Developed by C-43 Water Management Builders for the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir is a 170,000-acre-foot infrastructure project designed to store excess freshwater from the Caloosahatchee River, stabilize salinity levels, and prevent algal blooms. MC Squared provided critical laboratory management, construction materials testing, and quality control, ensuring compliance with USACE standards. Our contributions—including testing 22 million cubic yards of embankment, 110,000 tons of soil-cement armoring, and 19 miles of soil-bentonite cutoff wall—have helped ensure the reservoir’s durability, reliability, and long-term impact on Florida’s water resources and communities.
Objective
MC Squared was selected as the Laboratory Management and Quality Control (QC) Partner for this high-profile project, providing an extensive range of testing, inspection, and engineering services. To ensure quality control, structural integrity, and regulatory compliance, MC Squared assembled a team of experienced engineers, laboratory managers, field specialists, and materials testing experts to oversee the reservoir’s massive construction effort. Our objective was to manage the testing and validation of 22 million cubic yards of embankment material, 110,000 tons of soil-cement armoring, and 19 miles of soil-bentonite cutoff wall while addressing variable soil conditions, water infiltration risks and the project’s demanding timeline.
Our Solution
To meet strict USACE and SFWMD standards, MC Squared delivered comprehensive laboratory management, materials testing, and quality control to ensure the reservoir’s long-term structural integrity and environmental performance. Our expertise enabled precise material verification, compliance oversight, and data-driven decision-making throughout construction.
Comprehensive Materials Testing & Quality Control
- Embankment & Soil-Cement Testing – Verified 22M cubic yards of embankment and 110K tons of soil-cement armoring for compaction, stability, and erosion resistance.
- Soil-Bentonite Cutoff Wall – Ensured hydraulic integrity of 19 miles of cutoff wall, preventing seepage and maintaining a continuous barrier.
- Structural Testing – Evaluated concrete, steel, and soil for 12 pump stations and two bridges, ensuring load capacity, durability, and USACE compliance.
Data-Driven Laboratory Management
- USACE-Certified Laboratory – Trained 40+ personnel for real-time quality control and expedited workflows.
- Advanced Data Systems – Deployed RTK-RPS, Rovers, and a Data Management System for high-accuracy reporting via SIMDAMS.
Results
As the C-43 Reservoir nears completion, MC Squared’s expertise in laboratory management, materials testing, and quality control has played a vital role in ensuring the project meets USACE and SFWMD standards. Our technical precision, real-time data management, and commitment to excellence have helped deliver a high-quality, structurally sound reservoir that will provide long-term water storage, flood control, and environmental restoration for Florida.
“MC Squared is not just a subcontractor; they are a partner. Their unwavering support and hands-on approach have ensured that the project meets the highest quality standards. The South Florida Water Management District and USACE are extremely satisfied with the results, and we would not be here without their invaluable support.”
– Massimo Bugliosi, JV Project Director, Lane Construction
With our presence on-site through July, MC Squared remains committed to delivering a seamless transition to operation, ensuring Florida’s water resources are protected for years to come.