Creating Clear Canal Water

The Gowanus Canal Project

Location

Brooklyn, NY

Client

Foundation

Summary

  • A deteriorating bulkhead along the Gowanus Canal required a full replacement
  • The treated discharge water met Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels at or below 30 mg/L and could be safely discharged back into the Canal
  • On-site processing reduced material haul-off by approximately 80–85%.

Overview

In the heart of Brooklyn, NY, a deteriorating bulkhead along the Gowanus Canal required full replacement.

What Made this complex

The project presented several challenges, including managing drilling slurry and fluid waste within a dense urban environment while protecting a highly sensitive waterway. Construction of the slurry wall also demanded a continuous, reliable supply of feedstock materials to maintain production with no interruption.

How sentinel Solved it

Phase 1

Sentinel Solutions supported the project by delivering an integrated, on-site material and waste management system. Railed bulk bentonite was stored in on-site silos to ensure uninterrupted slurry wall development. This phase lasted approximately one year.

Phase 2

Water and waste management solutions included:

  • Automated Dewatering Unit with automated pH dosing
  • Dual Mega Bowl Centrifuge configuration

Technicians remained on site for 24/7 to manage the equipment. The combination of these systems allowed all slurry processing and water treatment to stay on-site, eliminating the need for costly and disruptive off-site hauling. This phase also lasted approximately one year.

 

With Sentinel Solutions in place, the treated discharge water met Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels at or below 30 mg/L. By meeting regulatory requirements, the water was able to be safely discharged into the Gowanus Canal. The project operated continuously for over a year with zero downtime. On-site processing reduced material haul-off by approximately 80–85%, significantly lowering environmental impact and logistical costs.

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