Flood mitigation construction warrants the use of infrared heaters

On the banks of Colorado’s Poudre River, construction crews were forced to stop work a few weeks ago because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discovered that they were disturbing a flock of blue herons that nested in the area. Permission was recently granted to resume the project, which is designed to alleviate the effects of the spring runoff. In order to combat the frosty mornings in the Rocky Mountain region, crews will need the targeted warmth of infrared heaters.

According to The Tribune, the delay took longer than expected because the Wildlife Service was concerned that the herons had abandoned their eggs. The issue is a delicate one because this mitigation work must be completed before the extensive snow pack completely melts and floods the valleys. This work entails the clearing of debris and silt from the dams and ditch systems in order to prevent the banks from totally eroding.

Construction crews will benefit from the use of infrared heaters, which cost less than 14 cents an hour to operate. Propane heaters, on the other hand, cost about three dollars an hour with much less energy efficiency.