Camp Fire Debris Removal
Paradise, Calif.
Award of Merit
Owner: California Dept. of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
Contractor: SPSG Partners LLC, Comprised of Sukut Construction (Managing Partner) / Pacific States / Goodfellow Bros.
At the time, it was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California. The Camp Fire prompted a yearlong cleanup to safely dispose of approximately 1.4 million tons of metals, concrete, ash, contaminated soil and other debris from 153,000 burned acres.
The fire ravaged approximately 70% of the town. Many residents were rebuilding and continuing their lives in what became an active work zone. With 500 trucks running and 50 crews mobilizing heavy equipment, it was imperative to keep the community safe.
Morning safety meetings focused on the concerns of residents and how to work safely and efficiently around the townspeople. The project team engineered traffic plans, with fire cleanup trucks using the less traveled roads. At the same time, the team analyzed hazardous activity quickly because every element of the work and safety plan differed from typical construction.
