Project Category: Government

Contractor :
2M General Engineering
Category :
Government
Client :
Colusa County Reclamation District
Location :
Colusa County, CA
Year :
2025

Project Overview:

The 2MGE team was contracted to remove accumulated clam shells and sediment from water tanks and drainage ponds in Colusa County. Over time, debris buildup was reducing flow efficiency and causing potential maintenance issues. Using advanced vacuum excavation, we successfully cleared the tanks and ponds, restoring full functionality and preventing future blockages.

Challenges

  • The tanks and ponds in Colusa County’s water infrastructure had accumulated a significant amount of clam shells, sludge, and debris.
  • Restricted water flow was leading to inefficiencies in the system, posing operational challenges.
  • Traditional cleaning methods were either too slow, costly, or ineffective for handling the volume of debris.
  • The client needed a fast and effective method to clear out the buildup without causing downtime.

Solution

  • Our team deployed vacuum excavation trucks to safely remove sediment, debris, and clam shells.
  • The ponds were drained efficiently, reducing water waste while allowing thorough cleaning.
  • Specialized high-powered suction equipment removed built-up sludge without damaging infrastructure.
  • The process was completed ahead of schedule, minimizing disruption to the client’s operations.

Results

✅ All clams and sediment removed
✅ Major increase in water flow efficiency
✅ Tanks and ponds fully restored for continued use
✅ Minimal downtime for the client’s operations

Client Testimonial

“2M General Engineering did a fantastic job clearing our water tanks and drainage ponds. Their vacuum excavation process was quick and efficient, and they minimized disruption to our operations. We highly recommend their services for any reclamation or irrigation projects.”

-Jorge Jamie / Operations / Colusa County Water District

💡 Have a similar issue? Let us help.

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation on tank cleaning, pond drainage, or vacuum excavation services.

916-237-7445

Category :
Government

Unveiling the Depths: A GPR and Potholing Expedition at the USFS Research Station

In the quiet expanse of the US Forest Service (USFS) Research Station, a groundbreaking project was unfolding, spearheaded by TWM and supported by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Our mission was clear: to locate and map approximately 16,000 feet of waterline while documenting over 90 features, and to perform strategic potholing at 70 crucial locations. This project was not just about updating maps; it was about paving the way for future conservation and infrastructure management.

Navigating the Challenges

The terrain of the USFS Research Station is a mosaic of densely wooded areas, posing significant challenges in terms of navigation and safety. The risk of fire was a constant concern, requiring us to implement rigorous fire prevention protocols and to ensure all equipment and personnel were meticulously cleaned before entering the protected areas. The objective was twofold: to preserve the pristine environment and to gather data with high precision to enhance the USFS’s existing infrastructure maps.

The Role of Locating Technology

Our primary tools for underground utility locating were Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic (EM) detection systems. These sophisticated technologies allowed us to peer beneath the earth’s surface, detecting hidden water lines and unseen features that lay buried under layers of soil and vegetation. However, GPR and EM have their limitations, particularly in areas dense with underground interferences or deep non-conductive materials. It was in these areas that we turned to potholing as a verification method, which allowed us to physically confirm the presence of underground utilities.

Strategic Potholing

Given the vast expanse of the project, we planned the potholing in intervals to cover the entire area thoroughly. We completed a total of 70 test holes, which not only confirmed the data collected via GPR and EM but also provided physical samples and a direct look at the underground structures. This method ensured that no feature was left undocumented, maintaining the integrity and completeness of our survey.

Data Processing and Deliverables

The culmination of our fieldwork was the processing of the data collected. This involved generating fully processed xyz ASCII formatted files, which included detailed metadata such as point number, northing, easting, elevation, and description. All data was meticulously collected and compiled into an ESRI Geodatabase in compliance with the USACE SDSFIE 3.1.0 standards, ensuring the information was ready for integration into ArcGIS platforms. Furthermore, all GPR results and supporting documentation were prepared in both MicroStation and ESRI Shapefile formats, providing versatile options for future reference and use.

Impacting the Future

The comprehensive mapping and verification process undertaken at the USFS Research Station are set to significantly enhance the USFS’s ability to manage and maintain its water system infrastructure. By providing detailed documentation and updated geospatial data, we are not only supporting the USFS’s current needs but also empowering future conservation efforts and land management initiatives.

 

This project is a testament to the power of integrating technology with traditional field methods to achieve precision in environmental and infrastructure management. It underscores our commitment to advancing our understanding of the natural world while preserving its integrity for future generations.