Great Falls-Dearborn Diversion Dam Bypasses Project Wins GBA Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award
May 01, 2024
The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) selected the Great Falls-Dearborn Diversion Dam Bypasses Project in Great Falls, South Carolina as the recipient of the Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award at the 2024 GBA Annual Conference.
S&ME teams provided geotechnical engineering, environmental design, permitting, and construction materials testing and support for the project.
With this prestigious award, GBA will recognize the most outstanding project by its members who live and demonstrate the vision of GBA to great accomplishment.
GBA judged entries based on the following criteria:
- Application of lessons learned from GBA membership. For example: projects awarded to and/or managed by emerging leaders active in GBA, exceptional risk management, use of GBA forms or ideas, etc.
- Creativity and innovation. For example: New technology, Emerging Issues and Trends discussed at meetings such as data management, etc.
- Quality of deliverables such as reports and designs including emphasis on quality assurance and loss prevention.
- Leveraged project impacts such as sustainability, community improvement, awards.
Community Impact // Great Falls-Dearborn Diversion Dam Bypasses
After 120 years of dry riverbeds, the Catawba River at Great Falls now experiences a regular, natural flow of water, creating vibrant recreational, environmental, and economic impacts on the surrounding area. World-class whitewater channels and easily accessible boat-put-ins increase tourism while promoting outdoor recreation opportunities, including rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, canoeing, biking, and hiking. Centrally located between Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC, the revitalized river and its surrounding access elements will draw a sizable population to bolster the Great Falls community that was so negatively impacted by the textile industry’s decline.
The restoration of water reinstates flow to two river channels that were blocked when the Great Falls Hydro Station was constructed in 1907. The restored ecology provides meaningful environmental enhancements by reinvigorating a healthy biological habitat for aquatic life and an overall contribution to clean, economical, and renewable hydropower. In the coming years, the project will continue to expand into a diverse mix of other recreation, including hiking trails and a pedestrian bridge that will connect to the new state park at Dearborn Island. S&ME’s commitment was integral to successful project completion and long-lasting impacts on the community.