One of US’s largest ecosystem restoration projects

The construction of the C-43 water reservoir is part of the giant hydrological restoration project taking place in the Everglades, Florida, US. Dozens of Volvo CE machines are on site building the reservoir, set to be ready in 2023.

Since 1882, the Everglades have been drained for farming and it is now half the size it was a century ago, leading to one of largest ecosystem restoration projects in the US.

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan began 20 years ago and is a giant hydrological restoration project consisting of, among other things, the build of a new basin storage reservoir in the Caloosahatchee estuary, called the C-43 water reservoir project.

When complete the reservoir, which is spread over 40km², will hold excess water from a nearby lake, where it will be treated and then released during the dry season. In total the dam will be able to hold 200 billion litres of water.

Working on a construction project virtually the size of Manhattan comes with its share of dilemmas, such as the hundreds of canals that have to be navigated during both rainy and dry seasons.

Massimo Bugliosi, project director with Lane Construction-Salini Impregilo, said, “The key is planning and properly sequencing activities in the right way, and the equipment must be versatile – Volvo machine are up to the challenge.”

Currently, there are 42 machines from Volvo CE working on the C-43 water reservoir project. This includes a mix of A45 articulated haulers, and EC750E 75-ton excavators – with more on the way.

“We chose to use Volvo equipment, because it is versatile and can handle the mixes of different kinds of soil,” explains Massimo Bugliosi.

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan will boost the quality of life for humans and wildlife alike. The Everglades is home to more than 350 species of birds and 50 unique reptiles.

This natural reservoir also provides drinking water for southern Florida’s local population of 8 million. This ecosystem restoration venture is a huge step towards creating a sustainable future where human expansion no longer poses a threat.

“To have the opportunity to serve as an essential supplier on a project of substantial environmental impact; is something we all strive for,” says Stephanie McCall, vice president, key accounts, North America.

“Knowing that Volvo CE and our local dealer Alta Equipment is working to preserve the Everglades water estuaries and wildlife ecosystems for generations to come is by far the most rewarding work we could be a part of.”