Water.

Sometimes it’s where you don’t want it. Other times it’s not where you need it.

Complex situations require custom solutions. With 50 years of experience controlling water, our engineered solutions have been proven reliable.

  • Water Diversion
  • Water Storage
  • Flood Protection
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Prepare for the future.

Infrastructure is at the very core of our society.

Learn more about how Portadam helps restore aging structures/facilities and build new ones.

  • Water Diversion
  • Water Storage
  • Flood Protection
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We control water.

Water is our past, present, and future.

Portadam understands and mitigates the ever-present acute and chronic water risks

  • Water Diversion
  • Water Storage
  • Flood Protection
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It’s no longer about if, but when.

Assess and mitigate your water risks.

Learn more about how Portadam proactively protects your assets from water-related threats.

  • Water Diversion
  • Water Storage
  • Flood Protection
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Welcome to Portadam

Engineered technologies controlling water.

Portadam provides a key component in civil construction, marine construction and infrastructure projects. With 50 years of water control expertise, our team can help you understand your current needs and future opportunities.

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Providing Five Decades of Water Diversion, Water Storage and Flood Protection Solutions

Since 1974, our team has worked nationally and internationally on thousands of projects, enabling the restoration of historic landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Civil War’s important Burnside Bridge in Maryland, playing a vital role in the Battle of Antietam. We have facilitated projects worth billions of dollars in corporate and public assets, including real estate, utilities, and transportation.

For decades, Portadam has been trusted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and the Bureau of Land Management for their infrastructure needs. Since no site or property is the same, we implement solutions tailored to your unique situation.

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Environmental Risks & Regulations

We’ve Got You Covered

Understanding water, its behavior, the risks of climate change, and the aftermath of weather events requires complex knowledge and experience. Our team has been working proactively assessing water-related risks for over five decades—relied upon by thousands of clients both before and after critical events

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Present Risks

Our experts will talk you through all you need to know to stay informed and prepared for sudden and unexpected events.

Impact on Disclosures, Business Continuity and National Security

Climate Resilience

Our expertise can help you understand how water may impact your business by assessing risks and risk-mitigation plans.

Current, Future, and Transitional Risks

Future Risks

The risk mitigation experts at Portadam are happy to consult with both the public and private sectors on weather-related risk mitigation planning.

Disclosing Future Flood Risks

Featured Projects

No job is too big or too small for us. Our expertise enables us to provide superior, collaborative customer service, working hand in hand with clients and using cutting edge technologies, site-specific solutions that are custom tailored for every water management project.

Sheet Pile Wrap Washburn, ND
Washburn, ND

Sheet Pile Wrap

Objective:

Cofferdams often contain sheet pile wraps to provide dewatering for various underwater construction and repair projects.

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water storage
Atlanta, GA

Temporary Basin 

Objective:

Temporary Basin with floating cover at a treatment plant

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Clearwater, FL

Causeway Bridge

Objective:

As our nation’s infrastructure ages, bridge building and repair work becomes more of a necessity.

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Radford, VA

Sheet Pile Wrap Radford

Objective:

These structures provide a safe, dry environment for work crews.

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flood protection at industrial campus
Hartsville, SC

Sonoco

Objective:

Deploy almost 5,000 linear feet of flood protection equipment relative to the deployment locations and team assignments.

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flood defender
Richmond, British Columbia

British Columbia Transmission Corp 

Objective:

Prevent the British Columbia Transmission Corp (BC Hydro) Ingledow Sub Station from flooding.

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Atlantic City, NJ

DCO Energy

Objective:

Protect Hartsville manufacturing facility from flooding incidents from Hurricane Matthew

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Resource Highlight

Our comprehensive collection of resources for all things water control.

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Case Studies
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Flood Protection

Flood Risk Mitigation Solutions

Every building project needs to consider the risk of flooding, but countless variables add to the challenge of selecting the right flood mitigation solution. These systems can reduce flood damage through different mechanisms, such as blocking out water with a floodwall or erecting a temporary cofferdam. The pros and cons vary widely, so building owners must consider factors like cost, flexibility, structural integrity and the equipment and safety impacts that would occur should a solution fail. What Is Flood Risk Mitigation? Flood risk mitigation refers to a wide range of strategies used to reduce the consequences of floods by implementing measures in vulnerable areas. These measures might include structural or nonstructural changes: Structural: A structural measure aims to change the characteristics of the flood and minimize the probability of flooding. Some structural methods include levees, floodwalls and dams, which divert water away from people and communities. Structural measures could divert water toward wetlands or reservoirs, but they could also block water from entering a site via large barriers that surround it. Nonstructural: Nonstructural measures affect a flood’s impact or consequences but do little to change the characteristics of the flood. These techniques include elevation, floodproofing, relocation, building codes and zoning laws. They can help minimize damage by protecting items and people, but not moving or otherwise adjusting the path of the water. Both types of flood mitigation strategies can help reduce risk, depending on the situation, but different groups are responsible for accomplishing them — business owners can take additional structural measures and the government can implement building requirements. Either way, flood risk mitigation is vital because it can save you from the monetary damages and safety risks associated with floods. It’s also necessary for avoiding interruptions to business processes, especially mission-critical ones. It could even reduce your insurance rates. Still, some solutions can be costly or negatively impact the property, so you need to weigh the need for protection with other factors, like how easy your solution is to implement in sudden periods of flood risk. Types of Flood Risk Mitigation Solutions As you choose a flood mitigation solution, consider the following options: Wet or dry floodproofing: Wet floodproofing allows water to enter the building, which is designed to minimize damage. This approach calls for careful planning, and you’ll need to consider how the flood will affect structural integrity, the need for moving equipment and access to power. Dry floodproofing keeps water out of the building above and below the grade level. It may involve sealing openings and adding structural reinforcements to the building. Levees and embankments: Levees and embankments typically use soil to keep floodwater away from an area. They can block off valuable real estate, though they’re often costly to implement. Sometimes, they may not be possible due to existing infrastructure or development. They may also experience stress and erosion due to the force of the water’s movement. Floodwalls: Floodwalls function similarly to levees, but they usually use human-made materials and can be used in temporary applications. You can install them when flooding threats occur or for shorter projects, like construction. Dams and cofferdams: Dams create barriers across a body of water to adjust its levels and hold water in a reservoir when needed. Cofferdams are temporary dams that can be dry on one side so that workers can create a dry space for in-water work. They’re flexible and affordable options. Depending on your application, certain solutions offer more advantages than others. Here are some of the flood mitigation concerns that affect different industries: Industrial sites: Industrial operations can face significant downtime and financial losses during flooding. A solution that keeps operations moving offers a clear advantage, and exterior resources, such as generators or worksites, may need protection, too. Commercial properties: Flood mitigation for commercial properties can be challenging with limited options. For example, a dense, urban area may not have the landscape to install a levee. Like industrial sites, commercial properties need to protect their assets, including equipment and building value. In addition to physical measures, businesses can limit flooding effects with contingency plans, such as relocating vital operations to other offices or sending sensitive goods to secure locations. Critical infrastructure: Critical infrastructures, such as hospitals and power generation facilities, need to remain operational at all costs. As a result, flood mitigation solutions must be reliable and quickly implemented. They must also support continued access to power. Flood Risk Mitigation During Construction Projects Construction projects have a unique need for flexible flood risk mitigation. If construction occurs on a floodplain or other vulnerable area, a flood can quickly undo weeks or months of work. The negative effects of flooding on a construction site may include: Damage to materials, equipment and the job site Delayed timelines Contamination Reduced structural integrity of the building Challenging and potentially hazardous working conditions Contractors must consider flood risk mitigation for construction projects before any work begins. Conduct risk analysis regarding factors including what type of flooding may occur, predicted water levels and the likelihood of an event. Consider what high-value assets, such as heavy equipment, would be damaged and how your project might affect or be affected by nearby infrastructure. Many contractors overlook flood risks due to the short timeframe of their projects and fail to consider the long-term implications, such as damage to the final structure or significant delays. Affordable yet flexible solutions for flood risk mitigation during construction can simplify job site protection in a wide range of situations. Since construction projects are temporary, cofferdams are ideal because contractors can rent them.   Browse Flood Protection Solutions From Portadam Portadam offers several flood protection solutions, all engineered for dependability and cost-effectiveness. Our modular, engineered systems are ideal for temporary flood barriers. With customizable configurations and compact storage options, they’re easy to set up and remove — saving precious time and labor — and can be reused for years. They’ve also been tested and verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and are backed by years of successful use. Along with the Portadam flood protection products, we can help from the very beginning with expert flood risk analysis services. Reach out to a representative today to learn more about Portadam and how we can help your limit flood risk.  

Flood Protection

Flood Protection for the Hospitality Industry

Flood Protection for the Hospitality Industry Floods are one of the most frequent and damaging natural disasters in America. Gushing water can severely harm infrastructures, leaving many properties unable to recover financially. Commercial properties should develop prevention plans to protect themselves as flooding events become more intense. Floods can be particularly devastating to the hospitality industry. These locations provide lodging and other accommodations for visitors, and infrastructure damage can reduce revenue and profits. Hotels and other hospitality properties are responsible for guests’ safety and enjoyment, and floods can negatively impact these efforts. Preventive measures can lower your hotel’s risk for flood damage. The Importance of Flood Protection for the Hospitality Industry The hospitality industry’s major goal is to provide guests with an enjoyable experience. From creating comfortable lodging to planning fun events, hospitality professionals work hard to take care of all visitors. Floods and other natural disasters can make achieving this objective difficult or impossible. Depending on their severity, floods can disrupt guests’ experiences and even create hazardous circumstances. The best way to reduce these effects is by developing a strong flood protection plan. These measures are important for many reasons, including: Protecting your property: By taking preventive measures, you can reduce flood-related damages and risks. Hotels rely on high-quality rooms and accommodations to serve visitors. However, water can flood rooms and ruin furniture, accessories and other assets. In some cases, water damage may be so severe that a hotel cannot recover lost assets. Proactive measures can help to mitigate some of these risks. Helping guests: A thorough flood protection plan can also help protect guests during natural disasters. You can provide clear instructions on the next steps and give recommendations on how to navigate the situation. A clear plan helps employees remain calm during intense situations. Reducing lost costs: Floods can cause harsh financial repercussions for hotels and other hospitality properties. If rooms become inhabitable, you could lose significant revenue from customers. In addition, you might have to pay extensive repair and maintenance costs. Protective measures can lower the risks of physical flood damage and lost income. Steps You Can Take for Hotel Flood Prevention Preventive actions and a thorough flood protection plan are essential for the hospitality industry. Here are some steps you can take to protect your property from flood damage: 1. Research Your Flood Zone and Elevation The first step in hotel flood protection is to determine your flood zone, elevation and overall risk. By calculating these, you can create a protection plan that meets your specific environmental and climate needs. First, try to determine your flood zone and elevation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses base flood elevation (BFE) as a critical factor for flood prevention. BFE is the level where your infrastructure has a 1% chance of flooding each year. Your hotel should be several feet above your area’s BFE to add more protection against rising floodwaters. To calculate your area’s BFE, you can consult FEMA guidelines or contact your local municipality. You’ll also want to research the average flood risks in your area. Consider questions like: How often do floods occur? When was the last flood? How severe are the typical damages? Have the floods increased in severity over time? Answering these questions can give you a rough idea of flood activity in your area. You can create effective protective measures and action plans based on your research. 2. Implement Floodproofing Techniques Floodproofing techniques can keep your infrastructure more secure against oncoming floodwaters. You can implement many different floodproofing methods. Here are some of the best ways to prepare your hotel: Sealing cracks and gaps: Rising floodwaters can enter your hotel from many angles and access points. To protect your building, use caulk or other suitable material to seal cracks around your windows, doors, pipes and other exposed areas. Closing these gaps can also assist with insulation and temperature control, making it a beneficial practice on multiple fronts. Protecting electrical components: Electrical systems can quickly become hazardous in the presence of water. Anything from air conditioning units to circuit breakers could get damaged during floods. You can take preventive measures to keep the systems and guests safe. For instance, you could move essential electrical components to higher floors to limit their exposure to rising water. It’s often best to consult with an electrician to discuss the safest approach to moving electrical equipment. Installing shield doors: Some hotels install shield doors, submarine doors or flood gates to provide maximum protection from rising water. Applying a waterproof coating: You could also add a waterproof coating to your hotel’s exterior. These layers can help keep water from getting into the building and prevent mold or mildew from developing after a flood recedes. 3. Implement Flood Protection Systems Lastly, your hotel could install a flood protection system. These systems generally consist of flood barriers and other durable materials that lower the risk of flood damage. You can find customized options to meet your location’s specific environmental needs. Portadam is a leading provider of flood protection systems and solutions. We have provided high-quality and comprehensive flood protection services for commercial and industrial locations since 1974, and we strive to find clients the flood solution best suited to their property. Our deployable flood protection systems can help mitigate flood risks for your property. We work closely with you to design a system that accommodates any obstructions or elevation differences. Portadam offers a thorough step-by-step process: Flood consultation: First, we meet with you and offer expert flood guidance. We can help you obtain a flood risk analysis report, which is based on your local risk and other environmental factors. Flood plan creation: Next, our team can develop a preventive flood plan based on your analysis report and your preferences. Flood system design: We then design and engineer a flood system that matches your risk levels, environmental circumstances and other criteria. System training: Lastly, Portadam offers regular training on properly deploying the flood system. Our experts can also answer questions as they arise during use. Your hotel can select any or all of our services as you work towards the best flood prevention plan. We can work together to mitigate flood risks for your property. Contact Portadam Today Flood protection is essential for hotels and other hospitality infrastructure. Preventive measures and protective systems can lower your risk of damage. Choose Portadam today for comprehensive and high-quality flood solutions. We offer services across the country and can help you craft the best protection plan. Our deployable flood systems provide thorough and durable protection from flooding elements. To get started with Portadam, contact us today.

Flood Protection

Steps to Take if Your Commercial Property Is Flooded

Commercial flooding can cause significant impairments to businesses. Rushing water can burst through external barriers and harm interior features like furniture, documents and other essential possessions. If the damages are severe enough, you might have to pause customer services temporarily. A flood response plan can help you reduce damages and recover more quickly if your property floods. Here are six essential steps to take after a commercial flood. 1. Shut off Utilities One of the most important initial steps is shutting off utilities. Turning off electricity and gas can prevent further accidents and reduce your bill. You can switch off the electricity from your breaker box, but only if you can reach it without standing in water. Using the fuse box with the surrounding water becomes an electrical hazard. If you cannot access it safely, call your local service provider so they can manually turn off the electricity. You can also shut down water services, especially if a broken pipe or internal leak caused the flood. 2. Contact Your Insurance Agency Your business should call its insurance agency as soon as possible following a flood. You can explain flood details like: When it occurred A rough estimate of physical damages If possible, an idea of its cause After you finalize an inspection time, the agency sends a representative to survey the damage. They provide a detailed report on expected repair costs or lost assets. The insurance agent can also help you determine the flood’s origin, which is vital for the claim process. If the flood was severe enough to require a business closure, your insurance agency might also help find a temporary workspace. You can use the designated building to provide services until you can return to your original property. 3. Inspect the Property Once experts deem it safe to enter, you can also conduct a property inspection and document the damages. Depending on the circumstances, you might want to investigate your building before or after an insurance agent arrives. Make sure the building is structurally sound and doesn’t contain any holes. For future reference and insurance evidence, you can take photos or videos of the property’s condition. Images also provide a visual record of items you need to replace. Safety protocols are essential for flood inspections. Sewage and other contaminants can seep into floodwaters and make them hazardous. Follow these tips: Wear protective equipment like gloves and masks. Do not use any appliances or electrical components until experts have cleaned them. Avoid touching contaminated water with bare skin. Look carefully for dangerous debris like glass. 4. Call a Water Restoration Company You should contact a water restoration company before attempting to clean your property. Depending on the flood’s severity, the cleanup process could require specialized equipment and procedures. Restoration professionals can clean your property thoroughly, reducing business downtime. They can also help with the following: Water removal: Intense floods can leave excess standing water throughout your property. These pools may not drain or dry on their own, making water removal equipment necessary. Restoration technicians use vacuums, drains and other equipment to expel water before it can ruin floors or ceilings. Drying: Technicians can also dry affected areas once they remove the residual water. It can take several weeks for properties to dry completely, and restoration professionals can ensure the process progresses safely. Mold remediation: Mold can form as soon as 24 hours after a flood, making proper cleanup procedures essential. Exposure can have significant health consequences, especially for those with lung conditions like asthma. Water restoration experts can identify early signs of mold formation and take necessary removal steps. They can also eliminate mold and ensure your commercial property is free of hazards. Item salvaging: Water can soak through documents, furniture, product inventory and other interior items. Many restoration companies also offer services for item salvaging. They can help assess the damage by identifying ruined items and determining which ones are safe to use. Then, they dry the products and restore them to better conditions. 5. Inform Employees and Customers It’s important to keep employees and clients informed of your situation. Your staff should know about closures or relocation plans as soon as possible so they can make proper arrangements for their work schedules. The flood might have impacted their personal belongings or work documents, making it essential to keep them updated. In addition, you can tell customers about your property’s condition and explain what happened. If you need to halt services temporarily, you should inform clients about how long you’ll be away and whether you will offer remote services in the meantime. Or, explain your temporary location plans and provide directions. When you return to your original property, remember to spread the word. You could even host a reopening event to generate some excitement. 6. Plan for the Future Flood response plans are essential for your property’s safety. If you sustain extensive damages, you might need more comprehensive measures to minimize future risks. Planning for the future reduces the chances of enduring severe harm again. You could take actions like the following: Considering new renovations: If your property is in a low-lying location, you might experience more flooding harm than in elevated areas. Consider raising the building or installing flood-proof windows to alleviate these effects. Waterproofing documents: Documentation is vital for businesses. From licenses to inventory records to client files, these documents allow your business to function properly. Floodwaters can destroy physical papers, causing significant obstacles for your company. You can protect documents by placing them in water-sealed containers or backing them up in digital formats. Investing in deployable flood barriers: Flood barriers and protection systems can reduce flood risks. These systems control floodwaters by adapting to your property’s shape and terrain. Deployable solutions allow for easy setup and removal processes, making it easier to use them during a crisis. Contact Portadam for Deployable Flood Protection Today Flood protection for commercial properties is essential. The right prevention tools can minimize damage and business downtime. At Portadam, we provide clients with customized flood protection assistance. We apply our extensive knowledge and field experience to create individualized solutions. Our range of deployable flood solutions can help commercial properties mitigate flood risks. Our dedicated team uses a thorough consultation to build your flood protection plan: We help you create a flood risk analysis report. This document evaluates your area’s flood dangers based on past reports and scientific analysis. Our team uses the report to develop a tailored protection plan. We work with you to understand your property and other influences as closely as possible. With the flood analysis report and client consultations, we design a deployable flood protection system. Then, our team delivers the system to your location. We train your team on proper deployment techniques to ensure safe use. If needed, Portadam offers refresher training to answer ongoing questions or inform new employees. Portadams’ deployable systems are reusable, durable and flexible. We rigorously test each system to make sure it meets client needs. This investment can protect your property for many years. To get started with Portadam, request a quote or site survey today.  

Skanska Case Study

“The efforts and expertise of Portadam and Rain for Rent was an important factor in helping us complete this project– despite challenging environmental conditions.” –Brent Hunt, Skanska Project Manager Pier 10 with the blue coffer dam around the foundation of Pier 9 in the background. Problem: Coordinated efforts were required to meet the demands of a multiple phase project during a bridge reconstruction over Huguenot River road. There were also extremely volatile flow conditions with very rocky and irregular subsurface conditions that required a four phase dewatering project. Solution: Portadam provided a 10’ high system, diversion dams, fabric wraps, extra bracing equipment and unique fabric materials. Rain for Rent provided settling tanks to meet strict environmental regulations and a variety of pump capacities. Both companies were intricately involved in daily scheduling and planning meetings –to allow for proper contractor coordination. Bridge reconstruction of Huguenot Road Bridge over the James River. Extremely volatile flow conditions with very rocky and irregular subsurface conditions. Four phase dewatering project to allow the construction of four bridge piers. Coordinated efforts required to meet the demands of a multiple phase project. Result: As a result of these highly coordinated efforts, Portadam & Rain for Rent’s safe, fast and effective implementation allowed the successful completion of all four phases despite overwhelming site conditions.

D&G Boring Case Study

We were at a standstill and at risk of not being able to complete this pipeline project.” –Brad Thomas, D&G Boring project manager Problem: Unstable subsurface and rocky banks and the resulting buildup of hydrostatic forces prevented engineers from employing directional drilling. Since this occurred during the pipeline project’s final phase, time was of the essence to prevent the boring’s potential collapse. D&G was at a standstill and at risk of not being able to complete this pipeline project. Solution: To reduce the need for bypass pumping, Rain for Rent engineered and designed a gravity-fed bypass piping system. Then Portadam provided a combination of a 5-foot, 7-foot, and 10-foot-high system with additional bracing, flume bypass, and scour protection. A three-sided cofferdam with pumping was installed in the project’s final phase. D&G Boring saved $500,000 in bypass pumping with Portadam’s custom designed cofferdam system, while Rain for Rent’s engineered design solved D&G’s Boring collapse problem. Result: As a result of these synergistic efforts, D&G Boring saved $500,000 in bypass pumping (with Portadam’s custom designed cofferdam system).  And, Rain for Rent’s engineered design solved D&G’s boring collapse problem. The solution also met the project’s deadline. “We were at a standstill and at risk of not being able to complete this pipeline project.” –Brad Thomas, D&G project manager Contact Our Water Control Experts

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