J.F. Brennan Company unveils new dredge
The Cutterhead Suction Dredge KEVIN ZENKE
Featured Image above, L-R: Chairman of the J.F. Brennan Company, Tony Binsfeld, Kevin Zenke, and Matt Binsfeld, President and CEO of J.F. Brennan. Photos courtesy of Amber Thorson and 3B Photography
J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) recently purchased a Dredge Supply Company (DSC)-manufactured dredge at auction. Brennan completely overhauled every inch of the vessel, updating it to Brennan standards, and placed it into service on Lake Zumbro in Minnesota.
This summer, the newly-renovated dredge is nearly unrecognizable while stationed on Lake Zumbro in southern Minnesota.
Commenting on the new equipment, William P. Doyle, CEO and Executive Director of the Dredging Contractors of America said: “Brennan is making things happen. Like all DCA companies, Brennan is not wasting time, they’re investing and reinvesting in dredging equipment. It’s great to see longtime J.F. Brennan Chairman Tony Binsfeld and, the man himself, Kevin Zenke, enjoy a day on the new dredge. Congratulations!
Lake Zumbro Project
After decades of request from the local community, the Lake Zumbro dredging project is approved and finally underway. 80 miles south-east of Minneapolis, MN, advocacy groups like Lake Zumbro Forever, Inc have been pushing for dredging operations since 2002.
After a slow start this season due to weather, dredging has commenced. 450,000 cubic yards of sediment is expected to be removed by the Zenke, with the projected wrapping before 2020.
Specifications
Brennan’s dredge, dubbed the “Zenke” after long-time Brennan employee Kevin Zenke, now features the following specs as the latest addition to their customized fleet:
Make: Dredge Supply Company
Overhauled in: 2019
Length: 59’
Intake Size: 10”
Engine Model: Cat 3406C Tier 3
Rated Horsepower: 500
Dry Weight: 76,000 lbs.
Maximum Dredging Depth: 18′
Customized HYPACK® Dredge Controls
Story behind the ZENKE
Kevin Zenke began his career with Brennan in 1983, having previously operated for Domke Contractors. In 1989, Zenke became an important member of Brennan’s newly-formed Dredge Division which is still in operation today.
Throughout the next several decades, Zenke continued his leadership within Brennan’s environmental dredging operations. His hard work and leadership are credited for the company’s expertise in geotextile tube dewatering, and development of their patented Broadcast Capping System (BCS™).
After 34 years with Brennan, Zenke retired in 2017. Zenke’s impact on Brennan can still be seen in many areas, especially in their personnel, leadership and dredging operations.
About J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a marine solutions company based in La Crosse, WI that specializes in providing services to public and private owners of civil infrastructure. Focused on quality since the company’s inception in 1919, Brennan takes pride in successfully working with clients, partners, and engineering firms while upholding high levels of integrity, safety, and professionalism.
