RENOVA was selected as the prime contractor by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District to conduct restoration of a habitat gravel cap on Bird Island after layers of nesting material were washed away by Hurricane Sandy. The island is notable for its use as a sanctuary and breeding ground of the roseate tern (Sterna dougallii), a migratory bird with various nesting locations along the east coast. RENOVA collaborated with a local quarry for the creation of a specialty fill material that passed strict gradation requirements, in order to be suitable nesting material. Safety was paramount on the project, as it involved heavy machinery, over-the-water work, and long hours.

RENOVA transported material to the island via barge and constructed an offloading platform using concrete bin blocks, trap rock, and steel plates. Recognizing the project’s sense of urgency, approximately 1875 tons of fill were transported to the island over the course of two, daily high tide events. The material was unloaded from the barge and spread, effectively creating a 6” cap over the entire island. Although presented with safety challenges due to the location and nature of the work, RENOVA completed all work safely and with zero reportable incidents. Despite being met with weather-related delays due to multiple events of wind-driven waves, RENOVA completed the project prior to the arrival of the migrating, roseate tern population.