Precision & Safe Submerged Structure Removal
Rocky Demolition offers specialized underwater demolition services across Colorado. Whether you need to clear sunken debris, remove pier foundations, or prepare a reservoir for reconstruction, our certified dive teams, controlled explosive techniques, and mechanical cutting tools ensure efficient, environmentally conscious results.
Quick Reference
What We Do: Controlled underwater demolition of submerged structures, debris recovery, and site preparation
Who We Serve: Municipal water districts • Marina operators • DOT bridge projects • Environmental agencies
Core Services: Underwater blasting • Mechanical cutting • Debris salvage & hauling
Why Rocky: 25+ years of dive-demolition expertise • OSHA & HAZWOPER-certified teams • 95%+ material recycling • Rapid statewide mobilization
Coverage: Cherry Creek Reservoir • Denver Lakes • Pueblo Reservoir • Statewide Colorado waterways
Get a Quote: 📞 720-442-1092 or Request Your Underwater Demolition Quote
Underwater demolition combines engineered explosive charges, hydraulic cutting torches, and diver-operated tools to dismantle submerged structures such as piers, bridge foundations, boat ramps, and debris fields. By using precision techniques and environmental safeguards, we prevent collateral damage, control sediment disturbance, and comply with state and federal water-quality regulations.
Sunken Vessel & Debris Removal: Clear boating accident remnants or legacy wrecks obstructing waterways
Bridge Pier & Foundation Removal: Sectional dismantling of old or damaged bridge footings below waterline
Reservoir Rehabilitation: Remove concrete slabs, bulkheads, or intake structures prior to refurbishment
Marine Structure Decommissioning: Take out obsolete docks, floating platforms, and underwater supports
Hydrographic Survey & Mapping
– Sonar mapping to locate structures, measure depths, and plan access
Permitting & Environmental Planning
– Secure CO DNR water-quality permits, EPA notifications, and county approvals
Dive Team Mobilization
– Deploy OSHA & HAZWOPER-certified divers with air-supply and safety support boats
Controlled Demolition
– Place shaped charges or operate hydraulic cutting torches under strict charge-plan protocols
Debris Recovery & Sorting
– Lift fragments onto barges, sort by material type, and crush/grind on shore for recycling
Site Inspection & Restoration Prep
– Final bathymetric scan, water-quality tests, and handover to construction or habitat-restoration teams
Explosive Charges & Packer Systems: Precise, low-order blasts to collapse concrete without sediment plumes
Hydraulic Underwater Saws & Cutters: Diver-operated or ROV-mounted for cutting steel and thick concrete
ROV & Sonar Survey Vehicles: Pre- and post-demolition mapping to verify complete removal
Turbidity Curtains & Silt Booms: Contain sediment and protect aquatic ecosystems
Recovery Barges & Crane Lifts: Safe transfer of heavy debris from water to shore
| Factor | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Depth | <10 ft shallow shoreline | >30 ft deep reservoir zones |
| Structure Size | Small concrete pier (<100 ft²) | Multi-pier bridge foundation complexes |
| Environmental Control | Standard turbidity barrier | Endangered-species monitoring & permits |
| Access & Logistics | Public boat launch | Remote canyon or private lakefront |
| Jurisdiction | Requirement | Rocky’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado DNR – Waterways | 401/402 water-quality permits & habitat impact studies | Prepare applications, coordinate reviews |
| EPA Region VIII | Spill-prevention & sediment control plans | Draft and implement containment systems |
| County Health & Conservation | Shoreline disturbance & noise variance | File permits, install turbidity curtains |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Section 10/404 navigable waters authorization | Complete permit packages, liaison with USACE |
| Material | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Concrete & Masonry Debris | Crushed onshore → Class II aggregate |
| Structural Steel & Rebar | Sorted → recycled at regional scrap facilities |
| Mixed Metal Components | Separated → metal recovery programs |
| Hazardous Residues | Segregated → licensed hazardous-waste disposal |
Project: Demolition of 200-ft² concrete intake slab at 25 ft depth
Method: Low-order shaped charges & ROV-guided debris collection
Outcome: Completed in 2 days, 98% material salvage, zero turbidity exceedances
Benefit: New intake installed within 1 week, minimal service interruption
Certified Dive Teams: OSHA & HAZWOPER-trained for confined-space underwater work
Environmental Stewardship: Best-in-class turbidity and spill control measures
Precision Techniques: Engineered blasts and mechanical cutting minimize collateral impact
Rapid Response: Mobilize marine crews anywhere in Colorado within 24–48 hours
Contact Rocky Demolition for expert underwater services across Colorado:
📞 720-442-1092
Request Your Underwater Demolition Quote
Q: How do you prevent sediment plumes during underwater blasting?
A: We use low-order shaped charges, pre-blast containment bags, and turbidity curtains to keep sediment localized.
Q: Is it safe to work in deep reservoir sections?
A: Yes—our dive teams use mixed-gas rigs and ROVs with live monitoring to operate safely at depths >30 ft.
Q: What happens to hazardous residues inside old tanks?
A: We inert, purge, and remove residues per CDPHE regulations, then transport waste to licensed treatment facilities.
Q: Can you recover sunken boats or large debris?
A: Absolutely—our barges, cranes, and ROV grapples can lift and haul items weighing several tons.
Q: Do you handle all required permits?
A: Yes—we coordinate with DNR, EPA, USACE, and local agencies to secure every permit and notification on your behalf.
