Located in Canal Point, Florida, the Herbert Hoover Dike dates back to the 1930s. It is a 143-mile earthen dam that surrounds Lake Okeechobee, constructed to reduce the flooding impact from heavy rains which affect the water levels of the lake.
Originally these water levels were controlled naturally and then through small levees, but after two major hurricanes and thousands of deaths in the early 1920s, President Herbert Hoover asked Congress to authorize the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to help. Their solution was a large earthen structure, which they named the Herbert Hoover Dike.
The dike performed very well, until several tropical hurricanes and thunderstorms hit in the 1990s, at which time the USACE commissioned a Major Rehabilitation Report (MRR) to identify solutions to reduce the risk of dike failure. Following a series of setbacks during Hurricane Katrina, the USACE implemented several short term solutions, including a new water management plan, seepage barrier as well as several smaller culverts.
According to a recent article by the USACE, they have invested more than $750 million in rehabilitation to date with plans to continue enhancements and construction aimed at improving the safety of those living and working in the area.
As part of the recent effort to improve the water management system, the contractor hired to work on the dike rehabilitation, Harry Pepper and Associates, reached out to SPS Industrial, a logistics and supply company, to find a cost-effective yet long term solution for the bypass system. Ultimately, DuroMaxx® steel reinforced polyethylene (SRPE) manufactured by Contech Engineered Solutions was selected. This system consisted of three 120-inch diameter runs of pipe that were each 223 LF. The east side ties into a sheet pile wall with square flanges which were also fabricated by Contech, and the lake side has three 10’ diameter mechanical flap gates attached to the pipe to control the flow.
The anchoring system was designed by Contech and provides anti-flotation for the first 84' of pipe on the lakeside ends where the fill will slope down to expose the pipe.
Vice President at SPS Industrial, June Banks, commented, "From quote to delivery, the Contech team made sure that my client’s issues/concerns were addressed immediately and solutions were offered without hesitation. SPS Industrial could not be more satisfied with Contech's service, and we look forward to continuing this relationship."