Environmental
At J.F. Brennan Company, we believe that restoring and protecting marine ecosystems is engrained in the ethical fabric of our company.
Our environmental services combine decades of field-tested expertise, innovative technologies, and rigorous safety and compliance standards. Whether it’s remediating contaminated sediments, rehabilitating wetlands, or addressing sites of concern, we deliver lasting results through collaboration and precise execution.
Featured environmental specialties
Environmental Dredging
Dewatering & Material Separation
Treatability Testing
Sediment Capping
Wetland Restoration
*Coastal Resilience
*Marine & Remedial Construction
*Water Treatment
*Hydrographic Survey
Dewatering & Material Separation
With deep expertise in both passive (gravity-based) and active (mechanical) dewatering systems, Brennan offers the flexibility to handle a range of challenges—from dredged material management and sediment consolidation to full-scale water treatment when needed; we handle the whole operation from proposal to disposal.
Every project starts with a thorough evaluation of site conditions, sediment characteristics, water chemistry, and performance goals. From that foundation, we recommend the optimal blend of separation and dewatering methods that balances efficiency, cost, and environmental compliance.
Dredged Material Separation Options
- Hydrocyclones
- Shaker screens
- High-speed shaker tables
- Sand wheels and more
Geotextile Tubes
We have successfully dewatered more linear feet of geotextile tubes than any contractor in the United States. Whether working on a small, temporary dewatering pad or a large, long-term cap-in-place landfill or disposal facility, our experts fill and stack geotextile tubes to maximize both available space and material dewatering.
Containment Facilities
Brennan constructs and operates confined disposal facilities with structural integrity and operating capacity to withstand dynamic slurry discharge. We are experts in creating and utilizing weir structures that meet targeted effluent quality.
Mechanical Dewatering
Depending on the project, dewatering equipment can be mobile-skid or trailer-mounted, semi-permanent, or permanent installations. We systematically determine and implement the most suitable high-speed dewatering method for each project.
Material Separation
Dredge slurry is filled with debris, sticks, rocks, and vegetation. We use a wide range of equipment options to mitigate risks associated with debris management and material separation.
Treatability Testing
We offer laboratory and in-field testing of sediments, sludges, and industrial residuals to inform remediation strategies. Our studies support proper material handling, water treatment methodologies, and permit compliance. Using the data our experienced chemists acquire, we implement the most cost effective, full-scale solution for your remediation project.
Comprehensive Lab Studies We Perform
- Chemical flocculant, coagulant, and polymer optimization
- Soil amendment trials
- Geotextile tube dewatering tests (GTDT)
- Paint filter and compressive strength analysis
- Turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS)
- Mechanical dewatering and processing trials
- Rapid dewatering tests (RDT)
- Wastewater treatability study
Sediment Capping
Our industry-leading experience and specialized equipment allows us to create a restorative layer isolating contaminants while reestablishing a clean aquatic ecosystem. To isolate pollutants, we apply sand or engineered caps over contaminated sediments. With more than 1,000 acres successfully capped nationwide, we offer high production rates with rigorous quality control.
Our Engineered Sediment Capping Solutions
- AquaGate®+ and AquaBlok®
- Granular activated carbon (GAC)
- Organoclay®
- Powdered activated carbon (PAC)
- Sand covers
Armoring Options We Provide
- Geocomposite mats
- Grout-filled, cast-in-place articulating block mats
- Marine mattresses
- Precast articulating block mats
- Reactive core mats
- Riprap and stone placement
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Hydrographic Survey & Underwater Inspections
Gain complete clarity below the surface for your project. At Brennan, we combine cutting‑edge technology with expert field teams to deliver detailed, reliable insight into underwater conditions. Whether it’s for safety, maintenance, permitting, or design, our inspection and survey services help you make informed decisions. With 100+ ADCI-certified divers on staff, we conduct a thorough assessment of your structure, identify areas of interest, and produce a detailed report that can be used for further analysis.
Areas of Expertise
- Multibeam and single beam bathymetric surveys
- Side-scan sonar
- Underwater acoustic imaging
- Dive inspections
- Photogrammetry
- Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)
- Licensed drone pilots
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
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Climate Change Resilience
Communities throughout the country are adapting to extreme weather conditions due to climate change and we are there to help. At Brennan, we construct sustainable, natural, and structural coastal resiliency and restoration solutions.
Areas of Climate Change Resilience Expertise
- Barrier islands
- Beach renourishment
- Breakwater tubes
- Canals
- Coastal wetlands
- Erosion protection
- Estuaries
- Seawalls
- Surge barriers
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Wetland Habitat Restoration
We have been restoring aquatic and wetland environments in remote or urban settings for decades. Our habitat restoration services include re-establishment of vegetation, grading, hydrology restoration, soil amendment, and erosion control. Our team has the proficiency and specialized equipment to tackle large-scale restoration projects while minimizing the impact on critical aquatic ecosystems.
Wetland Remediation
Wetland remediation is a delicate process and we specialize in areas that are too soft for heavy equipment or inaccessible by conventional barges. We use amphibious platforms, hand crews, or low-impact methods to protect vulnerable habitats.
Wetland Restoration Expertise
- Beneficial reuse of dredged material
- Habitat rehabilitation
- Invasive species removal
- Island-building
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Marine & Remedial Construction
Brennan has worked in marine construction since 1919. As a specialized contractor, we provide both above and below water construction services. Our experience includes demolishing degraded structures, preserving and restoring critical infrastructure, and constructing robust barrier walls, containment structures, and cofferdams.
Our Marine Construction Areas of Expertise
- Barrier walls
- Bridge pier inspection and repairs
- Concrete installation and repair
- Commercial diving
- Containment cells
- Demolition
- Geotechnical support
- Grouting
- Maritime security barriers
- Pile-driving
- Salvage and large debris removal
- Temporary and permanent cofferdams
- Underwater construction and inspection
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