Supporting Healthcare Expansion by Delivering Reliable Subsurface Excavation Under Challenging Conditions

As part of the development of the City of Hope Duarte Outpatient Clinic, Certerra Subsurface partnered with DPR Construction to provide critical subsurface excavation and utility support. Operating within a construction-management-at-risk framework, the project required precision, proactive risk mitigation, and strict adherence to schedule, which made it well suited to Certerra Subsurface’s specialized capabilities.

The Challenge

The project required safe and accurate potholing, trenching, and Hygrotech Excavation across an active healthcare construction site. Maintaining productivity while navigating buried utilities, tight timelines, and ongoing site activity called for careful planning and close coordination.

Midway through construction, severe winter storms created unexpected complications. Heavy rainfall on Christmas Eve caused significant flooding, threatening open trenches and jeopardizing project continuity. The team needed to respond quickly to prevent delays, protect the work area, and keep the project on schedule.

Our Approach

Certerra deployed experienced crews and specialized equipment to carry out precise potholing and trenching, ensuring all underground utilities were accurately located and protected. Through continuous communication with DPR Construction and the wider project team, excavation sequencing was optimized to support the project’s fast-paced schedule.

When flooding occurred, Certerra immediately mobilized emergency resources. Pumps, crews, and operations staff were dispatched within hours, allowing water to be cleared efficiently before it could affect safety, soil stability, or the construction timeline.

This rapid response was made possible by strong operational preparedness and effective collaboration established early in the project.

The Results

• Maintained the project schedule despite severe weather, preventing construction delays.
• Protected utilities and excavation zones through careful planning and responsive field coordination.
• Delivered reliable Hygrotech Excavation and potholing services to support ongoing construction activities.
• Strengthened risk management practices by applying lessons learned from the emergency event, reinforcing the value of readiness, communication, and swift decision-making.

Why It Matters

This project demonstrated how specialized subsurface expertise supports safe and efficient delivery on complex healthcare construction sites. Certerra Subsurface’s ability to adapt quickly, mobilize emergency resources, and work seamlessly with the wider project team helped keep the project on track, even under unforeseen circumstances.