The American Council of Engineering Companies earlier this month gave its top award β€” the Grand Conceptor β€” to McMillen, a full-service firm based in Boise, Idaho, for its work on the Klamath River Renewal Project during the annual Engineering Excellence Awards gala in Washington, D.C. The project was an ACEC Oregon Grand Award winner earlier this year.

The world’s largest dam removal project resulted in successful restoration of more than 400 miles of habitat along the Klamath River; salmon returned to tributaries inaccessible for over a century. Four hydroelectric dams β€” JC Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2, and Iron Gate β€” had blocked the former third-largest salmon-producing river system on the West Coast. The $504 million project was completed on time and within budget.

Within months of the final dam being removed, Chinook, Coho and Pacific Lamprey began returning in numbers not seen for generations. On Sept. 24, 2025, a Chinook salmon passed through the fish ladder at Keno Dam in southern Oregon, marking the farthest upstream salmon had reached since the dams were constructed, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The project’s complexity required coordination between two states, multiple tribes, federal agencies, and numerous conservation and fishing organizations. McMillen served as owner’s representative for Klamath River Renewal Corp., the nonprofit created specifically to execute the project. The Yurok, Karuk, Hoopa, Shasta, Klamath and Modoc tribes led the effort. Kiewit was the general contractor.

McMillen, in its ACEC Oregon award submission, noted that one significant challenge involved managing 5 million cubic yards of sediment. Engineers used advanced hydraulic modeling to optimize river bypass systems at each dam and developed mechanical assistance measures to enhance sediment movement downstream. The team analyzed potential effects on the estuary and Crescent City Harbor to balance environmental protection with regulatory compliance.

McMillen’s risk analysis also led to revised dam removal sequencing. Initially, two dams were scheduled for concurrent removal, but engineers recommended removing one dam during the pre-drawdown period and the second during reservoir drawdown, reducing complexity and minimizing risk.

Judging for the ACEC awards program took place in February and was conducted by a national panel of 32 built environment leaders, along with experts from government, media, and academia. Award criteria focused on uniqueness and originality, technical innovation, social and economic value, and excitement generated toward the engineering profession.

Founded in 1906, ACEC represents more than 5,500 independent engineering firms and more than 650,000 professionals in 51 state and regional organizations.

The post West Coast project garners national ACEC award appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Project name: Dog River Fish Screening & Passage Improvements

Location: Mt. Hood

Completion: November 2024

Size: 18,000 square feet

Cost: $2,607,356

Owner/Developer: City of The Dalles

Engineer: Jacobs

General Contractor: Tapani Inc.

Submitting Company: Tapani Inc.

Subcontractors: Arrow Timber Framing, Bar M Steel, Brothers Concrete Cutting, Columbia West Engineering, Emmert International, Hage Electric, Hood River Sand and Gravel, Ralph’s Concrete Pumping, Windsor Engineers

In the remote reaches of Mt. Hood National Forest, a critical infrastructure project has successfully secured the water supply for 15,700 residents while enhancing local fish habitat.

Tapani, in partnership with the City of The Dalles, recently completed a comprehensive river intake project that replaced an outdated dam with advanced fish screening and passage systems for the city’s municipal water supply. The complex undertaking required removing an existing gaging weir and transforming the dam’s spillway into a rock ramp fishway to support fish migration. The construction included six rock ramps, a new fish diversion channel, fish screens, a fish bypass flume, headgates and a control sill.

The Tapani team discovered that the dam’s bottom elevation was too high, which led to an unexpected full removal and replacement of the structure. Despite this challenge and the site’s extremely remote location, the team completed the project within the strict in-water work window. The isolation of the site required extensive coordination with vendors and suppliers, who needed precise directions due to the absence of cellular service in the area. The proactive approach helped avoid delays and ensured a smooth flow of materials throughout the project.

The team employed an innovative shoring technique that enhanced both safety and efficiency. By flipping the end of the shoring box upward, they maintained continuous footing formation while ensuring full trench protection. This method streamlined workflow, minimized downtime and reduced material costs and labor expenses.

Several partners were instrumental to the project’s success, including Arrow Timber Framing, Hage Electric, Bar M Steel and Emmert International, which handled heavy lifting and transport.

The Oregon Department of State Lands recognized the project with its prestigious Stream Award, highlighting the initiative’s innovation, environmental impact and lasting benefits.

Beyond improving infrastructure, the project serves as the main water supply for The Dalles, ensuring a reliable and sustainable source while supporting long-term economic growth. The fish passage systems contribute to protecting local ecosystems, striking a balance between the city’s water needs and environmental preservation.

As the city looks toward the future, this upgraded system stands as a testament to collaborative problem-solving and sustainable infrastructure development.

β€œThis project supports a resilient water supply for the next century for the City of The Dalles and stewardship of cold, headwater streams near Mount Hood,” noted Jacobs Engineering’s Brady Fuller in the project nomination form.

The post Dog River Fish Screening & Passage Improvements appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.