We Move Earth.
You Move Forward.

Backwell handles excavation and earthwork for commercial, industrial, solar, and municipal projects across New York State. Scope ranges from 500 cubic yards of foundation spoil to 250,000 cubic yards of mass earthwork on utility-scale solar and commercial pad sites.

Earthwork runs with Cat 336, 349, and 390 excavators on cut, D6 and D8 dozers on push and rough grade, and GPS-controlled Cat 12M and 14M motor graders on finish. Material movement is coordinated through Backwell dispatch on a project schedule tied to the GC's critical path.

Contracting relationships include GCs, construction managers, developers, municipalities, NYSDOT prime contractors, EPC firms, and utility companies. Typical earthwork scope value $40,000 to $1.5M. Regional subgrade intelligence covers Honeoye, Palmyra, Colonie, and Lordstown soil series across Onondaga, Oswego, Oneida, Madison, Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, and Cortland counties.

Capabilities

• Mass earthwork and cut/fill operations
• Fine grading to engineered specifications
• Rock excavation and removal
• Structural backfill and compaction
• Topsoil stripping, stockpiling, and redistribution
• Dewatering and temporary drainage
• Winter excavation with frost removal

Clients We Serve

• General contractors and construction managers
• Commercial and industrial developers
• Municipal DPW and highway departments
• Utility companies (National Grid, NYSEG)
• Solar energy developers
• Residential builders and homeowners

Equipment

• CAT and Komatsu excavators (mini to 80,000 lb class)
• Dozers for rough and fine grading
• Skid steers and compact track loaders
• Articulated and rigid dump trucks
• Compaction equipment (rollers, plate compactors)
• GPS/laser grading systems

Backwell handles structural demolition on commercial, industrial, and agricultural projects across New York State. Scope ranges from 5,000 sq ft tenant strip-outs to 200,000 sq ft factory teardowns. Full debris handling, on-site concrete crushing, and final grade to engineered elevations included in the base bid.

Mechanical demolition, selective interior strip, and controlled deconstruction are all in scope. Compliance coordination includes NYSDOL Industrial Code Rule 56 and federal NESHAP asbestos rule, NYSDEC ACP-5/ACP-9 notifications, lead-based paint protocols, and PCB and UST surveys. Haul-off dispatched by Backwell on a manifest tracked from site to receiving facility.

Public clients include NYSDOT prime contractors, county highway departments, and municipal code enforcement. Agricultural demolition covers barn and silo removal with load-bearing salvage coordination. Publicly funded demolition documentation includes prevailing wage certified payroll, MBE/WBE reporting, and LEED MR Credit 5 diversion tickets.

Capabilities

• Full-structure mechanical demolition
• Selective interior demolition and strip-out
• Asbestos-related demolition project management
• Concrete and foundation removal
• Silo, barn, and agricultural structure removal
• Underground tank removal (UST/AST)
• Site restoration and final grading after demo

Clients We Serve

• Municipalities and county governments
• State agencies (DOT, DEC, OGS)
• Commercial property owners and developers
• Agricultural operations and farms
• General contractors
• Environmental remediation firms

Equipment

• High-reach demolition excavators
• Hydraulic breakers and shears
• Grapple and sorting attachments
• Dump trucks and roll-off containers
• Dust suppression equipment

Backwell installs underground utility infrastructure for municipalities, utility primes, developers, and GCs across New York State. Scope covers water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, underground electric duct bank, gas, and telecom conduit. Pipe diameters 4" to 36". NYSDOT Item 603 and Item 645 specifications.

NYSDOT utility relocation, subdivision infrastructure packages, and municipal main replacements are all in scope. Deep-trench work is supported by trench boxes, hydraulic shoring, and wellpoint dewatering systems. Hydrostatic testing, chlorination, and bacteriological clearance are performed to AWWA C600 and C651.

Utility owner relationships include National Grid and NYSEG for underground electric, pole line clearing, and transmission support. Work zone traffic control complies with MUTCD-NY and NYSDOT Section 619. Bedding and backfill are placed and compacted to each utility owner's current construction standards.

Capabilities

• Water main installation and replacement (4" to 36")
• Sanitary sewer installation and repair
• Storm sewer and catch basin installation
• Underground electric duct bank and conduit
• Gas line trenching and backfill
• Fiber optic conduit installation
• Trench dewatering and shoring
• Hydrostatic testing and chlorination

Clients We Serve

• Municipal water and sewer departments
• County highway departments
• National Grid, NYSEG, and utility companies
• Telecom and fiber optic contractors
• Subdivision developers
• General contractors on commercial projects

Equipment

• Excavators with tilt-rotate attachments
• Mini excavators for tight-access utility work
• Trench boxes and hydraulic shoring
• Dewatering pumps and wellpoint systems
• Pipe lasers and grade control
• Compaction testing equipment

Backwell builds commercial parking, subdivision streets, haul roads, and construction access for developers, municipalities, and industrial clients across New York State. Scope covers clearing, grubbing, subgrade to Item 203, base course to Item 304, and pavement subgrade preparation to paver handoff.

Proof-roll acceptance, density testing coordination, and pre-pave walkthroughs are documented with the paving prime and the engineer of record. Gravel access roads and temporary haul roads are built to the heavy-axle loading required by solar and utility construction traffic.

Municipal scope includes road reconstruction, shoulder widening, ditch re-grading, and CHIPS-funded capital work. Developer scope covers complete subdivision packages: roads, utilities, stormwater, grading, and erosion control under one subcontract.

Capabilities

• New road construction (gravel and paved subgrade)
• Parking lot construction and grading
• Road reconstruction and rehabilitation
• Subgrade preparation and stone base
• Shoulder reconstruction and widening
• Driveway and access road construction
• Temporary construction access roads

Clients We Serve

• Municipal and county highway departments
• Commercial and retail developers
• Industrial facility managers
• Subdivision developers and builders
• Agricultural and farm operations
• Solar farm and energy developers

Equipment

• Motor graders for fine road grading
• Dozers for rough grading and clearing
• Excavators for ditching and drainage
• Dump trucks for material delivery
• Vibratory rollers for compaction
• Water trucks for dust control

Backwell provides GPS- and laser-controlled grading for commercial pads, industrial facilities, solar arrays, and subdivisions across New York State. Grading tolerances match engineered plan specs, with proof rolls and density reports filed to the engineer of record before pad release.

Mass grading runs on Trimble and Topcon GPS base stations with rovered dozers and graders. Fine grading tolerances typically 0.1 ft on mass grade and 0.05 ft on building pad. Laser-controlled slope operators for fine grading on athletic fields, solar arrays, and parking lot crowns.

Complete site preparation packages combine clearing, grubbing, topsoil management, mass and fine grading, site utilities, stormwater structures, and SWPPP erosion control. One prime subcontract, one superintendent on site, one insurance certificate.

Capabilities

• Mass grading for commercial and industrial pads
• Fine grading to engineered tolerances
• Building pad preparation and compaction
• Parking lot and road subgrade work
• Athletic field grading and drainage
• Topsoil management (strip, stockpile, redistribute)
• Erosion and sediment control installation

Clients We Serve

• General contractors and construction managers
• Commercial and industrial developers
• Solar energy companies
• Residential subdivision developers
• Municipalities and school districts
• Agricultural operations

Equipment

• GPS-equipped dozers for precision grading
• Motor graders with laser control
• Excavators for cut operations
• Articulated dump trucks for fill
• Smooth drum and padfoot rollers
• Water trucks for moisture control

Backwell delivers site preparation on community and utility-scale solar across New York State. Array sizes from 5 MW community solar under NY-Sun programs to 100+ MW utility-scale under ORES. Scope covers clearing through racking-ready subgrade.

Panel array subgrade tolerances typically 2" to 4" across the footprint. Internal access roads are built to support crane loading and tracker component delivery. SPDES GP-0-20-001 SWPPP is installed on day one and maintained through final stabilization. IRA Section 45/48 apprenticeship and prevailing wage documentation is standard on qualifying projects.

Solar scope: land clearing and mulching, topsoil strip and stockpile, mass grading and contouring to panel-row specifications, internal access roads, perimeter fence line subgrade, detention and sediment basins, and permanent erosion control. Contracting relationships include EPC primes, IPPs, and owner's engineers.

Capabilities

• Large-scale land clearing (100+ acres)
• Mass grading for panel arrays
• Internal access road construction
• Perimeter fence line grading
• Stormwater retention/detention ponds
• SWPPP erosion control installation and maintenance
• Topsoil management and restoration grading

Clients We Serve

• Solar EPC contractors
• Utility-scale solar developers
• Community solar project companies
• Engineering and design firms
• Landowners with solar lease agreements

Equipment

• Large excavators for clearing and grubbing
• Dozers for mass grading operations
• Motor graders for road and pad work
• Articulated dump trucks for material movement
• Mulching heads for vegetation management
• Hydroseeding equipment for erosion control

Backwell designs and installs stormwater management and erosion control for commercial, municipal, industrial, and solar projects across New York State. Systems are built to NYSDEC SPDES GP-0-20-001, NYSDOT Sections 603/605, and the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual.

Storm sewer systems installed in RCP to AASHTO M170, HDPE to AASHTO M294, and CMP to AASHTO M218 depending on spec. Catch basins, manholes, outlet control structures, and detention/retention basins are constructed to the owner's or municipality's standard detail.

SWPPP install and maintenance includes silt fence, inlet protection, check dams, stabilized construction entrances, and temporary sediment basins. Weekly inspections and post-rainfall inspections within 24 hours of a 0.25" event are documented per GP-0-20-001 requirements.

Capabilities

• Storm sewer system installation (12" to 48")
• Catch basin and manhole installation
• Retention and detention pond construction
• French drain and curtain drain systems
• Ditch excavation and re-grading
• SWPPP erosion control installation and maintenance
• Rip rap and energy dissipator installation

Clients We Serve

• Municipal DPW and highway departments
• Commercial and industrial developers
• General contractors on permitted projects
• Solar and energy developers
• Agricultural operations with drainage needs
• Residential homeowners with water problems

Equipment

• Excavators with grading buckets
• Mini excavators for residential drainage
• Skid steers for material placement
• Dump trucks for stone and fill delivery
• Laser levels for grade control

Backwell installs and replaces septic systems for residential, commercial, and light industrial sites across New York State. Systems are designed and installed to NYSDOH Appendix 75-A and local department of health standards. Conventional, raised-bed, pressure-distribution, and engineered systems all in scope.

New construction scope: tank set, distribution box or pressure manifold, leach field or absorption bed, and supply and discharge piping. Replacement scope adds existing system abandonment, soil evaluation, and redesign coordination with the property owner's engineer.

Commercial septic scope covers restaurants, offices, campgrounds, and small multi-family developments with enhanced treatment requirements. Permit coordination with Onondaga, Oswego, Oneida, Madison, Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, and Cortland county health departments.

Capabilities

• Conventional gravity septic system installation
• Raised septic system construction
• Pressure distribution system installation
• Septic tank and leach field replacement
• Perc testing and soil evaluation
• Commercial and multi-family systems
• Emergency septic repair and tank pumping coordination

Clients We Serve

• Residential homeowners (new construction and replacement)
• Real estate buyers and sellers (failed inspection repairs)
• Commercial property owners
• General contractors and builders
• Property management companies

Equipment

• Mini excavators for residential installations
• Standard excavators for commercial work
• Dump trucks for fill and gravel delivery
• Compaction equipment
• Pipe laser for gravity line installation

Backwell performs foundation excavation for commercial, industrial, and residential construction across New York State. Depth, dimension, and bearing capacity are executed to the engineer of record's plans. Compaction testing coordinated with the owner's testing lab on structural backfill.

We work with builders, general contractors, and homeowners on full basement excavations, crawl space digs, slab-on-grade preparation, and footing excavation. Our crews understand frost depth requirements in Central New York, proper benching for deep excavations, and the importance of dewatering in our region's high water table areas.

Post-pour scope covers structural backfill to compaction spec, foundation drainage tile installation, waterproofing subgrade, final grading, driveway subgrade, and water, sewer, and electric service connections. Complete site packages run under one subcontract with one superintendent on site.

Capabilities

• Full basement excavation
• Crawl space and partial basement digs
• Slab-on-grade preparation and compaction
• Footing excavation and form support
• Structural backfill and compaction
• Foundation drainage (tile and membrane)
• Waterproofing backfill and final grading

Clients We Serve

• Custom home builders
• Production home builders and developers
• General contractors on commercial projects
• Homeowners building new homes
• Agricultural operations (barns, shops, buildings)

Equipment

• Mid-size excavators (30,000-60,000 lb class)
• Mini excavators for tight-access digs
• Dump trucks for spoil removal
• Compaction equipment for backfill
• Laser levels for depth and grade control

Backwell handles land clearing for solar development, commercial site prep, agricultural conversion, and residential subdivisions across New York State. Scope ranges from 2-acre building lots to 300+ acre utility-scale solar footprints.

Clearing operations include timber harvest coordination with licensed loggers for salvage value, stump removal and grinding, horizontal-grinder brush processing, topsoil strip and stockpile, and post-clearing rough grade. Utility and pipeline corridors are cleared to plan width with erosion protection on adjacent undisturbed areas.

Permit coordination covers NYSDEC Article 24 wetland buffers, Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat seasonal restrictions, local tree removal permits, and USFWS consultation where applicable. Solar clearing is typically bundled into a full site prep scope with grading, access roads, and stormwater.

Capabilities

• Large-acreage timber clearing (100+ acres)
• Stump removal and grinding
• Brush clearing and processing
• Right-of-way and corridor clearing
• Lot clearing for residential construction
• Topsoil stripping and stockpiling
• Selective clearing (preserve specimen trees)

Clients We Serve

• Solar energy developers and EPC contractors
• Commercial and industrial developers
• Residential subdivision developers
• Utility companies and pipeline contractors
• Agricultural operations expanding tillable acreage
• Municipalities clearing blighted properties

Equipment

• Large excavators with grapple and thumb attachments
• Dozers for push clearing
• Mulching heads and forestry attachments
• Stump grinders
• Dump trucks and hauling equipment
• Chippers and brush processors

Backwell performs bridge demolition, culvert replacement, and stream crossing infrastructure for NYSDOT prime contractors, county highway departments, municipalities, and private landowners across New York State. Concrete box culvert, RCP, and CMP installations 12" to 120".

Scope includes structure removal to NYSDOT Section 202, streambed preparation, culvert installation, headwall and wingwall construction, rip rap to NYSDOT Section 620, and road restoration over the crossing. Permit coordination with NYSDEC Article 15 stream disturbance, USACE Section 404 wetland crossings, and MPT plans with local highway superintendents.

CHIPS-funded, FEMA disaster recovery, and BRIDGE-NY program documentation is supported with prevailing wage certified payroll, MBE/WBE coordination, and progress inspection records formatted to the funding agency's reporting template.

Capabilities

• Culvert removal and replacement (12" to 120")
• Concrete box culvert installation
• Bridge demolition and removal
• Headwall and wingwall construction
• Stream diversion and temporary damming
• Rip rap and channel stabilization
• Road restoration over crossing structures

Clients We Serve

• Town and village highway departments
• County highway departments
• NYSDOT and state agencies
• Private landowners with stream crossings
• Agricultural operations with farm road crossings
• Camp and recreational property owners

Equipment

• Large excavators for demolition and placement
• Crane services for heavy precast
• Dump trucks for backfill and rip rap delivery
• Dewatering pumps for stream diversion
• Compaction equipment for structural backfill

Backwell handles trenching for utility installation, fiber optic, gas distribution, irrigation, and electrical conduit across New York State. Scope covers short service runs and corridor-length utility installs in active roadway, railroad ROW, and agricultural right-of-way.

Trenching scope includes service connections, commercial utility feeds, municipal main installs, and corridor-scale telecom and electric projects. Work zone traffic control is executed to MUTCD-NY and NYSDOT Section 619. Railroad ROW work is coordinated with the host rail carrier's engineering department.

Cover requirements are installed per utility owner standards: 54" for water main, 36" for sanitary under NYSDOT ROW, 36" minimum for telecom. Trench safety follows OSHA 1926 Subpart P with trench boxes, hydraulic shoring, benching, or sloping. Competent person inspections are documented daily on every trench open over 5 ft.

Capabilities

• Utility trenching (water, sewer, electric, gas, telecom)
• Fiber optic conduit installation
• Directional boring coordination
• Residential and commercial service connections
• Agricultural irrigation and drainage trenching
• Trench shoring and dewatering
• Bedding and backfill to utility specifications

Clients We Serve

• Utility companies (National Grid, NYSEG, Verizon)
• Telecom and fiber optic contractors
• Municipal water and sewer departments
• Gas distribution companies
• General contractors on development projects
• Agricultural operations

Equipment

• Chain and wheel trenchers
• Excavators with narrow buckets
• Mini excavators for residential work
• Trench boxes and hydraulic shoring
• Pipe lasers for gravity installations
• Dewatering pumps