent working condition before we use them and maintain them for our teammates who will use them next. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CAUSES OF SLING DAMAGE? Normal wear and tear contribute to most damage we see on slings. Beyond that, poor storage and transfer practices such as leaving slings exposed to sun or other weather conditions when not in use, dragging slings from one place to another and causing snags, and not blocking underneath a sling or using softeners on sharp edges all cause sling damage. HOW DANGEROUS ARE DAMAGED SLINGS? When a sling fails, everything literally drops. It’s impossible to overstate the damage to equipment and, more importantly, the risk of injury when slings fail. And the concerns don’t stop there: if a sling breaks during a heavy lift, it has the potential to flip the crane performing the lift. We recently removed 30 slings from six consecutive jobs; safety team inspections showed that these slings should not be in use, but field rigging inspections didn’t catch the problems. WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE FIND A SLING THAT NEEDS REPLACEMENT? Contact anyone in the safety department or Amy in the shop. Amy can order a new sling and send it wherever you need it, and she’s really quick! Also, make sure no one is tempted to use the old sling again by cutting it and throwing it away. Immediately remove slings from service under any of the following conditions: »» Missing or illegible sling identification tags. »» Acid or caustic burns. »» Broken or worn stitches. »» Cuts, snags, holes, or tears that expose core yarns. »» Broken or damaged core yarns. Remember: “If there’s red, it’s dead.” Sling manufacturers use different colored strings (often red) within the sling to provide an easy way of identifying when damage requires you to remove the sling from service. Seeing the indicator thread is a sure sign for replacement, but other damage may also exist that requires removal from service. Perform every inspection as carefully as if a life depends on it! Frayed sling, this sling shouldn't be used Contact the safety department regarding any additional questions. To order slings, connect with Amy Swart via email at [email protected] or call 608.519.5339.

Torn sling, this sling shouldn't be used Do's and Illegible tag, this sling shouldn't be used Don'ts Sling in use at Starved Rock Lock & Dam »» DO conduct inspections prior to High-capacity sling in use at Marseilles Lock each use. »» DON’T set a load on a sling. Use blocking to hold the load off the rigging so that the load does not crush or abrade the sling. »» DON’T pull a sling from under a load resting on the sling or restricting movement of the sling. »» DO use softeners to prevent damage to slings that contact edges, protrusions, or corners. »» DON’T shock-load slings. »» When using multiple baskets or choker hitches, DO rig the load so that slings will not slip or slide along the load. »» When using a choke hitch, DON’T allow the choke point to occur on a splice or a fitting. »» DON’T allow one sling leg (or any component) to constrain another sling leg. »» DON’T use the sling in a manner that may allow the sling to shift and/ or slide over any surface while it’s under the load.

CIVIL By Dennis Jonjak THE CIVIL CREW FLIES HIGH IN NELSON, WI LIHFETAIVNYG Through August and September, Brennan The objective of this project was to replace an was contracted by Xcel Energy Inc.® (Xcel) to antiquated set of transmission lines that had been assist in the installation of new transmission towers installed back in the 1930s before the lock and dam and foundations. The towers support a vital 65-kV system was built. Since the dams went in, the area transmission line that crosses the backwaters of the has been designated as a wetland wildlife refuge and Mississippi River between Nelson, WI and Wabasha, Xcel's challenge was to upgrade the structures while MN. Access to the project sites proved challenging minimizing any impact to the ecosystem. as the water was too deep for temporary matting and too shallow for barge access. To solve the access The new tower foundations consisted of twin 42 IN challenge Xcel reached out to us to provide necessary diameter steel caissons with a design embedment marine and amphibious equipment support. depth between 50 and 60 FT. Time was of the essence as a power outage was necessary to complete work. Xcel and Brennan have worked together on several Xcel had only two weeks to remove and replace powerline upgrade projects in the past such as the approximately 1.5 miles of transmission line. To add 2015 CAPX2020 river crossing near Alma, WI, and last to the feat, a heavy-lift Erickson Air Crane helicopter year's Myrick Park amphibious assist in La Crosse. was needed to fly the new structures in, and fly the old Brennan has become one of their go-to resources for structures out! water based challenges, especially for projects that require access to remote locations. The expanded This was a team effort on all accounts. Our shop capabilities of our amphibious equipment allows us to fabricated several inovative two-level templates that adapt to unique challenges, which was showcased on would allow us to quickly set the tower foundations and this particular project. drive them to grade. The templates were constructed with moveable “gate arms” so that the caissons could Heavy Lift Erickson Air Crane New 42 IN diameter caissons Brennan aligning the caisson with custom template

Xcel Energy Inc® Nelson Tr ansmission Line Upgr ade crew: Eric Von Arx Eric Boldt Garret Mullen Shandon Carter Dennis Jonjak Luke Fuchsel Brian Schulte Jeff Ross Zach Pontzer Dick Wateski Tim Von Arx Jason Reggin Les Ormond Cole Kamla Dave Majeski Tim Butz Steve Linberg Kevin Miller Eliot Kowalczyk Luke Fuchsel loading up an amphibious truck Crews loading tools/equipment onto an amphibious truck Eric Von Arx and crew installing template h-piling supports swing into place from the side of the template and Xcel had their own crew securing the pre-assembled quickly secured, making installation easier. transmission towers as the Air Crane lifted them into place. The templates were located and secured using our amphibious excavator outifitted with a vibratory The Brennan, Erickson Inc., and Xcel team worked so hammer. Once they were in place, it was game time! closely in unison that it was hard to tell us all apart. While the helicopter flew overhead we had amphibious The crew, led by Eric Von Arx, was nothing short equipment tracking from one location to the next, of amazing. As the helicopter quickly flew from its airboats shuttling people back and forth, and our new temporary landing pad to a template location with a SHERP ATV trudging through the mud. To make things caisson in tow, we would guide the steel foundation more challenging the crews worked long hours through into position and secure it. The air-crane would then multiple days of inclement weather. make another quick trip back to the pad to pick up a vibratory hammer, and our crews would brave hurricane When the dust settled, our team was successful force winds to connect the power unit and begin driving in staying within schedule, and more importantly the caisson. When it reached a certain depth, the completing the project injury free. The approach used helicopter would release the hammer and we would on this project has already attracted the attention of drive it to the design elevation. other utility companies and will undoubtedly lead to more opportunities for Brennan. A big thanks to all Once to grade, our crews moved quickly to the next involved! location to repeat the process. Right behind our crews,

By Beth Troke New W-4 Forms from the IRS The IRS has redesigned W-4 forms, but why? The new design reduces the form’s complexity and increases the transparency and accuracy of the withholding system. While it uses the same underlying information as the old design, it replaces complicated worksheets with more straightforward questions that make accurate withholding easier for employees. Do you have to fill out a new form? Employees who have submitted Form W-4 in any year before 2020 are not required to submit a new form merely because of the redesign. Employers will continue to compute withholding based on the information from the employee’s most recently submitted Form W-4. »» For more FAQs on the redesigned W-4 form, please visit: www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-on-the-draft-2020-form-w-4 »» You can also estimate your federal tax deduction for 2020 at www.irs.gov/W4App »»Please contact your tax advisor with additional questions or guidance. For Brennan-specific payroll questions, concerning your payroll check or union fringe benefits, please send an email to [email protected] with payroll-specific questions.

Giving Back This Holiday Did you know that every year Brennan gives back to the communities in which we work? Here are some of the organizations that we supported over the past year: Alzheimer’s Association La Crosse Children’s Rotary Lights Aquinas Catholic Schools Museum Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Scouting USA Down Syndrome Association La Crosse DARE Program Steppin’ Out in Pink Family & Children’s Center Town of Campbell K9 Fox-Wolf Watershed District La Crosse Kiwanis Club Program Hokah Catholic Schools Toys For Tots Hunger Task Force Living for Liz Lung Cancer United Way Irishfest Awareness University of La Crosse La Crosse Area Autism Building Champions Trails Foundation Living Lands & Waters Viterbo University La Crosse Chamber of YMCA Commerce Mike Boeckenstedt Memorial YWCA Scholarship Fund Mississippi River Cleanup River Action Group Riverfest Riverworks Discovery We also support countless fundraising and charitable events through gift basket donations and sponsorships. Stay tuned for our next issue to learn how Brennan can support your charitable and volunteering efforts! All of the gifts from the giving tree are wrapped and ready for delivery from the Corporate Office in La Crosse, WI

DIVE Diving at 8,194 FT in Dur ango, Color ado By Adam Thorson THROUGH MULTIPLE SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS Brennan developed a great partnering relationship with the Midwest group of Xcel Energy Inc® (Xcel). From Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dive inspections and innovative dam repair projects to the implementation of amphibious equipment for transmission line installation, we are always looking at ways of incorporating Brennan’s “can-do” attitude into all client interactions. This year, we got the opportunity to work with Xcel’s Western group. HEADING TO COLORADO In late September 2019, we received a call from Xcel Western group regarding their Terminal Dam facility, and we quickly responded. Terminal Dam is an asphalt capped earthen dam located directly north of Durango, Colorado. A previous dive inspection found a hole with a slight draw through it on the face of the asphalt cap that gave evidence of potential piping through the dam. WHAT IS PIPING? When soils are eroded by flowing waters, it can create an open path for flow called “piping.” Piping can prove catastrophic to a dam structure if not repaired promptly and properly. GETTING TO WORK Xcel, Wheeler Engineering, FERC, and Brennan worked together to formulate an effective and safe repair solution utilizing divers for repairing the voids in the dam. After arriving onsite on November 11, 2019, Chase Slabaugh led our crew in performing an extensive invasive species prevention cleaning of all gear. We washed all gear we planned to place in the water with a 140-degree pressure washer. After cleaning the equipment, our onsite crew began their initial investigation using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to determine if a differential pressure hazard existed adjacent to the hole in the dam. Thankfully, we confirmed that the hole had not advanced beyond the initial inspection findings and that extremely minimal suction existed near the hole. We began repairs by placing small handmade sacks filled with gravel inside the voided annulus behind the asphalt face. Next, the crew filled the remaining void with a grout-filled synthetic membrane. Finally, the crew placed a rubber membrane over the hole and secured it with 2 IN by 4 IN tack strips. We performed various inspections while onsite as well.

8,194 FT Above Sea Level Overall, the project was deemed a huge success. Brennan mobilized quickly after we received the go- ahead, we suggested solutions to our client’s problem, we performed the work safely and efficiently with the proper tools and equipment, and we did all of this work at altitude—8,194 FT above sea level. Diving at altitude requires an adjustment to our overall bottom times. Standard dive tables give us bottom times based on how our bodies deal with partial pressures of gas at sea level. Bottom times are significantly different when you are well above sea level, as in the case of the site in Durango. We utilized altitude- adjusted dive tables which essentially lessened the amount of time our team could spend at various depths under water. Because of this careful planning, we were able to meet our client’s expectations. We believe we left Xcel’s Western group with a great impression, a good understanding of the type of work that Brennan performs, and the exceptional quality we offer. Void and intake locations Crews preparing the a rubber membrane Diving was done from the face of the embankment

BRENNAN MARINE Introducing the M/ V Karen Colsh, Merrell\"Cobb\" Colsch, and Adam Binsfeld MERRELL COLSCH Having a vessel named after you is the highest honor we can bestow upon an individual in recognition of his or her contribution to Brennan’s success over the course of a career. Our most recent recipient of such an honor is Merrell Colsch, or \"Cobb\" as he has been affectionately known throughout his career. Merrell was born and raised on a family farm in Merrell recalled driving several of the “top brass” around Freeburg, MN. As the fifth of 8 children, he grew to know Washington during the Vietnam protest riots. “I was there hard work by raising beef cattle and growing feed crops. driving colonels when the crowds were getting tear- As a teenager, his father got a job at the Genoa Station gassed.” for Dairyland Power Cooperative, so their family moved to the town of New Albin, located on the Minnesota – In 1971, at 20 years old, he was honorably discharged Iowa border. He attended Kee High School in Lansing, and returned to New Albin. He began his career on the IA up until the 10th grade before leaving to work various river working for Donnie Weymiller’s marine construction jobs in the area. outfit in Lansing. “My first job for Donnie was a dredge project on the Maquoketa River near Manchester, In 1969, Merrell turned 18 years old and was drafted IA.” Merrell and Donnie were a crew of two who were into the United States Army. He spent a short time in hydraulically dredging sand and gravel to be used in training at Fort Polk in Louisiana and then was deployed the construction of Highway 61 between Dubuque and to serve in the Vietnam War - the third in his family to do Davenport. Donnie ran the dredge and Merrell would so. Merrell spent a year in Vietnam working with the 9th run dozer and maintain the dewatering plant located and the 25th Infantry Divisions. Overseas, he drove an onshore. armored personnel carrier in support of combat tanks. Returning to the states in 1970, he was one of many After four years of working grueling hours, Weymiller sold soldiers who received a cold welcoming from Americans the business and got into fleeting for the Interstate Power who protested the war. Upon his return, he was and Light Company (now Alliant Energy) coal plant in reassigned to the Pentagon where he became a driver Lansing. Merrell quickly earned his USCG pilot’s license for visiting dignitaries from all over the world. and became a boat pilot on the M/V Jay Hawk where, for the next 15 years, he worked the Lansing fleet. In late “I had to pick them up at the airport and drive them 1991, Weymiller lost his switching and fleeting contract to back to the Pentagon, or out to Fort Mead, or other Brennan Marine. Shortly thereafter, Kent Pehler recruited places. Sometimes I would spend the entire week there.” Merrell to join Brennan.

Merrell Colsch -\"Cobb\" We could write a book on the 27 years of contributions that 2011 La Crosse dry dock repairing a barge Merrell would make to Brennan. After running the Lansing Cobb was instrumental in developing the VicVac operation for four years, he was reassigned to run the dry dock here in La Crosse. Back then, J.F. Brennan Company ran the Dan Degarmo, Eric Von Arx & Cobb dock and it was decided that Brennan Marine would be a better fit due to its involvement in the towing industry. Merrell soon joined the La Crosse team, which included Ken Peterson. “I’ll bet I repaired over a 1,000 different barges and tows over the years.” In addition to his work as a dry dock manager, Merrell’s fabrication skills made him a go-to resource for the construction and dredging side of the company. He would re-deck barges with Jim O’Neill, Gary Dondlinger, and Mike Boeckenstedt during winters months. Many times, he was called upon to run a towboat on a lock and dam project if we were short pilots or he'd lend a hand on a pile driving crew. He also became a go-to resource for the Environmental group because he could bring many of their innovative ideas to reality. Often working closely with Danny Maust (Big Boy) he would bring ideas such as the VicVac™, the horizontal cutterhead, excavator-mounted hydraulic dredge units, and countless other innovations to life. And we would be remiss not to mention the number of people he has coached and influenced over the years. From welding and fabrication skills, to vessel maintenance and piloting, Merrell has impacted many people across the Brennan organization. Merrell will be retiring next April, leaving a tremendous legacy behind. When asked what he likes most about working at Brennan, his response was, “There’s just a lot of good people. Good pilots, good deckhands. It was nice being out on some of those crews too.” He added, “This is quite an honor. When Adam called me to the conference room that day [for the announcement] I thought he was going to announce getting the new contract [for Ste. Genevieve]. He got me hook, line, and sinker when he named that towboat after me. I can’t thank everyone enough for that.” Thank you, Merrell, for spending your career here at Brennan. We are truly honored and appreciative of the contribution you have made to our success. This is an honor, well deserved! Where did the name Cobb come from? “It [the nickname Cobb] was given to me by my dad. I was a toddler out on the farm where we grew corn. I called them cobb corns instead of corn cobbs. Just backward, you know. So, they started calling me that and it’s been that way ever since.”

State of Technology ByBrianJerzak Brennan’s IT Department Looks to the Future We recently engaged in a Technology Health Check assessment, facilitated by consultants at Wipfli LLC (Wipfli) of La Crosse, WI. The purpose of the Health Check was to help us define our IT vision and to provide us with an actionable roadmap to leverage technology to our competitive advantage. The report helped us understand what is possible, where we can improve, and how to best achieve our business goals. Upon completing our Technology Health Check, however, they don’t always make their investment in Wipfli provided us with a final overall statement the proper areas - this is not the case with Brennan. regarding Brennan’s technology status: Brennan has a top-notch technology platform, which is a testament to the work of the IT department, as “Brennan’s overall state of technology is in a very well as the quality vendors they have partnered with good state. The company’s internal IT staff and to help fill in the technology gaps that they have outsourced IT vendors should be commended for experienced.” – Wipfli maintaining current technology and implementing modern solutions to mitigate security risks and The report also included areas of improvement vulnerabilities. In general, systems are well opportunities and recommendations for us to maintained, equipment is replaced on schedule, and consider. One identified area of improvement innovative solutions are deployed throughout the revolved around Brennan’s lack of a formal process environment for a modern workplace. Compared in selecting and deploying new or upgraded to similar organizations in their industry and size, platforms. Brennan is ahead of the curve. Brennan has heavily invested in technology, which is evident by their Wipfli recommended that we form an IT Steering modern facilities and data center at their La Crosse, Committee. Consisting of Brennan staff members, Wisconsin location. Some companies invest heavily the Steering Committee represents a broad sampling of our workforce to develop a process for change in technology; management, software selection, technology asset tracking, employee onboarding, separation processes, technology training, approval processes, budgeting, and prioritization of technology initiatives. Steering committee members are responsible for interfacing with the rest of Brennan to gain input on technology needs as well as to disseminate information and guidance from the committee to affected staff. For an added layer of expertise, we plan to incorporate an external

consultant into the Steering Committee. We plan for Brennan’s Steering Committee to partner with a vCIO—Virtual Chief Information Officer—from 3RT Networks, who will provide additional, objective leadership in our IT directives. Brennan’s IT Steering Committee consists of 8 total members across several departments, from general users to leadership and power users, with our main objectives being: »» To improve global vision of the IT department »» To provide a path to make decisions regarding locally hosted vs cloud deployments »» Develop a roadmap and policy for software acquisition and implementation »» Align IT initiatives with the business direction. »» Review and improve Brennan’s state of technology IT Department Roles and Duties IT Systems Support Coordinator As we continue to grow our technology efforts, please consider our internal duties when looking »» Hardware—Software for IT help. »» Software Licensing »» Asset Management As always, feel free to connect with the IT »» Software Troubleshooting department via the Brennan Service Desk at support.jfbrennan.com or email and Project Support [email protected] with a brief »» Service Desk—First In/Out description of your request in »» Email and Phone Tech the subject line. Support Bri Tyler Stanek an Jerzak Systems Administrator miah Shaver rger IT Director Tori WeissenbeJere »» Windows Server Management »» Application Upgrades »» Strategic Planning »» Network Performance Monitoring »» Budgets—Capital Expenditures »» Active Directory—Group Policy »» Technical Projects »» Networks—Infrastructure »» Disaster Recovery »» Service Desk—First In/Out »» Security »» Email and Phone Tech Support Systems Analyst »» Project Lead for Major Software Initiatives »» Software-Related Strategic Planning »» New Software Implementation »» Software Administration and Security

ENVIRONMENTAL DREDGING LAKE C A R NEGIE SITE OF WORLD CLASS ROWING By Bill Simons The Lake Carnegie Dredging Project is in Princeton, New Jersey, located on the campus of Princeton University. The project entails hydraulic maintenance dredging of approximately 135,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment to provide better lake access. Named after steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, Lake terrain modeling for bidding, civil design, and Carnegie was dammed in 1906 and deepened in the operational planning to arrive at the layout pictured to early 1970s with dredging of approximately 1 million the right. cubic yards of native soils. The lake was reportedly intended to relieve the rowing team from practicing The project is staffed with both seasoned Brennan on the Delaware & Raritan Canal amidst canal freight crew and local union operating engineers from traffic. International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825. Infrastructure Alternatives, Inc (IAI), The lake is used by the University’s rowing teams and a longtime partner of ours, oversees dewatering for recreational boating activities. Additionally, the operations with a combination of experienced United States’ national and Olympic team rowers have geotextile tube managers, Local 825 engineers, and long used the lake as a training site. Local 472 laborers. Brennan collaborated with the University’s Facilities The Lake Carnegie project entails hydraulic dredging Operations and its consultants, Jacobs Engineering of approximately 135,000 cubic yards of accumulated Group and Van Note-Harvey Associates, in designing sediment using the Ashtabula and Palm Beach the 15-acre dewatering pad and support area. swinging-ladder cutter suction dredges. We will use up Facilities Operations constructed the dewatering pad to 4 miles of pipeline to convey the dredge slurry. The and support area. Approximately 60,000 cubic yards crew has managed the dredges and pipelines while of soil were managed to create a 10-acre, gently surrounded by an elaborate network of buoys and sloping dewatering pad. We used three-dimensional steel cable positioning anchors for the rowing course.

Dredge Palm Beach Dredging view from the leverman's seat We faced a unique challenge 15 acre dewatering pad and support area on this project: we needed to Cletus Bowe, Michael Corcoran, Tim Tolvstad & Ed Truskowski develop a pipeline crossing that would go over the historic Delaware & Raritan Canal. The Chad Defoe & Taylor Looker crossing could not disturb the banks on either side of the canal, yet the pipeline had to allow passage of boats underneath the bridge as well as pedestrian and vehicle access over the pipeline proximate to the bridge. Geotextile dewatering tubes between 170 and 240 FT long are being used to dewater the dredged sediment; these tubes will be stacked up to three layers tall. The dewatering pad is capable of holding more than 150,000 cubic yards of dredged sediment. A drinking-water-safe polymer and coagulant, and two 700,000-gallon settling basins are being used for treatment of conveyance water from dredging and dewatering operations. In just the first month of dredging, the crew dredged and dewatered more than 42,000 cubic yards of sediment— great work! Upon completion of dredging and dewatering operations, the University will re-use the dredged sediment as soil to support campus-wide construction and landscaping projects.

UNDERWATER SERVICES East River Group Effort Largest Through our environmental remediation work over the past decade on the Lower Fox River in Green Bay, WI, Underwater AB Brennan was awarded the cleanup and capping work scheduled for the north focus area of the East River Mat Installation manufactured gas plant (MGP) site near the confluence of the Fox and East rivers. This portion of the project in Company involved our Environmental, Civil, and Underwater History Services groups, plus a partnership with Great Lakes Diving & Salvage to complete the work through various phases of the MGP project. The Environmental and Civil groups installed sheet pile containment and mechanically dredged and removed contaminated sediment from the worksite. Underwater Services worked to install roughly 1.25 AC of articulating block mattresses (AB mats), specifically Synthetex Hydrotex™ Articulating Block 1200. We placed 12 IN thick, grout-filled AB mats over a specific section of river bottom contaminated with coal tar and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In the design process, the engineering team also recommended installation of helical anchors to ensure that the mattresses would not slide along the undulating surface, while also providing resistance to uplifting forces. The mattress installation phase of the East River project consisted of multiple dive crews and topside assistance. AB mats were received by our topside crewmembers who unrolled and prepared each panel to be lowered into the water and onto a specific capping area. Each of the 37 unfiled AB mat panels covered an area of about 1,800 SF (20 FT X 90 FT). As one panel was lowered into the water, the adjacent AB mat panel had to be unrolled and prepared prior to connecting the internal strength members, or cables, from one panel to the next. Because the internal strength members had to be connected internally, Brennan’s crewmembers closed zippers on the bottom section of fabric, connected the cables, and then closed the top section’s zipper to ensure that grout properly propagated around the cables. Connecting AB mats above the water saved us numerous labor hours and reduced the overall cost of the project. As crews connected adjacent sections, divers assisted the crane operator with precisely lowering the unfilled AB mat into its final position within the specified zone. After several panels were prepared and connected, divers guided the hydraulic Digga® helical anchor driver into place and drove helical anchors into the sediment, roughly 10 to 25 FT deep, depending on the specified location and depth. Once the helical anchors were driven along the head of the mattress close to the Georgia-Pacific® bulkhead wall, divers pumped grout into the submerged AB mats. As divers pumped grout, the topside crew continued connecting additional panels, driving anchors, and operating multiple concrete pumps. After each panel was filled with grout, the team installed additional helical anchors through the middle and along the ends of each panel. We recognized and overcame numerous hurdles in the course of installing 55,000 SF of AB mats. As the crew worked to position mattresses to the specified layout, the ideal thickness was not being realized when introducing grout. To achieve proper mat thickness, Brennan’s divers began pulling up additional slack within the AB mats, causing the overall AB mat to be short of the designed area. We worked with the design engineer and fabric supplier to formulate a plan to install and connect extension AB mat panels to ensure that the treatment area was properly covered per the project plans and specifications.

Due Kemp Pearson KJeemsspe CPhearrisstoinan&son to existing Pat Rude underwater conditions, Brennan also quickly realized that we could not install the AB mat tight to the Georgia-Pacific wall. Before the design team offered their solution, we suggested installing grout-filled bags between the Georgia- Pacific bulkhead and the installed AB mats. Our crew also dealt with numerous weather delays and project-related delays throughout the course of the project. As our time on the East River MGP site progressed, 4 dive teams worked in tandem on various phases of the project. Ideally, the first and second dive teams pumped grout into the pre-positioned AB mats and grout bags while the third dive team drove helical anchors and the fourth team installed fences to secure the grout bags along the Georgia-Pacific bulkhead. In the end, Brennan pumped 1,570 CY of grout and installed 249 helical anchors. After the armor mattress phase of the East River project was completed in late October 2019, the Civil and Environmental groups capped the armor mattress with large riprap and removed the containment sheet-pile wall. GreBg rNaidckDervsoornachek TO PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE: »» Total area covered by AB Mats: 55,000 SF - Equivalent to 3.4 NHL Hockey Rinks or 1.5 NFL Football Fields »» Total Concrete: 1,570 CY »» Total Helical Anchors: 249 »» Total Crew: 17–30 people onsite at any given time

conventwioisndoaml ByGayleC.Edlin I made the change somewhere around 1999—I was, by That’d be Belemnitida, by the way. I have some on my most accounts, between 10 and 40 years behind the times desk. by then. I expected the change to be insuperable, but it was barely annoying—far from the continuous strife of English is one of many places where we discover that the quitting smoking, which I’d done a few years prior. Given apparently unalterable rules we learn as impressionable that I practiced the former habit more frequently and for youths are little more than fickle conventions, and these far longer than the latter, I imagined that switching from conventions change over time. As fossils adults, some of two spaces between sentences to one would’ve been at us derive significant satisfaction from flaunting pointless least onerous. traditions, but just as skinny jeans and sneakers gave way to leggings and sheepskin boots, two spaces between I’m not actually saying that typing two spaces is addictive, sentences have absolutely condensed to one. although considering how some people react when told that one space is preferable, I considered making the For those who truly love the double-space sentence claim. separator, valiant defenses abound. However, if you research the history of established standards, you’ll find “The war between the one-spacers and the two- that the “ideal space” between sentences was defined as spacers is, like any war of no consequence, hard triple the size of the space between words for most of the fought.”—Nick Douglas time between the creation of the first English typeface in the early 1700s until the early 1900s. In retrospect, it astounds me that I didn’t convert sooner. In my former life as editor for Wyoming Labor Force That’s right, two-space purists: three spaces between Trends—an excellent publication that’s just as entertaining sentences is a convention of much longer standing than to read as the name implies—I was responsible for the two to which you now adhere. While some publishers formatting both print and online publications. In those clung to wider spaces well into the 1950s and 1960s, the early days of the internet, we used hand-coded Hypertext shift was already underway in the 1920s when typesetters Markup Language (HTML) to display online material. revaluated the long-held opinion that a wider space HTML in the 1990s was already a fossil, and not a fancy was “necessary” after a period. These ideas were later one like the complete tibia of a Tyrannosaurus rex … more supported by studies of the influence of sentence spacing like a mid-range gut-chunk of ancient squid.

on readability of text, “… there’s no evidence to back up the claim that the extra Everyday space aids readability by providing a little more visual separation between Conventions sentences.” The supposedly aesthetic standard eroded, and economic pressures advanced the process. »» Using capital letters to start sentences While many attribute the demise of significant sentence gaps to the rise of uniform letters (monospace fonts) in early keyboard devices such as typewriters, »» Putting north at the top others point to capitalism as the culprit. These analysts explain that because of maps printers used the same conventions for hundreds of years, the economic consideration of cheaper books with less whitespace, which required less time »» Shaking (right) hands and skill to create, accelerated the change to “simpler and lazier methods of when introduced spacing.” »» Wearing black to heavy (Making things easier, as pointed out in the last issue of the Scuttlebutt, can metal concerts serve as powerful motivation.) »» Writing the month and Irrespective of the cause of the increased use of single spaces between day first, followed by the sentences, it’s impossible to ignore the proliferation of this convention. When year you read modern, professionally produced material, single-space sentence gaps are ubiquitous: from internet articles to books to advertisements, the information »» Driving on the right side we view is overwhelmingly printed with a lone sentry space between sentences. of the road Examples of this standard are literally everywhere, including throughout the Scuttlebutt. Which, incidentally, is another argument supporting the single-space »» Measuring lengths in convention … consistency and attention to detail distinguish organizations from miles, feet, and inches their competition. »» Using a single Convention, in its own right, underpins business as robustly as innovation. Where space between invention implies originality and problem-solving prowess, customary practices sentences infer reliability and consistency. Both principles bring value to our work. Sources: So when do we conform and when do we challenge established norms? If safety, • https://lifehacker.com/no-you-shouldnt-put- efficiency, or quality is at stake, the answer is easy: throw that flag and stand firm. The answer doesn’t seem so obvious when “mere convention” buttresses two-spaces-after-a-period-1825662114 the controversy under discussion—surely opinion matters then. As much as • https://web.archive.org/ independence is a celebrated quality, it remains subject to qualifiers like this one: “on the job.” web/20171217060354/http://www. heracliteanriver.com/?p=324 If we compare writing styles to clothing styles, the argument from personal • http://decidingfactor.us/space-space-one- preference falls right off the catwalk: in the arena of fashion, employers readily two-spaces-period dictate dress codes. When it comes to written presentations, employers likewise • https://www.arrantpedantry.com/2017/11/28/ have the ability and obligation to provide direction via style guides. Such edicts two-space-or-not-two-space promote a steadfast and reliable representation of the company, projecting a • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentence_ desired image to clients. spacing_studies • https://www.history.com/news/who-were- As for the two space/one space “issue,” while adherents on either side the-luddites may proclaim that they have the best arguments, convention isn’t really a matter of debate or a war to be fought. Words, language, and compositional standards change over time—even the term \"Luddite\" evolved from its inception. You could say that adapting to conventional wisdom prevents fossilization.

LOCK & DAM Bulkhead PSirmouljteacntesouats Marseilles and Starved Rock By Zach Lucas Marseilles Lock and Dam (Marseilles) was scheduled for major rehab in 2019, along with Starved Rock Lock and Dam (Starved Rock). Marseilles is unique in that its dam sits 2.5 MI upstream from its lock, near Bells Island, IL. Starved Rock is located just 15 MI downstream from Marseilles, so the sites could benefit from sharing and utilizing similar equipment throughout the projects. Old miter gates at Starved Rock Setting stay in place form base for bulkheads at SR Starved Rock bracing precast panels with deadman struts 160-TON TALL ORDER GETTING TO WORK As both dams neared their 100th The overall goal of the project was to remove the miter gates at both sites and birthdays, they both desperately needed install a total of 32 standard and 4 bulkhead slot panels. Nine panels would go major rehabilitation. Since the existing on each wall, at each site. Brennan’s work for the Rock Island District of the US miter gates no longer provided any major Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) started onsite with an underwater site survey functions for the lock, removing and on the lock floors at both Marseilles and Starved Rock in the fall of 2018. With our replacing them with new bulkhead slots partners and suppliers in place, we began mobilization operations in May of the was a logical decision. The purpose of the following year. As much as possible, we planned work outside of the water so we entire project was to make the dewater wouldn’t affect lock operations until necessary. process easier, allowing for continued maintenance and rehab in the future. To We worked with Advance Concrete Sawing of St. Paul, MN on concrete do so, we planned to remove the existing demolition, core drilling, and saw cutting; Ruder Electric from Kanakee, IL 140-160-ton miter gates, pour thousands provided electrical services. For the steel components of the bulkhead slot cover of cubic yards of concrete in the recesses plates, wall armor, and precast panels, we utilized supplier Southwest Steel left by the miter gates, and install precast Fabricators from Kansas City, MO. Hillsdale Fabricators of St. Louis provided stay- permanent forms and bulkheads. in-place (SIP) forms for the bulkhead slot sills. Crews permanently installed these forms in the slots, weighing approximately 100,000 LB, creating a foundation for This would be the first bulkhead install on the bulkheads. For our fabricated precast concrete panels, we used Crest Precast the Illinois River using existing emergency of La Crescent, MN. miter gate recesses. Over the past 15 years, Brennan has worked to install Our dive team played at integral role planning and executing these jobs. We bulkheads on the Mississippi River, but needed 5 divers at each site and had upwards of 20 different divers in rotation Marseilles and Starved Rock would be to work through 3-4 IN of visibility clearing debris and to assist in a huge amount pioneers on the Illinois Waterways. of concrete work. To place rebar, divers needed to drill roughly 900 holes underwater, through 30 IN of concrete. We bid concrete drilling at 30 minutes per hole, but we knew we needed to speed things up. With 900 holes to drill in extremely hard concrete, a new Brennan innovation was designed and debuted. A drilling platform was built allowing divers to remain stable and level in a really tight area, cutting drill time down by 90%. Thanks to our shop’s ingenuity and skilled divers, we have a new custom tool in our arsenal! NAVIGATION CHANGES AND FLASH FLOODS To fully install 9 precast panels on each wall, the USACE scheduled an official partial navigation restriction period from June 1 through August 15 at both Marseilles and Starved Rock Locks. During the partial closure period had a

Marseilles crew installing dewatering splash boards 70-foot restriction and the lock was restricted for construction At Starved Rock, river elevation didn’t drop in a reasonable from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Due to high water delays and other timeframe, so the USACE and Brennan decided to use divers to complications during construction, the partial navigation period complete the remaining work at this site. Bulkheads were pulled was extended by a full month. from their chamber to provide access for the divers who removed the remaining debris from the lock floor, installed a barrier to Initially, a complete 2-week navigational shutdown was to occur separate concrete placement in preparation for 2 pours, and then starting August 16 at both locks. Because of the extension of the worked with the concrete pump to place the remaining necessary aforementioned partial navigation period, the USACE changed concrete in 2 separate placements. the full navigation closure period to September instead. Again, as many of us experienced this year, our plans fell to those of We technically completed Marseilles and Starved Rock in Mother Nature. A flash flood event occurred on September 27, tandem but proper planning and mid-project adjustments leading to further delays in the full closure period. minimized tow disruption within the Illinois Waterway. Brennan finished major contract work at Marseilles and Starved Rock mid- After the flash flooding subsided, Brennan resumed work October and the USACE began allowing navigation through the as usual at Marseilles. Close to the finish line, we installed locks shortly after the concrete cured. reinforcement anchors into the existing lock floor and a reinforcement mat and placed concrete in the sill floor between Brennan fully demobilized from the site by November 22. Some the emergency miter gate sill and the SIP form. After the final closeout work and modifications remain outstanding, but we concrete cured, we removed the bulkheads from the lock and are moving toward full completion this year. A much deserved loaded them on barges. With the bulkheads gone, the bulkhead thank you to the entire crew, our partners, and suppliers for slot cover plates were installed. finishing work at both sites in 2019! Pumping concrete in Marseilles into Marseilles crew placing sill concrete in bulkheads Marseilles crew placing sill concrete downstream sill Marseilles and Starved Rock Fun Facts: »» This is the first USACE project to replace emergency miter additional 1,000 cubic yards of concrete was placed to fill gates with bulkhead slots. the lock floor sill area between the lock chamber walls. »» While removing debris, a diver found a bone at Starved »» Brennan’s Ottawa office is located directly between the Rock. The bone was confirmed to be human by Illinois Marseilles and Starved Rock locks. State Police. »» High water on the river presented a major obstacle. One of »» Each precast wall required 500+ cubic yards of concrete. our marine plants became trapped on the river, forcing our There were 2 walls at each site, totaling 2,000 cubic yards crew to look for replacement equipment. of concrete to fill in recesses left by the miter gates. An

ASSET MANAGEMENT

SHERP ATV SPECS »» Weight: 3,000 LB »» Dimensions: 134 IN long x 99 IN wide x 99 IN tall »» Capacity: 6 people up to 2,200 LB »» Engine: 45-horsepower Kubota Diesel, 5-speed manual »» Max Speed: 24 MPH on land and 4 MPH in water The SHERP made its debut on our Xcel Energy® Transmission Line Upgrade project in Nelson, WI. Used in conjunction with the airboat and other amphibious equipment, we provided a service that no one else could, and we did so while lessening our impact on the environment. Wetlands, here we come! SHERP ATV MAKES ITS DEBUT By Ken Peterson and Zach Pontzer This year, we made another key asset purchase: the SHERP ATV (SHERP). In addition to the Diamondback Airboat, the SHERP solidifies our durability and efficiency working throughout wetland and marshy areas. Often referred to as an overgrown “TONKA® toy,” the SHERP is quite square in shape at 134 inches long, 99 inches wide, and 99 inches tall. It is powered by a 44-horsepower Kubota diesel with a five-speed manual transmission—if you don’t know how to drive a manual transmission vehicle, the SHERP might take a little practice. The SHERP can float due to its sealed hull and the buoyancy of its tires, which are 63 inches tall and 23 inches wide. Uniquely, the tires can be inflated or deflated while running, allowing the machine to adapt to varying conditions. The “gradeability” of the SHERP is 35 degrees, so it can climb an incline of 35 degrees (a steep bank). We purchased the SHERP to work in combination with the airboat. The SHERP excels in marshy, muddy, swamp conditions where the airboat would struggle. The SHERP also faster and holds more capacity than Brennan’s current Argo or Marsh Master assets. The low ground pressure of the SHERP is perfect for environmentally sensitive areas that require a low-impact equipment, and Brennan continually works to minimize our environmental footprint. Brennan requires training for those operating new equipment and have multiple operators who can assist as needed. Dave Majeski trained Matt Binsfeld to operate the SHERP in a single afternoon while onsite. The airboat and the SHERP give Brennan a great combination to put into service on jobs that would otherwise require far more costly alternatives. These types of tools distinguish Brennan from our competition, in versatility and eco-friendly site access for heavy equipment.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FBallliPtrzesentation By Andrew Timmis This fall, the Environmental group was extremely busy presenting and speaking about work we completed as well as promoting Brennan. Companies can advertise themselves simply through mailers, billboards, websites, and trade shows, but educational self-promotion is the most impactful way to publicize a company in our industry. In-person presentations, instructional white papers, and active involvement within industry-specific organizations help educate our client-base, not only on our services but about the standards we hold. By promoting Brennan through papers and informational presentations, we impress consultants, owners, and our whole industry based on our high-quality work, equipment, people, and overall expertise. Rather than a seller of services, educational self-promotion showcases Brennan, establishing us as an industry expert. In addition, involvement in different organizations allows us to meet and develop relationships with consultants, agencies, owners, and even competitors.

WEDA Eastern Conference Dredging Conference with Catepillar WEDA Eastern Conference EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS IN ACTION In October, we presented and exhibited at the Manufactured Gas Plants (MGP) Conference 2019 in Philadelphia, PA—the premier conference for the remediation industry. I have been involved in this conference for the past 10 years, helping to develop the program and selection of presentations. This year, Brennan Project Manager Ross Johnson presented during a session on the Ashland, WI MGP dredging project we completed last year for Xcel Energy®. The presentation went over very well (great job, Ross!) and many consultants and owners stopped by our booth to ask questions about the project and Brennan. The following week, Brennan was a major sponsor of the Western Dredging Association (WEDA) Eastern Chapter Annual Meeting in Wilmington, DE. The entire chapter board was replaced during the previous year, and somehow, I became president of the chapter. This presented a significant challenge since none of the new board members ever developed a conference. But, we created a great agenda and had one of the highest attendances of any national chapter meeting. Although Brennan did not present, the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) did, sharing information about the two projects we completed for them. There’s nothing better than when your client promotes you, objectively informing the industry about your high-quality work ethic. During the fourth week of October, we participated in the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) conference in Myrtle Beach, NC. This is a new organization to Brennan and the first time we attended their conference, but because of recent work we completed in Rhode Island and Delaware, it was a perfect fit and time to get involved. Coastal work in the lakes and oceans is a huge and emerging growth market for which we are already well-positioned. We submitted an abstract highlighting the dredging and restoration of Ninigret and Quonochontaug Ponds, and we were selected to present to the group. Our efforts were very well received, and later, several state agencies and consultants wanted more information about Brennan—they also gave us a “heads- up” regarding a few pending projects. The Sediment Management Work Group (SMWG) meeting took place in the last week of October; Brennan has been a member and supporter of this group since its inception. The SMWG consists of owners such as BASF®, ExxonMobil®, BP, Honeywell®, major power companies, many consultants, and a couple of contractors. This is a short meeting but it allows us to meet with the owners of large sediment remediation projects and the consultants who develop the designs. It provides plenty of opportunities to talk one-on-one with owners and consultants, establishing solid relationships and gathering information on upcoming projects. Finally, during the first week in November, I was asked to develop and moderate the 13th Annual Dredging Conference hosted by the Business Council of New England. The event was titled “Technology in Dredging: Old School Meets High Tech” and we brought in six different companies to highlight their technologies, including Caterpillar®. One might ask, how does this help promote Brennan? Every event announcement highlighted Brennan and, as mentioned earlier, people look for industry experts so they will rarely hesitate to contact a company with a standout reputation. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Brennan works very hard to stay involved in the different industries and organizations we represent. We are industry leaders, and this is not by accident. By promoting success stories of work we perform in the field, we’re able to foster our positive reputation by leading organizations, presenting educational content, and sharing our endless innovations. Everyone can help as we start our second century in business—get involved or create content on a project or innovation. It’s the Brennan way!

MILESTONES & DATES TO REMEMBER Years of Service Anniversaries 5 Years 10/13/2014 10 Years 8/28/2009 ANGELA WIERZBICKI 11/5/2014 COLE FAIREY 11/15/2004 PAUL HOVENGA 11/24/2014 ERIC NESS 12/1/2014 15 Years RYAN ANDERSON 12/8/2014 DAVID SUDOL DONALD RAMEY 12/29/2014 KYLE TROCINSKI 4th Annual Family Ski & Snowboard Day February 1st, 2020 Mt. La Crosse, Old Towne Hall Road, La Crosse WI Mark your Calendar! DECEMBER 31, 2019 - TUESDAY Office Closed for 1/2 day for New Years Eve DECEMBER 20, 2019 - FRIDAY Town Hall Meeting JANUARY 1, 2020 - WEDNESDAY Office Closed New Years Day DECEMBER 24, 2019 - TUESDAY Office Closed 1/2 day for Christmas Eve MARCH 21, 2020 - SATURDAY Brennan Annual Celebration - La Crosse Center DECEMBER 25, 2019 - WEDNESDAY Office Closed for Christmas APRIL 10, 2020 - FRIDAY Office Closed for 1/2 day for Good Friday

CORY HARRIS 09/10/2019 DIVER New GREGORY NICKERSON 09/10/2019 DIVER Hires AARON CARR LABORER DANIEL FERREIRA 09/11/2019 OPERATOR JOSEPH KEM 09/16/2019 LABORER MICHAEL LYNCH OPERATOR JAMES WILLIAMS 09/16/2019 DIVER JAMES GRIFFETH 09/16/2019 OPERATOR MICHAEL COLE OPERATOR DAVID MITCHUM 09/17/2019 OPERATOR GREGORY MAAS 09/18/2019 CARPENTER JOSHUA BURRUS 09/19/2019 DECKHAND ANDREW ONCKEN 09/24/2019 OPERATOR HECTOR HERNANDEZ DIVER NELSON OELKER 09/25/2019 DIVER MATTHEW MEECH 10/8/2019 DIVER SEAN STANBERRY DIVER TIMOTHY ROBERTSON 10/10/2019 OPERATOR MICHAEL GUSHYN 10/15/2019 OPERATOR RAYMOND MONIZ 10/15/2019 OPERATOR ANDREW ZIMMERMAN 10/22/2019 CARPENTER JOSEPH SHAFFNER 10/22/2019 OPERATOR DARREN MCCARTHY 10/28/2019 MECHANIC DREW BURNETT 11/4/2019 OPERATOR ROBERT MILLER 11/4/2019 OPERATOR DENNIS BACON 11/5/2019 OPERATOR BRENNAN KLUTZ 11/11/2019 OPERATOR BRIAN MORENZ 11/12/2019 OPERATOR WILLIAM REED 11/15/2019 DECKHAND JOSEPH COGAR 11/15/2019 OPERATOR MICHAEL CORCORAN 11/19/2019 OPERATOR JAKOB KLUGER 11/25/2019 OPERATOR PATRICK RAFFERTY 11/25/2019 OPERATOR GEORGE SHAFFNER 11/26/2019 OPERATOR ROBERT THOMPSON 12/2/2019 OPERATOR MICHAEL JEWELL 12/2/2019 OPERATOR MICHAEL BUSICHIO 12/2/2019 OPERATOR ERIC GREGORY 12/2/2019 OPERATOR DAVID NORRIS 12/2/2019 OPERATOR 12/2/2019 12/3/2019 12/4/2019 12/9/2019 12/9/2019

Gary Dondlinger There are few people in this world who are willing to tell it like it is. After all, it is easier to sugarcoat something rather than present the unedited truth. This is not Gary Dondlinger. Gary is a straight shooter. Just about anyone who has worked with Gary over the years has experienced his unwavering ability to say what’s on his mind. Gary was raised in Minneiska; a small Minnesota at Brennan who expected a lot from the guys who town situated along the Mississippi River. He worked with him, “Bill liked me. I could do no wrong.” attended school just up the road in Weaver, MN at a one-room schoolhouse. As he recalled, “Eight Most of Gary’s early years were on small projects. grades, one-room schoolhouse. We didn’t learn From yearly work at the Lake City Marina on Lake very much.” After graduating high school in 1974, Pepin to railroad bridge timber cribbing repairs in he spent four years working for a canning company La Crosse, dock projects, and even barge salvage before joining Swanson’s Heavy Moving Company projects, Gary spent the beginning of his Brennan in La Crosse. It was here he began his long career career working along the Upper Mississippi River. in pile driving and deep foundation work. Swanson’s Within four years he was running his own crew. specialized in driving foundations for structures such as the La Crosse Center and a new power plant for As he described it, “For years Ken Manning would Dairyland Power up in Alma, WI. give me a list. We would go along and do our work. Then we’d get another list and be on our way. I In 1982, fellow classmate and Brennan appreciated Kenny Manning. Kenny and I could sit superintendent Bob Calvey encouraged him to apply down at this table before we’d go do a job…we’d to work on the four-year Winona Flood Control and make a plan, ‘do this, this, and that.’ Then you’d walk Waterfront Development project. He was hired on out the door and you knew exactly what to do. And and began his 37-year career working with guys you know, a lot of times you run into unforeseen like Bill Walleser, Cy Mohn, Bob Calvey, Ralph things. You could call him and talk to him to figure Heaser, and Tommy Mohn on the new floodwall. He out a way to make happen what you wanted to quickly fit in as a hard worker. As he recounted Bill happen.” Walleser, a long-time superintendent Gary also got involved in lock and dam projects over Farmer: the course of his career. He participated in the Lock 2 machinery project in the early 1990s and spent seven years working on bulkhead slot installation projects on multiple lock and dams along the Upper Mississippi. He typically oversaw the work on the upstream end of the locks. “I always appreciated A Straight 2007 Minnesota Power Boswell Project - Nick Vetch, 201 Shooter Eric Von Arx, Gary Dondilinger, Cohasset, MN G

1995 L4B timber cribbing and cell repairs 1982 Winona Floodwall Project - Roger Binsfeld, Bob 1995 L4B Timber Cribbing & Cell Repairs 26 Calvey & Gary Dondlinger Gary Dondlinger & Mike Boser Steve Becker. All those slot jobs I got the nickname “Farmer”, he expectations. Our work affected was involved in, he was very happy explained that it was actually due to their work. Whether it was Cargill, with the way the upstream went.” his impatience. After all, he doesn’t Consolidated Grain & Barge, farm. or whoever we were working Some of the bigger jobs that Gary for, he would make sure he was was involved in included our first The story goes: Gary was down communicating with them on remediation project in Gary, IN for working at the end of the yard in the a regular basis. Clients trusted U.S. Steel. He worked with Jim 1980s, working on a spud motor him and valued his opinion. His O’Neill and several others to drive with Big Boy (Danny Maust). He advice: “Let’s talk in person. That’s piling to shore up the embankments was in a hurry to get going and was personal, emails I never read.” He as well as section off parts of doing some repairs on the throttle added, “There are some people out the river. Gary did some large cable, so he speedily made a few there that can help the company a expansion projects for utilities. He coils, “chucked it in” the cabinet, lot. Just going out to clients, doing worked the Open Cell Sheet Pile™ and tightened everything up with a good job, and talking to them. It’s wall project for Clay Boswell coal- a screwdriver. Big Boy saw him, hard to believe how far it goes.” fired energy plant, a very large shook his head and said, “You ain't power plant owned by Minnesota nothin’ but a fking farmer, aren’t Over the past 37 years, many Power near the headwaters of you?” Then, he made Gary redo the of us have had the opportunity the Mississippi River. In 2007, cable the right way and since that to work with Gary. His knack for he was also involved in a high- day, the name stuck. cutting through “BS” and getting profile remediation project for Dow the job done right is contagious. Chemical on the Tittabawassee Gary’s ability to be a straight We are grateful for the years Gary River. shooter earned him a lot of respect dedicated to the company and from Brennan clients. He was proud that his two sons - Levi and Gary Becomes Farmer fantastic at coordinating work Kelvin - have chosen to follow Gary is well-known for finding directly with the client, because in his footsteps, carrying on the solutions and not wasting time he recognized the importance Dondlinger legacy here at Brennan. doing so. When asked how he of communication and meeting 10 Dairyland Power Fleet Project Gary Dondlinger, Pete Schaffer & Eric Von Arx 2013 Canadian National Railway Bridge, Green Bay 2016 ADM Barge Terminal Gary Dondlinger & Pete Schaffer Brad Dvorachek & Gary Dondlinger Rehab, Havana, IL -MIke Binsfeld & Gary Dondlinger