WSB is honored to be named one of the Top 200 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune – ranking #52 on the top Midsize Employers list. For nine years, we have received this prestigious honor, recognizing the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health, and satisfaction.
From the beginning, we’ve been firm believers that culture drives results and we’re proud of our staff who continue to help us forge ahead. We want to take a moment to publicly thank our staff for strengthening our culture.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to creating an environment where our staff feel valued, have fulfilling work, and feel like they belong. Together, we look beyond the needs of today to the opportunities tomorrow.
Join our Top Workplace! Learn about our career opportunities here.
Pipeline Safety & Integrity, as Related to Geohazard Risk
On May 26, 2022, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued an updated advisory bulletin (Docket No. PHMSA-2022-0063) to remind owners and operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines about the potential for damage and safety-related issues caused by geologic hazards (geohazards), including earth movements and climate-related hazards. Geohazards are naturally occurring and dynamic processes, capable of causing widespread damage, loss of property and/or injury and loss of life.
Earth movement hazards include slope instability, subsidence, frost heave, soil settlement, erosion, scour, and earthquakes. The causative factors of earth movements are myriad and complex but rooted in the understanding of regional geology, environmental conditions, and human influence. Earth movements can be exacerbated by local surface conditions (variable, steep, and rugged terrain), changing subsurface conditions, and climate-related hazards (e.g. heavy rainfall, flooding, washouts, weakened or unstable soil). It is important to understand that natural geohazards rarely occur in isolation but instead as hazard cascades: events that precipitates another, increasing resultant risks and consequences. Thus, it is imperative to consider and examine all possible geohazard factors when determining risk.
As outlined in 49 CFE 192.103 and 49 CFR 195.110, gas and hazardous liquid pipelines must be designed to withstand external loads, including those imposed by geohazards. In addition, PHMSA requires operators to take preventative and mitigative measures to avoid pipeline failure and consequences, such as those caused by geohazards (49 CFR 192.935 and 49 CFR 195.452). Additionally, integrity requirements pursuant to geohazards can be found under 49 CFR 192.917 and 49 CFR 195.452.
To ensure pipeline safety and integrity against geohazards, operators should consider taking the following actions:
Identify areas surrounding the pipeline which may be prone to earth movement and other geohazards. For each identified location, plans should be developed, with the assistance of geotechnical engineers, outlining design, construction, and monitoring procedures, based on site-specific hazards.
Monitor environmental conditions and changing weather patterns. Note, soil stability can be adversely impacted by changing weather patterns; evaluate soil and surface materials regularly.
Mitigation measures should be designed and implemented, as need be, based on site-specific conditions.
Due to the complexity and variability of geohazards, WSB’s Energy Sciences team recommends comprehensive geohazard risk assessments be performed for energy pipelines on five-year schedules. Our team of scientists and risk assessment specialists can help you identify, mitigate, and manage geohazard risks through services tailored to meet regulatory requirements and individual risk profiles.
WSB was recently named a 2022 Hot Firm by the Zweig Group for the ninth consecutive year. The list honors the fastest growing firms in the AEC industry in the U.S. and Canada. Firms are ranked based on three-year growth in revenue, by both percentage and growth. WSB ranks #42 on this year’s list, climbing 16 spots from 2021.
Hot Firm #42
The Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry. The Zweig Group’s awards programs recognize and celebrate top AEC industry firms in several categories. Winners will be recognized at the 2021 Elevate AEC Conference in November.
Nam will expand the use of artificial intelligence within the traffic analysis industry for the firm.
Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Do Nam has been promoted to director of traffic modeling and technology. As director, Nam will lead and grow the new traffic modeling team by providing services to government clients. Nam joined WSB in 2018, and in his time with the firm has driven the use of artificial intelligence for traffic analysis.
“WSB is on the cutting edge when it comes to developing traffic models that simulate the flow of traffic under different staging scenarios,” said Nam. “These models are being used to determine if there are improvements that need to be made on any surrounding routes to allow for better operations throughout construction. I am excited to continue to work alongside an amazing team in my new role, bringing value to our clients and partners, and helping ensure WSB continues to lead and innovate in our industry.”
In his new role, Nam will focus on expanding the possibilities of artificial intelligence within the industry of traffic analysis. He will oversee his team and help direct and enhance client technological experiences.
“Do is extremely gifted at modeling traffic patterns. He has successfully managed over 30 major transportation and research projects, utilizing traditional macroscopic travel demand forecasting modeling, and state-of-the-art microscopic traffic simulation modeling techniques,” said Travis Wieber, WSB’s vice president of transportation. “Beyond his technical skills and ability, he is a true leader. This promotion is well-deserved.”
WSB’s transportation division supports clients in the government, energy and commercial markets to shape the infrastructure in our communities. WSB’s transportation services include bridge and structure design, intelligent transportation systems, traffic engineering, transportation planning, roadway design, right-of-way services and transit planning.
In new role, Sandy will help expand WSB municipal services in Central Minnesota
Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Paul Sandy will be the new Senior Project Manager in WSB’s Baxter, Minnesota office. The former City Engineer and Public Works Director for the City of Brainerd, Sandy will help expand WSB services in the Central Minnesota market and deliver technically excellent projects for municipal clients.
“With most of my career spent in the public sector, I am excited to bring my skills and experience to WSB. I believe in connecting communities to projects that positively impact the people who live there and the places we call home. I am looking forward to serving clients in my new role and to supporting projects that grow and benefit Central Minnesota,” said Sandy.
Sandy will well-known amongst City Engineers throughout the state, having been elected the 2022 President of the City Engineer’s Association of Minnesota (CEAM).
“A big part of what we do at WSB is partner with our clients to create, grow and manage the spaces and places that support communities and residents. Paul understands the importance of advancing projects that are not only technically excellent, but that also connect with the community and its needs. We are excited for Paul to join WSB in Baxter! I know he will bring his meaningful experience and skillset learned in the public sector to help grow our services and offerings in Greater Minnesota in a way that benefits clients, communities and our state,” said Monica Heil, Vice President of Municipal Services at WSB.
Sandy joins WSB’s municipal division where he will focus heavily on supporting the firm’s government clients. WSB’s municipal team works with cities, counties and agencies with their varying infrastructure needs including city engineering, water, community development, landscape architecture and public engagement.
In his new role, Spencer will help lead and grow the EIR team, providing services to government, energy, and private clients throughout WSB’s footprint.
Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Ryan Spencer has been promoted to director of environmental investigation and remediation (EIR). In his new role, Spencer will help lead and grow the EIR team, providing services to government, energy, and private clients throughout WSB’s footprint. He has more than 14 years of industry experience, including nearly a decade at WSB.
“At WSB, our directors are not only technical experts in their field, but they also bring meaningful leadership to our business development work. Ryan Spencer has been an outstanding resource for our internal and external staff related to brownfield clean up and securing critical grants to fund these projects,” said Andi Moffatt, vice president of environmental services at WSB. “This is a well-deserved promotion, and we know he will continue to provide unparalleled service to clients and guide creative solutions to contamination issues.”
Ryan has led numerous successful environmental due diligence/remediation projects at WSB for government and private sector clients. He is also an active member of Minnesota Brownfields where he serves on their Program Committee.
“I am passionate about investigation and remediation efforts that enhance our communities and protect our environment. I am excited to bring that passion to my new role at WSB and continue to serve clients and guide our EIR team,” noted Spencer.
WSB’s EIR services include brownfield and greenfield project development for commercial, industrial, and residential use, phase I and phase II environmental site assessments, grant funding application assistance, and more. You can learn more about WSB’s EIR services at wsbeng.com/expertise/environment/investigation-remediation.
With more and more businesses setting comprehensive sustainability goals that include net-zero carbon emissions, many are unsure what is the best way to achieve those goals or what renewable energy investment will be most effective. Sustainability investment should be data driven and can be done in a way that both protects the environment and a business’ bottom line.
WSB and iD8 have partnered to create a new one-of-a-kind analysis – Renewable Energy Match – that provides clients with a full understanding of renewable energy options, and comprehensive data analysis to drive financial-based decision-making. It goes beyond traditional energy evaluation by combining economic data with place-based environmental information.
Explore clean energy options that meet your needs.
Many companies exploring clean energy solutions often first look to solar and wind energy. Those are excellent renewable energy sources, but there is also untapped potential in sources like hydrogen, geothermal energy, and renewable natural gas.
Every organization has different needs when it comes to renewable energy, so a plan that is customized to individual needs, takes into account location, and is driven by thorough research and data is critical.
How Renewable Energy Match works.
Most companies base their renewable energy decisions off financial feasibility. WSB has taken that concept further and developed a 4-phase approach to determine which renewable energy option is best for each specific client. The process includes:
First-order feasibility study This first step provides a high-level geospatial analysis of the area the client is operating within to determine what resources are available for renewable energy production. It includes iD8 financial assessments for each energy form and an overall optimization for each energy. A risk assessment of external factors that could influence the performance of energy sources is also part of this phase.
Strategic Planning This stage provides a deeper exploration of local energy resources that are available, as well as their acquisition costs, parcel ownership, local energy grids, climate analysis, and more.
Final Design & Regulatory Planning Once the strategic plan is complete, infrastructure planning and design, environmental and resource assessments, and land permitting can begin.
Energy implementation The final phase is to begin energy production and implementation at the selected facility.
Who can benefit from Renewable Energy Match?
There are many types of businesses and organizations that can benefit from Renewable Energy Match including companies with net-zero goals, businesses with multiple facilities or campuses, universities, utilities, and companies looked to expand their energy renewable energy portfolios..
This one-of-a-kind analysis allows clients to strategically explore the costs, sources, and options around renewable energy on a digital platform, and advance investments that will best meet the needs of a client from both an economic and sustainability perspective.
Want to learn more about Renewable Energy Match? Check out our website to explore more, contact a WSB expert, or schedule a demo.
Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today two key director promotions within their Oil & Gas services. Jayson Honer was promoted to director of field services and Nate Osterberg was promoted to director of strategic growth – oil & gas. WSB’s Oil & Gas team provides comprehensive, in-house services for clients that ensure compliance to design standards, procedures, and regulations for safe construction, rehabilitation, and replacement of pipelines.
Jayson Honer Director of Field Services
Nate Osterberg Director of Strategic Growth – Oil & Gas
“We are very excited to promote two talented employees within WSB’s Oil & Gas service area to director. Both Jayson Honer and Nate Osterberg are outstanding leaders and team members who will help provide instrumental leadership, direction, and growth for WSB while ensuring unmatched service for our clients,” said John Gerlach, vice president of oil & gas.
As director of field services, Honer will plan, direct, and oversee the operations of oil and gas field services across all regions of WSB. He will coordinate the ongoing management of operation, direction, and coordination of services while driving strategic field service initiatives, process improvement, and client relationship management.
“Ensuring top client service – from pipeline engineering and design to environmental compliance – is important for our clients, and that means efficient, thorough processes and management of our teams,” said Honer. “I look forward to serving in my new role at WSB, continuing to grow our world-class oil and gas services.”
As director of strategic growth – oil & gas, Osterberg will help launch new partnership opportunities that will drive expansion and engagement and grow partner-driven revenue. This role requires a deep understanding of the industry landscape, sound business judgment, and leadership to develop and grow in start-up regions.
“WSB’s oil and gas business is growing and expanding, and I look forward to working collaboratively to further expand opportunities for our business and industry as a whole,” said Osterberg. “Our industry is constantly evolving and changing, so thinking strategically about future trends, partnership opportunities, and how to support WSB’s staff in start-up regions is vital to the success of our industry and ensuring we are continuing to provide top service to our clients.” Learn more about WSB’s oil & gas services here.
By Amy Fredregill, Sr Director of Sustainability, WSB
When people hear the term sustainability, they often think of the environment, but it is much more than that. Through using a sustainability lens, we have the unique opportunity to support long-term viability in the communities we serve. Creating sustainable communities will simultaneously advance economic, social & environmental outcomes to meet the needs of current and future generations.
Benefits of Sustainable Initiatives
Community and business needs constantly evolve and often involve complex infrastructure challenges. Recently, an increasing number of communities are developing or updating their sustainable goals. It’s clear why these goals are necessary to combat climate change, reduce emissions, improve water quality and habitat; these goals and initiatives also have a wide range of benefits aside from the environment.
The benefits of exploring sustainability services include cost and risk reduction, providing new services, enhancing regional competitiveness, and furthering economic development. Even social issues can be addressed through sustainability. For example, setting procurement guidelines with a minimum standard for purchasing goods and services locally and from businesses owned by women and people of color, or improving accessibility through enhanced public transit. Most importantly, sustainability is scalable and can range from LED streetlights to EV charging stations to a full climate action plan.
There Is No Silver Bullet
At WSB, we understand the impact that sustainable solutions can have on communities, and we try to maximize that impact in every way possible. We see our work as more than creating sustainable communities, we aim to enrich the local fabric of a community.
WSB has years of experience in delivering sustainable solutions and long-term viability plans including water reuse, stormwater and flood management, municipal resiliency, comprehensive planning, native landscaping, and renewable energy. What works for one community may not work in another. We work with communities to develop and execute sustainable solutions when they make sense.
Amy has nearly 25 years of experience across many industries, particularly energy and agriculture, in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. This experience has provided Amy with a broad background that enables her to meet community and business needs based on the business case for sustainability. By working across interesting systems to simultaneously advance environmental, economic and social goals, she is able to uncover creative solutions. Through her relationship-based approach, Amy meets the unique needs of communities and businesses by working with all areas of the firm to provide comprehensive solutions.
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced Bret Weiss as a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 Heartland Award earlier this week. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program recognizes the most accomplished business leaders who are building and sustaining successful enterprises worldwide.
The Heartland program celebrates entrepreneurs from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Applicants must be a CEO or president of a competitive company that has demonstrated long-term value and strong growth rates. Finalists are selected by a panel of independent judges and evaluated based on a variety of criteria including their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, company growth and impact.
Regional award winners will be announced on June 9, 2022, at The Fillmore Minneapolis. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards.
Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business awards program. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth.
For over 35 years, EY US has celebrated the unstoppable entrepreneurs who are building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized more than 10,000 US executives since its inception in 1986.
