Savage Rapids Dam Removal and Replacement Pumping Plant

This $28.3 MM project included construction of an intake structure and pumping plant with large vertical turbine pumps and piping to supply five different irrigation canals. The sequence of work on this project required three in-water-work periods over a three year duration.

Major components of work include the installation of multiple contractor-designed and installed cofferdams in the Rogue River for construction of the replacement pumping plant facilities. The dewatering discharge was pumped to a settling pond/baker tank, monitored for environmental compliance and then pumped back into the river. The intake structure and pumping plant included sixteen intake fish screens with an airburst cleaning system and twelve vertical turbine pumps of various sizes (3,000 HP total). Diving operators were utilized to complete modifications to the existing fish ladder.

Upon completion and successful commissioning of the pumping plant, the Savage Rapids Dam was removed, utilizing another contractor-designed cofferdam system, which took place in two stages. The dewatering associated with these cofferdams had rates in excess of 5,000 gallons per minute. Through proper planning and staging, water discharge permit requirements were met (turbidity and PH). This project also included installation of a 500’ bridge supported pipe that spanned the Rogue River.

Total Project Value: $28.3 million

Slayden Construction Role: RFP selected General Contractor

Owner: Pacific NW Region Bureau of Reclamation

Management Skills that Help Reduce Costs

"We have been impressed with their management skills, starting with preconstruction where they performed value engineering that reduced costs, lead procurement with detailed bid packages that brought our project qualified subcontractors and manufacturers and produced a schedule that would get our project completed on time. Slayden has continued this into the construction phase by managing the work to stay on schedule."

Randy Rosane, P.E., Project Manager with Water Environmental Services

Positive and Goal-Driven

"Slayden’s positive approach and eagerness to achieve the project goals was a tremendous benefit and a driving force to the project and its success. Slayden achieved all minority, woman, and emerging small business subcontracting goals and also met the 20% Workforce Training and Hiring Program’s apprenticeship requirements. They also held their subcontractors to these same goals and requirements."

Michelle Lostra, P.E., City of Portland, Water Bureau

Strong Communication and Community Outreach

"I feel confident in recommending Slayden for their approach to neighborhood outreach and desire to work with our community outreach and communications team to help keep neighbors informed, resolve issues and mitigate issues."

Katy Fulton, Lake Oswego – Tigard Water Partnership

Efficient and Safe

"I enjoyed their management style, which was efficient while paying attention to cost. This was done without sacrificing safety. I would welcome the chance to work with them in the future."

Daniel G Shepard, Manager, Grants Pass Irrigation District

Positive Relationship Builders

"Slayden has met all conditions of approval and does a great job of keeping the neighborhood informed. Slayden works diligently to accommodate the neighboring citizens. In several cases, Slayden has gone above and beyond the conditions of approval in an effort to solve citizen’s issues. This has led to the development of relationships between the project team and the neighborhood, which have contributed to the project in a positive manner."

Thomas Lebo, Construction Manager, Brown and Caldwell

Respectful, Courteous, and Safe

"Slayden Construction is true to their word, without a doubt I would hire them for future projects. All of the employees that worked at the plant were respectful, courteous, and preformed the duties at hand in a safe manner. I can’t say enough good things about Slayden, as you can see in this evaluation. Surround yourself with good people and it makes you look good. And it doesn’t get any better than Slayden Construction."