For over 30 years, Portadam’s temporary cofferdam systems have enabled contractors to perform their in-water work in a dry condition. The system is also used to retain water as an Above Ground Impoundment for industrial and fracking applications. Portadam’s patent pending water retention systems are commonly installed in the Marcellus Shale region where its environmentally sensitive design enables Natural Gas Exploration companies to meet DCNR and EPA regulations as well as local Township permitting requirements. The system is currently available in 3, 5, 7 and 10 foot heights and the units can be combined to accommodate varying subsurface elevations, helping to minimize the contractors overall rental costs.

Portadam’s use as a temporary cofferdam provides significant environmental and cost benefits as compared to earthen dams, sandbags, home-made contractor methods, sheet piling or water filled bladders. First, the system is installed on virtually any soil condition, slopes or uneven surfaces. This is in sharp contrast to water-filled bladder systems, which have a tendency to roll if placed on uneven surfaces or to slide if placed on concrete or bedrock conditions. Furthermore, a Portadam system will not fail if the liner is punctured; as opposed to a water-filled bladder system which will fail if punctured. Second, Earthen dams, sandbags and home-made contractor methods create substantial turbidity and potentially introduce chemicals and foreign organisms into the waterway. Additionally, total reclamation of these materials after the job is complete is virtually impossible. As opposed to the Portadam system which minimizes turbidity during the installation process, does not introduce chemicals or foreign organism into the waterway and every component part is easily removed upon completion of the construction project. Third, as compared to sheet piling, the Portadam system is typically one-half to two-thirds the price of these systems; ultimately saving taxpayers by controlling the costs of municipal construction projects. The Portadam system can also be installed on concrete and bedrock subsurface conditions, without a concern for overhead utilities and in areas with low overhead clearance. Moreover, the Portadam system does not penetrate the subsurface or riverbed or create the turbidity levels as compared to the installation of sheet piling cofferdam systems.

Portadam’s use as an Above Ground Impoundment system provides significant environmental benefits as compared to in-ground impoundments. This includes, but is not limited to, no need for blasting, no concern for Acid Mining Drainage (AMD), limited reclamation after use, decreased land use and disturbance and reduced trucking requirements. For additional information please reference the Frac Water tab or information provided on the Sustainability tab.