Case Study: Pepsi Bottling Company's Implementation of Mayim Interlocking Flood Barriers
INTRODUCTION AND ISSUE:
The Pepsi Bottling Company, a Honickman Company, operates a distribution facility in College Point, New York. This area has historically been vulnerable to flooding, exacerbated by recent climate changes. Notably, the College Point region was significantly affected during Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Ida, causing massive flooding throughout the community.
The primary challenge, however, stems from severe thunderstorms overwhelming the city's drainage systems, many of which are designed to handle 1.75" of rain per hour. Recent microburst storms have dropped 2+" of rain in an hour, resulting in flash flooding throughout New York City.
As per Flood Factor, 24% of properties in College Point face a high risk of severe flooding and the Pepsi facility location is vulnerable to these flood threats and events.
FLOOD EVENTS AND FACILITIES:
Recent flooding in the area has led to financial and operational losses for the Pepsi Bottling Co. distribution facility as flood waters plowed through bay doors and into the building. The loss of inventory, forklifts, time and damage to infrastructure during these events necessitated an urgent and effective solution to mitigate future flood and extreme weather risks.
SOLUTION:
Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics at Pepsi Bottling New York, spearheaded the initiative to address their continuous and future flood-related challenges.
The company turned to Garrison Flood Control to find a solution that would help their operational and facilities teams divert and hold back flood waters from entering their warehouse. After reviewing the blueprints of their facility, the flood technical team at Garrison Systems recommended the Mayim™ Interconnecting Temporary Flood Barriers.
The Mayim flood barriers are known for their modularity, quick deployment, compact storage, and efficient sealing to the ground and to each other due to the flood panels' thick neoprene between sections. Additionally, the MB2 barriers, due to their unique L-shaped design, are able to handle flood waters up to 40", as the rising water ballasts the barriers creating a durable weighted flood protection system.
Pepsi Bottling's decision was influenced by the widespread adoption of Mayim barriers among esteemed municipalities and organizations across the country.
Additionally, the company took note of other facilities and structures dealing with similar circumstances who successfully implemented the Mayim barriers as an effective flood control solution. These examples served as compelling evidence of the flood barrier's effectiveness, ultimately leading to Pepsi Bottling's decision to utilize it for the flood preparedness needs.
IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS:
Initial Trial:
Pepsi Bottling procured an initial set of Mayim barriers, including Straight Sections, Turn Pieces, and End Gables. This selection enabled protection around bay doors and other openings while accommodating fixed bollards.
Timely Preparation:
The barriers were received in early September, just in time for the severe flooding that took place in late September 2023.
Effective Performance:
The flood barriers successfully diverted damaging and hazardous floodwaters, protecting the facility's vulnerable areas during the September 2023 NYC flood event, preventing significant damage, facility downtime and financial loss.
Expansion of Flood Defense:
Encouraged by this success, Kevin Looney ordered additional Mayim barriers in November 2023 to extend protection to other flood-prone openings across the facility.
Operational Continuity:
The barriers have enabled the Pepsi Bottling distribution facility to maintain uninterrupted operations during severe storms, flash flooding and other weather related events, safeguarding against logistical and distribution disruptions.
Effective Flood Management System
Be Protected Against a Flood Disaster
The Mayim™️ Flood Barrier System provides a durable and effective flood solution that is extremely easy to deploy compared to sandbags or other flood control systems. With the ability to provide full perimeter protection, property managers now have a solution that will protect their property grounds, infrastructure, electrical and equipment rooms and parking locations against future flood threats.
CONCLUSION:
The Pepsi Bottling Company's proactive approach to implementing the Mayim temporary, portable and reusable flood barriers has significantly mitigated the risk and impact of flooding at their College Point, NY distribution facility. This case exemplifies the importance of timely and effective flood defense measures for businesses and facilities in flood-prone areas, particularly in the context of increasing extreme weather events due to climate change.
The success at Pepsi Bottling serves as a proven model for other locations facing similar threats and challenges.
For more information on the Mayim™️ Flood Control Barriers, feel free to contact us directly!