Moves Eight Million Cubic Yards at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill
Sukut Construction Moves Eight Million Cubic Yards on Phase VIII-A1 of the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill
Sukut Construction Moves Eight Million Cubic Yards on Phase VIII-A1 of the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill
Groundwater Protection Project
Sukut Construction, LLC (Sukut), one of California’s leading heavy civil engineering contractors, is making remarkable progress on a $55-million project at the Frank R. Bowerman (FRB) Landfill. Known as the Phase VIII-A1 Groundwater Protection Project, the work began in November 2022 and is expected to be completed ahead of schedule in March 2025.
The FRB Landfill, located in the Irvine hills, is a state-of-the-art Class III municipal solid waste facility. Opened in 1990, it is one of the largest landfills in California and ranks as the ninth largest in the United States. With its capacity to process a maximum of 11,500 tons per day (TPD) and an annual average of 8,500 TPD, the landfill is critical to Orange County’s waste management infrastructure. It spans 725 acres, with 534 acres designated for waste disposal, and is projected to meet regional waste disposal needs until 2053.
A Monumental Undertaking
The Phase VIII-A1 FRB Project is focused on groundwater protection and involves a wide range of tasks, including excavation, landslide stabilization, geosynthetic liner installation, and infrastructure upgrades. Sukut is excavating more than eight million cubic yards of earth for cell expansion and remedial grading, while also placing an additional one million cubic yards for the buttress keyway system designed to stabilize landslides.
John Peña is the project manager overseeing the FRB Groundwater Protection Project for Sukut. “We’ve had as many as 40 scrapers running onsite at the peak of earthmoving operations,” said Peña, “These Cat 657 scrapers, along with four Cat D10 dozers, have been pivotal in meeting the project’s massive excavation demands.”
The company’s efforts include constructing a new landfill liner system for an additional cell.
Right: Sukut is completing over eight million cubic yards of earthwork for cell excavation, landslide remediation, and buttress fill placement.
Approximately five million cubic yards of earth are being excavated for this cell, while another three million cubic yards are being moved as part of landslide remediation.
Liner Installation: A Complex Process
Sukut is installing a liner system to protect the groundwater from potential contamination. The process, done with great precision and care, begins with a one-footthick layer of low-permeability clay, selectively sourced from excavation areas onsite. After compacting the clay, a layer of 60-mil geomembrane is installed, followed by a layer of geosynthetic clay liner, then an additional
By Brian Hoover, Editor / Photos supplied by Sukut Construction, LLC.
Above: Sukut has had as many as 40 companyowned Cat scrapers running onsite at the peak of earthmoving operations. These 657 scrapers, along with four D10 dozers, have been pivotal in meeting the project’s massive excavation demands.
layer of 60-mil geomembrane, followed by a 16-ounce geotextile layer. Nine inches of drainage gravel is then placed on top, followed by another layer of eight-ounce geotextile and two feet of cover soil. This intricate system ensures long-term groundwater protection, a critical aspect of modern landfill design.
Managing Landslides and Dewatering
The project has faced challenges with landslide movement during construction, requiring Sukut to adapt grading plans and work closely with Orange County Waste & Recycling (OCWR) and its consultants. To resolve this challenge, Sukut
installed a buttress keyway system, which stabilized slopes by addressing the landslide plane. According to Peña, this work was completed in nine segments, opening and filling one section at a time to prevent activating additional movement. Specialized contractors such as Jensen Drilling (Jensen) and Malcolm Drilling (Malcolm), were brought in to execute dewatering tasks. Jensen drilled up to 700-foot-long boreholes fitted with 1-½-inch PVC pipes to remove water from hillsides, ensuring stability during earthmoving operations. “We designed and implemented an extensive dewatering plan to address groundwater issues,” Peña said. “Horizontal drilling plays a significant role in this effort, with 28,500 linear feet of drilling completed to drain water and improve slope stability.”
Advanced Technology Drives Efficiency
Sukut has leveraged cuttingedge technology to enhance project efficiency and accuracy. Using Trimble Earthworks software, the team created a 3D grading model integrated with machine control systems. Sukut’s company-owned fleet of dozers, equipped with Trimble machine control, has enabled precise grading with minimal manual intervention. “Instead of employing five grade checkers on the project, we only needed one,” Peña said, highlighting the operational efficiencies achieved through the use of Trimble technology. This system also allowed Sukut to handle construction staking, as-built surveys, and grade control in-house, further reducing costs and increasing precision and efficiency.
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Major Milestones
The project is close to completion after the execution of several significant milestones. In February 2024, Sukut completed the lower landfill cell, which involved extensive grading and liner installation. Delivering this milestone early has allowed the
Above & Below:
Sukut is also installing a geosynthetic liner, leachate collection gravel, and piping, along with a new dewatering system. The project also includes civil improvements to paving, drainage, and electrical infrastructure.
County to utilize the additional air space and begin placing waste within the first milestone area. The second milestone, focusing on the upper portion of the landfill where landslide remediation occurred, is on track for completion in early 2025. Despite additional remedial grading required due to unforeseen conditions, the project remains ahead of schedule, thanks to Sukut’s adaptability and collaboration with OCWR.
Subcontractor Contributions
While Sukut has self-performed all earthwork operations, the company partnered with specialized subcontractors to handle specific tasks. D&E Construction is responsible for geosynthetic liner installation, while Malcolm provided expertise in instrumentation and dewatering systems. Jensen's horizontal drilling efforts have also been particularly noteworthy.
Sukut’s efforts at the FRB Landfill continue a legacy of successful projects at the site.
Over the years, the company has completed ten projects, enhancing the landfill’s standing as a benchmark for waste management and environmental stewardship.
Beyond Groundwater Protection
In addition to the Phase VIII-A1 Project, Sukut is working on another major initiative at the FRB Landfill: the Sewer and Water Line Treatment System Design-Build Project. This effort aims to contain and mitigate odors generated by the landfill while treating effluent to meet strict discharge standards set by the Irvine Ranch Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District.
The project involves designing and constructing a treatment system to remove or reduce concentrations of total toxic
organics, odors, PFAS, and other constituents of concern. Sukut will also utilize jack-and-bore drilling to route pipelines beneath Portola Parkway, install HDPE sewer piping, and realign the force main between the pump station and the landfill’s administration building. Construction for this project is expected to begin in early 2025.
A Legacy of Excellence
Sukut’s work at the FRB Landfill builds on a long history of successful projects at the site. Over the years, the company has tackled ten different projects, contributing to the landfill’s reputation as a model facility for waste management and environmental protection.
The Phase VIII-A1 Project exemplifies Sukut’s commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and collaboration. By integrating advanced technologies, adaptive strategies, and specialized expertise, Sukut is setting new standards for large-scale landfill projects. With over eight million cubic yards of earth moved, a state-of-the-art liner system installed, and groundbreaking dewatering efforts underway, Sukut is ensuring the FRB Landfill remains a vital resource for Orange County residents and businesses for decades to come.
For more information on Sukut Construction and its projects, visit www.sukut.com. Cc
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Specialists in Earthwork, Retaining Walls, Design & Engineering
By Brian Hoover, Editor /
Co.
Mountain Movers Engineering Co. (Mountain Movers) has been a leader in grading, excavating and retaining wall construction, for decades, with roots stretching back to founder Dean Smith’s early days in Colorado. His first company, Rocky Mountain Constructors, was responsible for grading hundreds of pads for home developers across the Denver area. As earthwork opportunities slowed in Colorado, Smith recognized the booming potential in California and made the move west.
Leadership and Operations
Mountain Movers Engineering officially came into its current form around four years ago when Eli Njaa purchased the company and became owner and president. After years of collaboration with Dean Smith and his son, Eli had long envisioned bringing two complimentary construction disciplines together, namely retaining wall construction and earthwork. With significant support from others like Michael Parizo, current VP of Operations, the
Photos supplied by Mountain Movers Engineering
company was molded into the efficient, vertically integrated operation it is today.
“We specialize in designbuild retaining wall construction, maximizing savings and efficiency for our customers,” Njaa said. “Our value engineering approach ensures time and cost savings while performing earthwork simultaneously.” While the company takes on standalone earthwork or retaining wall projects, their true talent lies in delivering both services seamlessly under a single contract. This includes clearing and grubbing, blasting, mass excavation, finish and fine grading, earthwork, demolition, crushing, import/export and retaining wall design and construction.
Now, more than six decades later, Mountain Movers excels in every aspect of earthwork, along with the design and installation of retaining walls, screen walls, basins, and more. The company has grown into a one-stop solution for any project requiring grading and walls, delivering efficiency and cost savings through its integrated services.
NOTABLE PROJECTS
Meadowlark Project – 40-Acre Grading Site in Redlands, CA
This expansive project highlights Mountain Movers’ expertise in grading and wall construction. Despite encountering significant cobble and rock, the team remained ahead of schedule. The project began the first week of
Left: Finish grading in front of a designbuild retaining wall constructed using the Keystone MSE system at a new development in Vista.
November, and is set for early January 2025 completion—three to four weeks ahead of plan.
The Meadowlark project involved moving 180,000 cubic yards of earth and constructing 6,000 square feet of retaining walls. Mountain Movers handled mass and fine grading, house pad preparation, parkways, sidewalks, and street grading, overcoming challenges presented by old waterways and larger rock formations. A Cat D9 bulldozer ripped through the material, allowing scrapers and additional dozers to efficiently clear the site. “We took their masonry wall and valueengineered a Keystone MSE wall design late in the process, ran it through the City of Redlands, and saved the client a significant amount of money,” Njaa explained.
Above: Mountain Movers' grading crew working at a new bayside community in Chula Vista.
Downtown San Diego Basement Dig – 30th and C Streets
Scheduled to begin December 23rd, this basement dig demonstrates Mountain Movers’ ability to operate effectively in tight quarters. The project, located in downtown San Diego has streets on one side, homes and an alley on the other, requiring precise planning in the process. The work includes clearing and grubbing, potholing for shoring, and ensuring existing retaining walls are properly engineered for excavation. Excavation will proceed five feet at a time to a depth of 16 feet. Mountain Mover crews will excavate five feet at a time with a Cat 335 zero-swing excavator and a sixfoot bucket to maneuver through the confined space. Shoring and lagging will be added as excavation continues. The project is expected to finish by mid-February.
Green Oaks Project – Vista, CA
This 20-acre site featured the removal of 60,000 cubic yards of rock, requiring blasting, overexcavation, and precision grading. Mountain Movers redesigned 35,000 square feet of retaining walls using a Keystone MSE system, providing cost-effective and structurally sound solutions for the client. The project, completed 18 months ago, showcased the company’s ability to handle rockintensive jobs while managing over-excavation and export.
Canyon Bluffs Project –Riverside, CA
The Canyon Bluffs job involved designing and constructing MSE retaining walls that curved across steep terrain, with heights ranging from 0 to 35 feet. Working on the property line with minimal space, Mountain Movers performed over-excavation and compaction
Below: Part of the redesigned 35,000 square feet of
while protecting existing eucalyptus trees. Hard rock on-site necessitated the use of excavators with breakers, as blasting was not permitted. Mountain Movers also graded pads, streets, basins, and curbs, and will return to fine-grade the area for a planned dog park.
Equipment Fleet
Mountain Movers Engineering operates a diverse fleet of approximately 75 machines, including Cat, John Deere, Volvo and other brands of equipment. The fleet ranges from skid steers to 623 scrapers, with larger scrapers and other machines rented as needed for maximum cost efficiency. Key equipment includes Cat D9, D8, and D6 bulldozers, 637 scrapers, 6x6 water pulls, 80,000lb excavators, and 966 size wheel loaders with skeleton bucket for cobble handling.
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Above: Site preparation for Millenia Lot 19, a luxury multi-family development featuring 278 units in Chula Vista.
retaining wall on the Green Oaks project in Vista.
Right: The 20-acre Green Oaks site demanded the removal of 60,000 cubic yards of rock, which required blasting, over-excavation, and precision grading.
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Vision for Growth
Left: A design-build retaining wall project at the BioScience facility located at Headquarters Point in Otay.
Mountain Movers has primarily focused on private commercial and residential construction, with public works projects being performed as well. Michael Parizo is Vice President of Operations for Mountain Movers and spends his days managing projects, foremen, superintendents, equipment logistics, payroll, trucking and sales, ensuring schedules are met while maintaining safety and OSHA compliance. Parizo sees growth opportunities in areas like basement digs, large export jobs, tilt-up buildings, and public works projects, including highway construction. “The perfect job for us would involve moving one million cubic yards of earth, blasting, crushing, and building walls—all self-performed from start to finish,” he said.
Njaa remains optimistic about the future of construction in California, despite the state’s regulatory environment. “We have a solid leadership structure and team, all fully invested in the future of this company,” says Njaa. “I’d like to see more talented tradespeople come into California, and the floodgates reopen for both residential and commercial development,” he said.
A Team Effort
Parizo points out that Mountain Movers’ success is the direct result of strong leadership and a dedicated teamwork. “Eli does such a great job as the leader and president of this company and I could never do what he does. Same goes with others in this company who come in every day and give their best,” says Parizo. “For example, our
office operations are led by Angie Bourget and Carrie Olivo, who both ensure seamless day-to-day operations. Then we have people like, Eric Fait (Chief Mechanic), who keeps our fleet running smoothly, Ryan Smith (Senior Earthwork Estimator), Joe Henson (Wall Estimating & Engineering PM) and Regan Kakoschke (Sr. PM Earthwork/Demolition Division). These individuals and all of our team members work hard every day to secure new projects. Everybody pulls their weight, and that makes a real difference in finishing jobs on time and on budget.”
For more information on Mountain Movers Engineering Co., please visit www.mountainmoverseng.com or call their San Marcos headquarters at (760) 510-9019. Cc
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Sunbelt Rentals is now a proud Trimble Rental Partner
COASTAL PAVING & EXCAVATING, INC.
Raised on Asphalt - A Story of Resilience, Growth, and Success
By Brian Hoover, Editor / Photos supplied by Coastal Paving & Excavating, Inc.
Michael Melicia, founder and CEO of Coastal Paving & Excavating, Inc. (CPEX), has transformed a small sealcoating business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in just seven years. Founded in 2017, CPEX now generates over $20 million in annual revenue and has made a name for itself in both private and public works projects. This remarkable journey reflects Michael’s determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for grading, excavating and paving.
Humble Beginnings
Michael’s path to success in the asphalt paving business wasn’t without hurdles. His journey began at a young age, as his father made a living knocking on doors and performing residential driveway patching and sealcoating. Michael tagged along and worked on these jobs from the age of 12 to 17, learning both good and bad habits along the way. He reflects on the challenges of a strained relationship with his father and early exposure to unhealthy behaviors, both of which had a lasting impact. “I dropped out of school in eighth grade and
worked for my father until I was 17,” Michael explained. He reflects on his journey of overcoming personal struggles and embracing meaningful change to create a healthier, more fulfilling life. This turning point became the foundation for a new chapter, as Michael set out to build a family and a business that would bring his childhood dreams to life.
Overcoming Challenges
After moving out on his own at age 18, and while living in Denver, Colorado, Michael began working his first paid W-9 job fixing sewer pumps for $13.85 an hour. He quickly realized he wanted more out of life. With a desire to build a better future and return to his hometown of Monterey, California, where his future wife, Jamie, lived, Michael packed two suitcases and headed back to Monterey. There, he began offering unlicensed driveway services, ranging from small patches to full sealcoating jobs. By 2017, he became fully licensed, and CPEX was officially born. “I promoted my small company through social media and word of mouth, and we have continued our upward trajectory ever since,” Michael said.
Above: Michael Melicia, founder and CEO of Coastal Paving & Excavating, Inc.
Below: Michael with his son on a jobsite.
Building the Business
Initially, CPEX focused on private projects such as driveways and small parking lots. By their second year, the company secured work with the local water district, opening the door to public works projects. By their third year, CPEX had expanded into prevailing wage jobs for school districts and other agencies. Today, public works projects account for approximately 70% of CPEX’s business.
To handle larger jobs, Michael invested in reliable equipment. “We purchased a used Bomag paver, which we refer to as ‘Old Faithful,’ and later added a LeeBoy 8520C paver from Nixon-Egli Equipment Company. This was in 2022, and we became the first company in Northern California to purchase the custom LeeBoy 8520C ‘Raised on Blacktop’ edition paver. I just had to have it, since I was indeed, raised on blacktop,” says Michael. “Our next and largest flagship paving machine was a Vogele Super 2000-3i paver, from Nixon-Egli. “The 2004 Bomag Propaver now serves as our backup and has been a reliable asset, stepping in to keep projects on track when needed. Lastly, we own a
LeeBoy 5230 trench paving machine for those water main patch jobs that we often work on.”
According to Michael, CPEX runs all Hamm rollers for their compaction work. “We primarily own and operate Hamm HD12s and HD70s rubber-tired machines that we, again, purchased from NixonEgli,” continues Michael. “We work with Jose Hernandez and he and everyone at Nixon-Egli continue to go out of their way to take care of all of our needs.”
CPEX also owns and operates an impressive fleet of John Deere mini to mid-sized excavators, skip loaders, backhoes, and skid steers, along with a long list of lighter equipment, attachments and implements. “We had faced some challenges with other local equipment providers, but that changed when we found Pape Machinery, our local John Deere dealer. From the start, Pape welcomed us with respect and enthusiasm, eager to build a strong working relationship with CPEX,” continues Michael. Nixon-Egli Equipment Co. and Pape Machinery have been incredible partners, always providing top-quality equipment and excellent service.”
Above: CPEX’s first paver, a used 2004 Bomag Propaver, affectionately known as “Old Faithful.” Still running strong, it’s pictured here paving a parking lot.
Expanding Services
CPEX has evolved into a full-service grading and paving contractor, capable of handling turnkey civil engineering projects. Their services include grading, paving, underground utility construction, and more. “Our goal is to take on projects where we can perform all or most aspects of the job,” Michael explained. “If it makes dollars, it makes sense.”
NOTABLE PROJECTS
Public Works: County of Monterey Sealcoat FY24
One of CPEX’s most significant projects to date was the County of Monterey Sealcoat FY24 project. Completed in August 2024, this project involved a 10-mile stretch of roadway, including Reservation Road and River Road. CPEX’s 10-person crew performed patch repairs, mill and fills, chip sealing and slurry sealing. “This project was a part of Monterey County’s efforts to maintain their 17,000 miles of roadway, and represented our first large county project in terms of contract price. Our crew shut down around three miles of single lane roadway each day
to perform between 10 to 20 patches,” says Michael. “We began by subcontracting the milling operations to remove 9,800 square feet of road surface with the spoils being stockpiled in Monterey County yards for use on future projects. Next, we began putting down a total of 9,800 tons of asphalt in 4-inch lifts with a ¾ mix provided by Granite’s plant in Salinas. This was followed with the placement of 1,500 tons of chip seal, slurry and then finally 177,300 linear feet of striping.”
According to Michael, Nick Williams served as the project manager, and Casey Kenyon, as the general superintendent. “I was also on this job every day, helping to oversee every aspect of the work
from start to finish. We were paving two 2-inch lifts, but after the first week we came to an agreement with the County to put down one 4-inch lift with ¾ mix, and that saved a lot of time and brought us back on schedule. We used our Super 2000-3i 20-½ foot wide paver on this project,” Michael explains.
Private Construction: Walter Farm Development
Another highlight was the Walter Farm Development, an eight-home subdivision completed in March 2024. CPEX handled everything from grading to paving, underground utility installation, and concrete sidewalks. Specifically, CPEX excavated and installed 480 linear feet of HDPE storm drain, 215
linear feet of 8-inch HDPE storm drain, 1,600 linear feet of 4-inch C900 PVC domestic water service, and 6-inch C900 PVC fire water system. Additionally, CPEX graded 95,200 square feet of original ground, 39,500 square feet of trails, and and installed 540 tons of hot mix asphalt. To reduce costs, the team used recycled materials from previous projects, crushing concrete and asphalt spoils into Class II base material. “This project showcased our ability to deliver high-quality results while being resourceful and environmentally conscious. Our job was to get the multiacre parcel ready for the developer to build the 8-home development. We had originally bid this project to include { Continued on page 24 }
Left and Above: CPEX’s Vogele Super 2000-3i paver, purchased from Nixon-Egli, is their new flagship paving machine. It’s featured here on the Reservation Road project in Salinas.
Above & Right: CPEX crews excavate using their trusted John Deere equipment, while milling work on Monroe Street in Salinas was performed by subcontractor, SOL.
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importing more than 8,000 tons of base rock material. However, instead, we brought in concrete and asphalt spoils from previous projects and rented a crusher from Powerscreen to process 1,600 tons and reuse as Class II base material,” says Michael. “This was more of a turnkey project where we handled the installation of the new sewer
Far Left & Below: CPEX crews utilize their versatile LeeBoy and Hamm machines on the
and water, and excavated trench for the gas and electric lines, along with grading, base material, paving, concrete sidewalks and some landscaping. We love these projects where we can showcase all of our tools, talents and abilities.”
A Team Effort
Today, CPEX employs between 50 to 65 individuals, with a core group of seasoned professionals like Nick Williams and Casey Kenyon, who have been instrumental in the company’s growth. “This has been a team effort, and everyone shares in the success,” Michael emphasized. “We are always looking for more talent, particularly individuals with heavy paving experience.”
Lessons Learned and Future Goals
Despite the company’s rapid growth, Michael remains focused on sustainability. “Cash flow is always an issue, and we’ve built a strong relationship with Pacific Valley Bank to manage this,” he explained. “Right now, our priority is stabilizing what we have and focusing on the bottom line rather than top-line revenue.” CPEX’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2024,
the company ranked #243 on the INC 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in construction.
A Personal Milestone
For Michael, success isn’t just about business. He and his wife, Jamie, are proud parents to a nineyear-old daughter and a four-yearold son. “Everything I dreamed of achieving when I was younger has come to fruition,” Michael reflected. “Now, we’re looking forward to enjoying what we’ve accomplished as we continue building a legacy for our family and team.”
From knocking on doors for driveway sealcoat jobs to leading a thriving construction company, Michael Melicia’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of dreaming big. Established in 2017 by Michael Melicia, Coastal Paving & Excavating Inc. (CPEX) maintains a commitment to providing the highest quality paving, sealcoating, mechanical engineering, excavation, and underground utility services in the Monterey Peninsula. For more information, please visit www.coastalpavingex.com or call their Monterey headquarters at (831) 646-2099. Cc
Quail Lodge project in Salinas.
Above: CPEX uses its LeeBoy 5230 trench paving machine following the Cal Am main replacement in Monterey, CA.
Above: Brian Clark operates Vogele paving machine on Quail Lodge project in Salinas.
California County Adds First Volvo Electric Compactor to Fleet Using Sourcewell and Core Programs
Rolling Into a More Sustainable Future
The stretch of rolling hills between the Napa Valley and Sacramento, California, is a picturesque place that’s rich in history and known for exceptional produce. Yolo County is a lively and flourishing home to more than 220,000 people across four cities and about a dozen unincorporated communities.
With a local economy that depends largely on its climate for agricultural success, it makes sense that the county’s strategic plan heavily promotes environmental stewardship. In fact, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in 2020 to achieve a carbon-negative footprint by 2030.
As part of their progress toward that goal, the Yolo County fleet is one of the first in the U.S. to put a new Volvo DD25 Electric compactor to use.
California has some of the country’s most progressive clean air regulations and incentives, which led Yolo County to establish a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan that outlines more than 180 actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience.
A critical action on the list is electrifying the county’s fleet of onand off-road equipment. In addition to the DD25 Electric compactor, the team has six electric forklifts and two electric pickup trucks with three more in the works.
"We’re taking a bold step forward in our commitment to sustainability by adding this electric compactor to our fleet,” said Lucas Frerichs, chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. “This pioneering addition not only supports our carbon-negative goal, but also exemplifies our dedication to
innovative solutions that protect our environment and improve the quality of life for our residents. We are proud to lead by example, showcasing how electrification can enhance operations while fostering a cleaner, greener future for our community.”
Ben Lee, fleet superintendent, County of Yolo Fleet Services, says county employees prioritize selecting and utilizing equipment that aligns with the agreed-upon sustainability initiatives, so the small electric compactor was a logical choice.
“The DD25 Electric will help us achieve our goals in several ways: by reducing emissions, lowering noise levels, being more energy-efficient, improving working conditions and promoting environmentally friendly practices,” he said.
Developed and built by Volvo Construction Equipment, the doubledrum compactor will help Lee’s team with a variety of projects.
“We’ll use it to compact soil, gravel and other base materials for road and foundation projects, as well as rolling out and leveling asphalt during road construction and resurfacing,” he said.
It Just Makes Cents
Earlier this year, Lee was invited to an open house event at the Volvo Construction Equipment and Services (VCES) dealership in San Leandro, where he first learned about the manufacturer’s electric machines.
“The VCES team played a key role in this decision by helping us assess how the DD25 Electric would meet our specific operational needs and
Yolo County staff receive their new Volvo DD25 Electric compactor from VCES staff.
sustainability goals while working with our budget,” he said.
Scott Nadell, a government sales rep at VCES, said the machine and available funding were a good match for Yolo County’s needs.
“After discussing the features and benefits of the DD25 Electric plus the upcoming Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) Voucher Incentive program, Ben was very interested, and I knew it would be a good fit,” said Nadell. “This model is great for the light-duty applications like patch rolling and smaller paving jobs they do.”
Lee and Nadell discussed how a CORE voucher could subsidize the purchase, and because it was a first-come, first-served opportunity, they knew they’d need to act quickly. By initiating the purchase through Sourcewell, Nadell was able to give Lee the best possible price and have everything ready to submit as soon as the voucher program opened.
“Fortunately, they were approved for the grant, and we had a machine already being built at our factory in Pennsylvania that met the fleet’s requirements, so the rest is history!” said Nadell.
No Engine? No Problem.
Yolo County’s DD25 Electric compactor will need to charge no more than a few overnights per week using an existing Level 2 AC charger at their fleet facility. The machine will typically operate for three to four hours a day, and the charge is expected to last for at least six to eight hours.
“There are some remote areas in the county, so we’re looking into a
Ed
Galindo, E-Mobility Product Manager at VCES, educates Yolo County employees on their new electric roller.
mobile, self-contained charging unit as well, so we wouldn’t have to bring the machine back to the yard each night during a long-term project,” said Lee.
One feature that helps the DD25 Electric (and all Volvo electric machines) run longer is the fact that it does not idle. By turning off automatically when not in use, the machine preserves battery life — unlike a diesel machine that continues to burn fuel as it idles.
Another perk that Lee’s team is looking forward to is simplified maintenance. Because there is no engine or fuel system, filters and diesel exhaust fluid are not necessary. The usual hydraulic oil and grease are all that’s needed.
The absence of an engine also makes the DD25 Electric quieter than its diesel equivalent, and its smoother ride helps operators feel less fatigued at the end of a shift.
Luckily, these benefits do not come at the cost of power or performance. In fact, the combination of Volvo’s proven compactor platform and a 48-volt battery provides about 33 horsepower and 24 kilowatt hours of available power, which is 30% more than the diesel model. The drum frequency can be adjusted from 3500 vpm (55 Hz) to 4000 vpm (67 Hz) to cater to different applications.
“My team is excited to utilize cutting-edge technology like this that actively promotes more sustainable construction practices,” said Lee.
The Volvo DD25 Electric compactor will help Yolo County achieve sustainability goals.
The Volvo DD25 Electric compactor will help Yolo County achieve sustainability goals.
Progress Remains a Priority
Yolo County is also in the process of developing a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) action plan to identify gaps in infrastructure, recommend locations for new infrastructure development, assess the electrical grid’s capacity to sustain increased ZEV usage and recommend improvements, identify funding sources for future implementation, and more. A Municipal Fleet Transition Plan will be part of this larger strategy, outlining a path to expanding the county’s electric fleet.
Lee views electric equipment as an essential step in reducing emissions and energy consumption, especially as communities and industries work toward meeting stricter regulations and sustainability goals.
“Environmental sustainability is important to our residents, and we have been a leader in the Green Movement for over 40 years,” said Lee. “Yolo County's commitment to sustainability could certainly lead to increased procurement of electric equipment.”
To learn more about the DD25 Electric compactor and Volvo’s full electric lineup, visit volvoce. com/united-states/en-us/products/ electric-machines/. Cc
SoCal JCB Expands Reach With New
$14 Million Colton
Dealership
State-of-the-art facility brings JCB’s innovative equipment to more customers, with sustainability at its core.
COLTON, Calif. (December 5, 2024) – SoCal JCB is proud to announce its continued growth in Southern California with the groundbreaking of a new fullservice dealership in Colton. This expansion strengthens SoCal JCB’s ability to provide industryleading JCB equipment and services to customers across the region, meeting the growing demands of the construction and landscaping industries.
The event was marked by the attendance of Alice Bamford, granddaughter of JCB founder Joseph Cyril Bamford, and George Heining, west region vice president for JCB North America, underscoring the significance of this milestone for JCB’s presence in the region.
“This new facility represents our unwavering commitment to supporting our customers and expanding access to dependable JCB equipment,” said Caleb
Wright, dealer principal at SoCal JCB. “We’re excited to serve the Colton community and surrounding areas with innovative products and outstanding service.”
In addition to its enhanced service capabilities, the Colton dealership underscores SoCal JCB’s commitment to sustainability. The facility will feature 256 solar panels generating nearly 200,000 kWh of clean energy annually, which offsets about 133 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Added battery storage will also reduce demand charges, provide backup power during outages and save nearly $1 million in energy costs over 20 years.
Alice Bamford highlighted the importance of this expansion: “It’s inspiring to see JCB’s legacy, built on our family’s commitment to innovation and customer focus, continue to thrive through partners like SoCal JCB. This new location is a testament to how our values are carried forward.”
Richard Fox-Marrs, president and CEO of JCB North America, stated: “SoCal JCB’s new dealership is an exciting milestone, not just for the region but for JCB as a whole. Their dedication to serving customers with exceptional products and a focus on sustainable practices reflects the values of our brand and our vision for the future. We look forward to seeing their continued success.”
Located at 2860 S Iowa Ave, the Colton dealership will be a model of sustainable operations while reinforcing SoCal JCB’s reputation for reliability and customer-focused service.
For more information about SoCal JCB and its offerings, visit socaljcb.com. Cc
Above: Pictured at the SoCal JCB groundbreaking ceremony are Christie Wright (left), Caleb Wright, Alice Bamford and George Heining.
A GRADE ABOVE
HIGHLIGHTS
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Compactor with smooth drum