WSB receives Honor Awards from American Council of Engineering-Minnesota (ACEC/MN)

On Friday, February 26, the American Council of Engineering-Minnesota (ACEC/MN) presented WSB with two Honor Awards for the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Water Treatment Plant in St. Paul Park and Highways 169/41/78 Interchange Improvement Project at the virtual Excellence in Engineering Awards.

For over fifty years, the association has been recognizing outstanding engineering projects through their awards program.  Minnesota engineering firms across the state enter their most innovative projects and studies hoping to be recognized for the work they’ve done to make the state stronger.

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Water Treatment Plant
ACEC Honor Award

The Granular Activated Carbon Water Treatment Plant was constructed to provide residents a sustainable solution for bringing cleaner drinking water to the St. Paul Park community. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of manmade chemicals that do not naturally decompose due to their heat and water-resistant structure. Studies have found that consuming drinking water with elevated levels of PFAS can be associated with high cholesterol, reduced immune response, thyroid disease and kidney cancer. In response to this pervasive health threat, WSB partnered with the city to design the water treatment plant to remove PFAS from public drinking water and the surrounding environment. The implementation of the plant is anticipated to improve water quality and reduce the impact of harmful contaminants on community residents.

Highways 169/41/78 Interchange Improvement Project
ACEC Honor Award

Scott County partnered with WSB to address freight, mobility, and safety problems on TH 169 between TH 41/CSAH 78 and CSAH 14, south of Shakopee. WSB completed preliminary and final design, environmental documentation, public engagement, permitting, and construction staging. The project included: replacing a signalized intersection at TH 41/CSAH 78 with a diverging diamond interchange; constructing a partial interchange at CSAH 14; addressing flooding at Picha Creek; improving an at-grade railroad crossing; geometric improvements at adjacent intersections on TH 41, CSAH 78, CSAH 14 and Red Rock Drive; closing 30 access points; constructing trails and noise barriers; and constructing 3.2 miles of frontage roads, 1.3 miles of CSAH facilities, and one mile of local routes; and reconstructing four miles of trunk highway.

WSB hires Amy Fredregill to lead the firm’s sustainability efforts

The new position will focus on renewable energy and firm-wide resiliency initiatives.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Amy Fredregill has joined the organization as their senior director of sustainability. Fredregill joins the firm’s Golden Valley office where she will lead WSB’s renewables and resiliency strategy.

Fredregill was most recently the managing director of the Sustainable Growth Coalition at the Environmental Initiative, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit. Throughout her career Fredregill has supported the Minnesota Association of Cooperatives, Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System Inc. and Xcel Energy.

“Amy brings a wealth of knowledge to this position with both her public and private sector experience,” said Andi Moffatt, vice president of environmental services at WSB. “Many of our clients and their communities are prioritizing resiliency and we will continue to see a demand for sustainable approaches and initiatives in the future.”

This new role will strengthen and expand the firm’s sustainability services and solutions. For years, WSB has been delivering sustainable solutions, such as stormwater and flood management, water reuse, municipal resiliency planning, materials, smart cities and renewable energy. Fredregill will help form the foundation for WSB’s sustainability strategy across markets and divisions.

“WSB’s clients face complex infrastructure challenges and we must find innovative and sustainable solutions to service our client’s needs now and into the future,” said Fredregill. “I’m thrilled to join a fast-growing firm that is committed to resiliency and innovation.”

Sustainability is a long-term goal for WSB as communities throughout the nation continue to prioritize resiliency. As part of WSB’s environmental team, Fredregill will work with many service areas and support the team in terms of knowledge, expertise, business development and execution of the firm’s sustainability strategy.

Construction projects: 5 ways a Constructability Review improves success

By Paul Kyle, Project Engineer, WSB

Construction projects are complicated and include many moving parts. One way to help assure a project’s success, is to engage in a constructability review early in the design phase of a project to make sure all those moving parts are working together as efficiently as possible. These reviews give a second set of eyes to examine your project’s plans and specifications to address areas of risk, identify areas for cost savings, and reduce claims during construction with minimal additional cost or turnaround time. Having an experienced professional provide independent review and suggestions from the viewpoint of a contractor bidding on the project can result in more bidders, better and more competitive pricing, as well as a high-quality and less risky bidding and construction experience.

However, constructability reviews can often become superficial and ineffective due to a lack of understanding of the process, improper implementation, and limited resources. By better understanding the process, the odds of success increase. Below is a list of 5 ways a constructability review can impact a project.

Knowledge of Construction Means and Methods

Effective constructability reviews begin with an in-depth evaluation using knowledge of standard construction methods, materials, and techniques so a project can be analyzed from a construction or field standpoint. Reviewing a project from this perspective evaluates things like the equipment needed to complete the work, environmental or spatial constraints, and installation procedures for the materials being used. Considering these items results in fewer issues during construction and fewer changes in scope.

Understanding of Contract Documents, Specifications, and Special Provisions

Providing a constructable project with transparent and well-defined expectations in the plans and specifications increases the likelihood of more potential bidders on the contract. Clarity in these project documents and specifications supports a clear approach to the project allowing contractors to provide more competitive and accurate bids.

Discipline-Specific Expertise and Resources

Discipline-specific knowledge and resources eliminate the potential for missed or overlooked details resulting in delays or open-ended contract requirements. Expert understanding of specific materials, practices, and specifications leads to an efficiently planned construction project that will stand the test of time.

Understanding of Contractor Scheduling and Bid Methods

Understanding contractor production rates and bid methods reduces the risk of project delays, missed completion dates, and uncertainty in bidding. Knowing how to accurately predict the contractor’s approach, sequencing of work, and bid methods will result in reduction of claims, change orders, and non-competitive or high bidding. Thus, increasing the overall likelihood of an on-time and on-budget completion of the project.

Delivering Intended Project Scope

The goals and purpose of a project often have significant influence over the design process but can sometimes be lost in the transition between design and construction. Incorporating construction specific personnel into the design process ensures the project’s original objectives are integrated into the plans and maintained during construction.

Paul has nine years of experience in construction services and is MnDOT certified in several disciplines. His expertise includes project management, quality engineer, project design, construction inspection, contract administration, record documentation, and materials testing. Paul’s experience as a contract administrator and quality assurance make him a valuable asset to any project.

[email protected] | 612.360.1310

WSB launches second Opportunity+ cohort

The targeted workforce training and development program aims to diversify AEC industry.

Design and consulting firm WSB today announced that the company has launched its second Opportunity+ cohort. Opportunity+ is the firm’s workforce training and development program designed to prepare participants for long-term careers in the civil engineering industry. The program, first launched in January 2020, is a free and fast-paced training course led by experts at WSB.

“We have a responsibility as leaders in the AEC industry to build diversity and opportunities for all people interested in civil engineering,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and CEO. “I am thrilled to kick-off our next cohort and introduce our participants to the world of construction materials testing and surveying.”

From January through April, eight program participants will receive accelerated training through evening and weekend sessions. The flexible schedule allows participants to continue working during the day while completing the hands-on program. Upon completion of the program, Opportunity+ participants will be trained in surveying and construction materials testing – two high-demand positions in civil engineering.

“Even though my dream was to pursue a career in an engineering-related field, I never had the opportunity after finishing my GED,” said Salvador Santibañez Sánchez, a member of this year’s Opportunity+ cohort. “I’m ready for a career change and I see this training as a great opportunity to put me on the right path of what I believe is my true calling, where I can use my skills and learn new ones.”

Nine cohort members completed the first Opportunity+ training class and received their certificates. WSB hired two program participants from the first Opportunity+ cohort. Through hiring partners and WSB’s own hiring practices, the intent is to place every cohort participant interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering following completion of the program.

“I’m looking forward to launching our second cohort not only to help provide access to rewarding careers in the industry, but also to continue our efforts to build a more diverse workforce,” said Laura Rescorla, WSB engineer and program manager of Opportunity+. “It’s been a rewarding experience and we have another impressive cohort eager to explore new possibilities that may not have been accessible to them in the past.”

Program partners include Emerge Community Development, Eastside Employment xChange, City of Minneapolis, City of Saint Paul, Hennepin County and Ramsey County.

WSB hires Melvin Harris to grow construction services in Houston area

Harris will lead the firm’s construction efforts in Texas.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Melvin Harris is joining the organization as their director of construction engineering and inspection. Harris joins the firm’s Houston office where he will lead WSB’s efforts to build a strong construction inspection team in Texas.

“Melvin is technically solid and a significant strategic hire for our firm,” said Jay Kennedy, WSB’s vice president of Texas operations. “His experience working with the Texas Department of Transportation, his construction management knowledge and bridge inspection and management skills will set a foundation for growth and will allow us to expand our services to clients in the Houston area and beyond.”

Harris joins WSB with nearly ten years of experience working on high-profile construction projects in Texas. Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to work with the Texas Department of Transportation on large-scale infrastructure projects including the Grand Parkway Project and the US 290 Corridor Project.

Most recently Melvin held the position of Director of Construction Service Operations for Aguirre and Fields. During his tenure, he grew the team from 30 to 50+ members, standardized several inspection processes and implemented a safety program.

“I’m excited to join a firm with so much momentum and opportunity behind them,” said Harris. “My goal is to build a technically solid team that focuses on elevating the services we provide for our clients. The opportunities are endless and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for WSB’s construction services in Texas.”

As part of WSB’s construction team, Harris will support WSB’s clients in the heavy civil construction market. He will focus on the firm’s operations while working to strategically support growth. As a consulting engineering firm, WSB provides transportation planning and design, water/wastewater utility work and community planning services throughout the state of Texas.

25 stories for 25 years | Adam Gadbois

On October 5, 2020, WSB will celebrate our 25th year in business. Since 1995, we’ve added new service areas, expanded our reach and served our communities.  Throughout our tenure, our dedicated staff has been a constant.

In honor of our 25th year, we’ll be highlighting 25 stories of the people behind the projects.

Story 10 of 25

Adam Gadbois, Project Engineer | Joined WSB in 2013

What do you think is special about celebrating 25 years as a company? 
25 years is an important milestone for a company.  It’s an entire quarter of a century, but at the same time, it’s only a quarter of a century.  It seems like a long time and it is in a sense, when you look at how WSB has grown from five employees to now over 500.  But I like to compare it to a person turning 25. At 25, you’ve accomplished a lot from graduating high school, moving out of your childhood home, training for your career, starting a family and buying a home. But you’re still only 25, and there’s so much more to be done. When you look at how young WSB is, it’s invigorating and motivating.  WSB will continue to advance and grow in services, personnel and culture. Our staff have an opportunity to shape that growth as the years continue to pass.

In what ways have you been able to grow professionally at WSB?
I’ve received every opportunity to grow professionally at WSB.  Since the day I was hired as a construction inspector to my role now as a project engineer in the Municipal group, I’ve played a variety of roles that have advanced my construction, engineering, and management skills.  I’ve inspected for CenterPoint Energy for municipalities on roadways and new developments, I’ve assisted our Structures group, I’ve worked in MnDOT’s estimation department, I’ve helped draft plans and specifications in the Municipal group, I’ve joined professional organizations and attended technical trainings, I’ve led neighborhood meetings and presented at council meetings, and now I’m managing municipal projects and collaborating with many WSB staff across multiple groups.  I know this varied experience is also not unique to me. I’ll talk to colleagues and be shocked at the cool and unique work they are doing.  You grow by having varied experiences and not just performing monotonous tasks. WSB provides that opportunity for growth. 

What is one thing you want to tell the future leaders of WSB?   
Future leaders should know that our people, our staff, are the most important asset at WSB.  When they are encouraged to work on interesting projects they excel at their jobs, impress our clients and generate more work for the firm.  I know our current leaders know this to be true, so as long as our future leaders are paying attention, I know WSB’s leadership and talent pool will be strong going forward.

Six WSB staff members pass Professional Engineer exam

WSB is pleased to congratulate six team members who recently passed their Professional Engineer exam in Minnesota. The Principles and Practice of Engineering exam is an examination required to become a Professional Engineer in the United States. To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, have at least four years of relevant work experience and pass two intensive competency exams.

According to the Society of Women Engineers, only 13 percent of engineers in the workforce today are women. We are proud to announce that five of WSB’s newest Professional Engineers are women.

Congratulations!

Kendra Fallon, PE

Kendra Fallon is part of WSB’s water resources team where she assists in the design, implementation and review of stormwater systems. She joined WSB nearly three years ago and has a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Civil Engineering with a focus on Environmental Engineering.

Mallori Fitzpatrick, PE

Mallori Fitzpatrick joined WSB’s transportation team nearly six year ago.  In her role, she focuses on traffic impact studies, analyzes crash data, forecasts traffic volumes, as well as signing, striping, and lighting design plans. She also writes Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) reports and model traffic simulations.

Sheue Torng Lee, PE

Sheue Torng Lee is part of WSB’s pavement management team where she focuses on pavement design, forensics and management and cost-estimating. She has been with WSB for nearly four years.

Kelsey Peterson, PE

Kelsey has been with WSB since 2015.  She works closely with MnDOT to deliver Alternative Delivery projects while also being actively involved in the design and construction of design-bid-build projects with various local clients.  She is most recently the 4D/5D project design lead at WSB.

Laura Rescorla, PE

Laura Rescorla is part of WSB’s water resources team where she designs storm water systems and protects natural resources. In addition to her work as a civil engineer, Laura also leads WSB’s technical career pathway program called Opportunity+.

Philip Schanilec, PE

Philip has been part of WSB’s construction services team for four years.  He specializes in bridge construction, most recently assisting on the 35W River Bridge Replacement project in Burnsville, MN. He has assisted on several large-scale projects throughout the state including the TH 75 project in Moorhead and the Steele County Bridges Design Build project.

WSB raises over $100,000 for local community charities

The consulting firm’s WSB Gives program has raised nearly $500,000 since 2012.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they have raised $104,895 for local charities as part of their annual WSB Gives program, surpassing last year’s donation by over $25,000.

The WSB Gives program supports local community organizations throughout the firm’s office locations in Minnesota, North Dakota, Texas and Colorado.  The donations benefit several organizations including Second Harvest Heartland, Channel One Food Bank, Friends in Need Food Shelf, 360 Communities, Catholic Charities, Houston Food Bank, Operation Sandwich, Food Bank of the Rockies, , Austin Food Bank, Every Meal and more.

“Supporting those in need throughout the communities we serve is more important now than ever,” said WSB’s president and CEO Bret Weiss. “Everyone has a little more against them right now and despite it all, we rallied and raised a record high. I am so proud of our staff’s commitment to charitable giving and am truly humbled by their generosity.”

WSB Gives is part of WSB’s overall charitable giving program called WSB Cares. This year, WSB staff contributed to WSB Gives through volunteering, cash donations, nonperishable food and clothing donations, a virtual auction and a raffle.

Since 2012, WSB has partnered with the Engineering CEOs of Minnesota to compete against one another in the annual food drive. This event is an opportunity for the industry to focus their competitive spirts on raising money for those in need. Collectively, the group has raised over $272,000 this year and nearly $2 million since 2012 for over 40 charities and food shelves.

Bret Weiss, WSB president & CEO, 2020 recipient of ACEC MN’s President’s Award

Bret Weiss, WSB’s President and CEO, was presented the 2020 President’s Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies – Minnesota Chapter (ACEC MN). 

Weiss’ involvement in ACEC MN extends beyond their annual membership program. His extensive background in engineering and leadership in the Minnesota business community has created many opportunities for a strong partnership to be forged. Weiss is committed to the advancement of infrastructure to support our communities and it’s through a commitment to strong partnerships and collaboration that this work is possible. 

The President’s Award recognizes an individual annually who has made a significant contribution to ACEC MN’s organization.

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