In 2020, as part of a routine inspection, the Service staff and engineers documented seepage occurring on the downstream side of the Lake Ilo dam. Extensive monitoring took place in 2021-2022 for staff to identify the root causes behind the seepage. In 2023, the Service determined the extent of repairs needed to restore the safety of the dam and secured funding to complete critical repairs. ESCO successfully completed a 28-day restoration project featuring the construction of a sand filter blanket and sand filter wall. With an expedited procurement process, ESCO mobilized swiftly to meet the tight timeline established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The project scope included the installation of 240 linear feet of slotted pipe within the filter wall, encased in 1,430 tons of manufactured sand and No. 8 rock to optimize drainage and minimize infiltration. Along with the filter wall, ESCO also constructed a sand filter blanket designed to convey seepage efficiently to the sand filter wall, ensuring long-term functionality and durability. Additionally, ESCO installed a 6’ x 6’ inspection weir vault to monitor seepage effectively. Through detailed prework investigations, ESCO implemented value engineering solutions that generated $176,000 in financial savings for the client. These cost efficiencies helped offset the additional expenses required to upgrade the dam to meet current Dam Safety standards. ESCO operated on an accelerated timeline, working in rigorous 14-day shifts to meet the demanding schedule. This commitment allowed the client to begin filling the dam promptly, expediting the start of the wildlife rehabilitation phase of the project.