From the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico: Solving Water Issues

September 19, 2024
By Karla Lopez, Senior Graduate Engineer, WSB

Creating Sustainable solutions for diverse environmental conditions.

From daily life to supply chains and beyond, water plays a key role in our world, especially in Texas. In the Lone Star State scarcity like droughts is a common issue in some areas, and more regular rainfall is quite common in others. Comparatively, states like Minnesota far more regularly experience flooding from heavy rains or snowfall which require different ideas and solutions for water management.

Water Allocation and Project Resiliency

Water resource management is critical for every city, especially in arid climates like Texas. Ensuring infrastructure can withstand inclement weather while following natural drainage paths is key. As engineers, we strive to design and implement drainage systems to collect and convey stormwater runoff to minimize the likelihood and impact of floods on communities, infrastructure and properties. Initial project planning includes improvising and adjusting the land around the site while attempting to mimic the existing natural drainage pattern using storm drains and other techniques However, a lack of proper infrastructure can inhibit proper drainage systems.

When infrastructure development begins it requires copious amounts of planning. First, surveying is required to ensure the infrastructure is not being built in a floodplain zone. Maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies are used to model existing water levels as a metric for the new project to prevent an increase in flooding. One of the primary goals in using these maps is to ensure that the project does not increase the previous amounts of water discharge. Caution must be taken to prevent increases in water quantities at any construction site. Additionally, in areas like Texas, the infrastructure needs to withstand natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and coastal flooding.

Improving Water Quality

Infrastructure is only one facet of the issues different communities face. Water purification is a key component of water management, especially when dealing with dirty water. Before collected water is discharged into a river or lake, it goes through different cleaning processes, like filtration ponds, rain gardens and more. Some communities may have proper drainage systems but may not have up-to-date purification systems. This can lead to disparities in the quality of water between different communities.

Differing Climates from State to State

In making state to state comparisons, projects in Texas and Minnesota must work with regulations in both states. Texas is under near-constant threat of a lengthy dry season due to the heat and rare rains. Texas relies heavily on groundwater resources, but due to water scarcity and drought problems the state is facing, the groundwater is depleting. Thus, the regulations in Texas are not as strict as Minnesota’s rules, but that is a double-edged sword. Less regulations can lead to more pollution of water or greater deterioration while more regulation in Minnesota requires far more planning and permitting which slows down projects.

Minnesota, meanwhile, manages the threat of flooding, requiring a thoughtful approach to drainage. There is heavy reliance on watershed assessments which are taken incredibly seriously, especially with the massive number of lakes in the state. Exceptional care is taken to prevent the Land of 10,000 Lakes from becoming polluted due to old or malfunctioning infrastructure.

Tackling Water Issues from Rains to Droughts

Engineering and water management is both an art and a science that requires a careful approach to account for a variety of factors. This is true whether a project is being built to withstand a hurricane or ensuring a project does not cause heavy snowfall to flood neighboring homes. The United States makes up a wide variety of climates with an equally wide variety of potential water related issues that need to be navigated. Like with the varying communities in Texas, all construction projects need to be treated with care whether facing droughts or heavy rains or somewhere else in between.

Karla brings a wealth of experience in environmental engineering and climate resilience to her role as a Senior Graduate Engineer at WSB. Prior to joining the team, she was a research fellow at the NOAA Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Technologies (CESSRST) and an intern at Duke Energy focusing on environmental compliance. Her work has consistently centered around supporting community resilience, particularly for underserved communities, through advanced hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality modeling. Karla’s unique approach combines social sciences with engineering to enhance the quality of life in local communities, reflecting her deep commitment to integrating technical expertise with community needs.

From Coast to Plains: WSB’s Commitment to North Dakota’s Future

September 12, 2024
By Anthony Sommerfeld, PE, Project Manager, WSB

In a nation as vast as ours, understanding and addressing the unique needs of every community is a formidable challenge. In North Dakota we face challenges with aging infrastructure and managing urban growth while preserving our rural landscape. It requires a blend of broad national experience with a deep, personal appreciation of local nuances. As WSB invests in our municipal service offerings in North Dakota, we bring with us a commitment that is twofold – leveraging our national knowledge to empower local communities, while rooting our efforts deeply in the local culture and needs.

Embracing our Local Roots

We understand that the heart of North Dakota isn’t just found in its expansive plains or the rugged badlands, but in the spirit of the people who call it home. As we continue to grow our presence in Fargo and Bismarck, our goal is to intertwine WSB’s comprehensive expertise with North Dakota’s local ethos. Our investment is not just about growing our firm, but about nurturing the communities we serve with tailored solutions that respect their heritage and ambitions.

A Personal Connection with Professional Depth

Choosing WSB means opting for a partner who not only offers a wide array of services but understands why each project matters on a personal level. Our decision to deepen our roots in North Dakota stems from a recognition of the state’s burgeoning potential and the unique challenges faced by its communities. Our engineers and professionals, many of whom hail from the region, bring with them not just technical expertise, but a personal investment in the community’s growth and well-being.

Understanding and Integrating into North Dakota’s Social Fabric

WSB’s approach is heavily anchored in the understanding that local insights lead to more sustainable and accepted solutions. Our team members, many of whom grew up in the very communities they now serve, bring a nuanced understanding of what it means to live and work in North Dakota. This intrinsic knowledge guides our projects, ensuring they not only address infrastructural needs but also enhance the community’s way of life.

The WSB Advantage

With WSB, communities across North Dakota can access a spectrum of services tailored to their unique environmental, economic, and social landscapes. From infrastructure engineering to environmental consulting, our offerings are designed to advance local priorities with national-level expertise. Now is an opportune time for local leaders to explore what a partnership with WSB could mean for their community’s future.

As we invest in North Dakota, our commitment is clear: to deliver not just projects, but progress. To not just work in North Dakota, but to work with North Dakota, understanding its heart, and enhancing its communities with every project we undertake.

Connect with Us at the North Dakota League of Cities Conference

We’re thrilled to announce that WSB will be participating in the upcoming North Dakota League of Cities Conference. Come find us at booth #44, where we’re eager to engage with you. I’m looking forward to exploring the unique challenges your community faces and discussing how we can tailor our support to meet your future needs.

Anthony Sommerfeld is a Professional Engineer specializing in municipal engineering, with over a decade of experience in design and construction. Throughout his career, Anthony has played a pivotal role in master planning and leading design teams for both new developments and reconstruction projects. His approach to each project combines innovation with goal-oriented perspective, and consistently seeking effective solutions. Anthony’s dedication and skill in managing complex projects have made him a valuable leader in the engineering community.

Funding for Water Service Line Replacement

September 16, 2024
By Justin Babcock, Water Service Line Program Leader, WSB

Introduction to Funding Opportunities

The Minnesota Department of Health has recently updated its guidelines on securing funding for replacing lead and galvanized water service lines. This initiative follows the comprehensive inventory phase and is a critical step towards ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water across the state. The available funds, as outlined by the Minnesota Drinking Water Revolving Fund, demonstrates a commitment to public health and infrastructure resilience.

Available Funding and Eligibility

The initiative offers a robust financial support structure. It includes a 100% grant for replacing privately owned portions of lead or galvanized water service lines. Additionally, it provides grants and a 0% interest rate loan for addressing the publicly owned segments. Remarkably, public water systems that are granted loans will receive further grants to repay these loans upon project completion.
Eligibility for this funding extends to a variety of water systems including:

Publicly owned municipal systems
Regional Water Systems
Privately owned systems in condominiums and manufactured home parks
Nonprofit, noncommunity systems such as schools, daycare centers, churches, and retreat centers

Project Eligibility and Prioritization

Priority is given to projects that enhance public health, ensure an adequate water supply, and assist financially needy communities. Eligible projects include those undertaken alongside watermain replacements or as stand-alone lead service line replacements.

Application Process

The process for cities to secure funding is methodical and includes several key steps:

Project Listing: Place the project on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Project Priority List.
Intended Use Planning: Ensure the project is on the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority’s Intended Use Plan.
Funding Application: Apply for funding from the Minnesota Drinking Water Revolving Fund.
It’s important for cities to adhere to the deadlines for these steps to ensure their projects are considered for funding.

Staying Informed

The Minnesota Department of Health proactively sends notifications about the funding process to relevant municipal officials. This ensures that all potential beneficiaries are well-informed and can prepare their applications in a timely manner.

Partner with WSB for Expert Support

At WSB, we understand the complexities involved in navigating these funding processes. Our team of specialized grant writers and consultant engineers is equipped to guide communities through every step of the funding journey—from advancing projects on the priority list to coordinating compliance with fund requirements during and after construction.

Our experience ensures that your projects not only gain the necessary funding but are also executed efficiently and successfully. Partnering with WSB means ensuring that your community’s water service lines are safe and sustainable, thus protecting public health and securing a resilient infrastructure.

Justin is a municipal graduate engineer that leads our MN lead service water line program at WSB and has presented at local seminars on the topic. His experience includes field engineering, estimating, material testing, and roadway design.

[email protected] | 262.853.8276

Sustainable Road Design with Federal Funding

September 16, 2024
By Derek Schmidt, Sr Project Manager, WSB

Once in a lifetime federal funding is providing once in a lifetime opportunities for sustainable road design projects across the country. With passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), now is the time for counties, cities and transportation agencies to redesign and redevelop deteriorating roads and bridges to meet sustainability goals. The IIJA is providing $550 billion in new infrastructure investment through 2026 and another $5 billion from the IRA.

However, in order to capitalize on these historic investments, new infrastructure projects need to be designed and constructed with environmental sustainability top of mind. For example, new projects need to ensure they meet standards that may have not existed when the original road or bridge was built like accommodating animal habitats or minimizing pollutants from transportation.

With that in mind, here are some ways counties, cities and transportation agencies can make their roads and bridges projects more sustainable and take advantage of increased federal funding.

Project Sustainability Scoring

To ensure a project qualifies for federal funding, it must be scored. Stronger scores give a project a greater chance at receiving funding.

The available grants also have strict requirements that must be adhered to. For instance, the IRA is providing $3.2 billion for projects that improve walkability, so transit improvements like bike lanes and pedestrian paths have a greater opportunity to secure funding that align with those funding goals. Other ways to achieve stronger scores include using locally available building materials to cut down transportation distances which lowers costs and limits vehicle pollution.

Decreasing Costs and Environmental Impacts

Not only is accounting for environmental impacts a way to improve the odds of securing federal grant fundings, but also a way to decrease overall costs. For example, projects can achieve greater sustainability by reducing transportation distances, using local landfills for waste and using locally available materials like sand. Reducing distances and trips not only cuts down costs but lowers vehicle pollution and a project’s footprint.

Rethinking sustainable road design can also create more environmentally friendly options that better meet community needs. The curb to curb spacing in older, rural roadways, for example, tend to be unnecessarily long. A redeveloped road with a space of 80 feet from curb to curb can be cut down to only 40 feet with the inclusion of expanded green space. This will reduce the overall pavement area, create a road that better fits the demands of the community and increase the overall green space. Ensuring roadways are designed and built to meet traffic needs and improve sustainability features cut down pavement costs and improve a project’s sustainability.

How WSB Can Help

WSB’s team of experts can help your community or agency navigate the influx of federal funding and help secure funding for your sustainable transportation project. With the use of new technology like multidimensional modeling and design, communities and transportation agencies have all the data they need at their fingertips. WSB helps communities and transportation agencies find the best possible design, leverage federal funding opportunities, improve traffic flow, increase the wellbeing of residents and protect the environment one roadway at a time.

Derek is a senior project manager with experience on numerous high profile projects including interstate, trunk highway and major county projects. Derek has the knowledge and background to carry any project from beginning to end and is very experienced in leading large teams.

[email protected] | 612.518.1643

Funding for Transportation Projects – Lessons Learned

September 16, 2024
By Mary Gute, Sr Transportation Planner, WSB

It’s been almost 3 years since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), aka Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) was passed by President Biden in November 2021. The law authorized $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending between 2022 – 2026.

Since 2021, there have been multiple solicitations for federal programs delivering transportation infrastructure funding. Several things have become apparent to those who’ve applied or considered applying for these funds, including:

Extensive competition for funds. Many times more dollars are requested than are available and only a small fraction of applications are funded.
Completing applications is complicated, time intensive, and requires specialized skill sets (e.g., ability to complete benefit/cost analyses that comply with federal guidance). Time intensive for staff or a consultant to do the work.
Timelines to develop applications are tight; usually just 30-90 days after notifications of funding opportunities are released.

Given this reality, it is important to go into pursuit of IIJA funds with eyes wide open. Below are some ideas for venturing into IIJA funding or if you’re planning to re-submit a previously unsuccessful application.

Does your project align with program goals? In addition to criteria related to state of good repair and safety, these transportation funding programs include criteria related equity and environmental justice; climate change, resilience, and the environment, and economic impacts and job creation. Even top tier projects won’t be funded if it doesn’t score well against the majority of a program’s merit or project outcome criteria.

If your project, as it now stands, won’t score well on some of these criteria, is it possible to make adjustments for a more competitive application? Can your community commit to using more sustainable building materials that would align with environmental criteria? Is it possible to incorporate more elements that could be used by bicyclists or pedestrians? Or would it be possible to commit to hiring a certain percentage of disadvantaged business enterprises when constructing the project? Please be aware that if your application includes these elements and you receive funding, your agency will be expected to include them when developing and constructing the project.

Does your project have a defensible and high Benefit- to Cost Ratio? Many projects struggle with achieving a competitive benefit to cost ratio that withstands the scrutiny of federal reviewers. Often, submitted benefit cost analyses are adjusted downwards after being submitted. It’s imperative that applicants submit projects with defensible and high ratios (at least 1:5). If your project isn’t meeting these metrics, can it be adjusted to remove some project elements that are not helping the ratio, but are driving up the cost?

Are you waiting to submit your project until closer to 2026? If so, know that solicitations for some programs are now coming out for multiple years at a time. This means that even though we’re not even half-way through the law’s 5-year timeframe, some programs will have just 1-2 additional solicitations. It is also worth noting that available funding for some programs is considerably less than initial solicitations.
The IIJA program provides local communities with funding to complete important infrastructure projects. However, as we’ve learned, it can take considerable time and resources to develop a competitive application. Deciding to pursue these funds should be done so with realistic expectations and sound strategies.

WSB has experts in project funding to help you evaluate and submit applications. If you’d like to discuss project funding needs, please contact Amber Adams or Mary Gute for transportation specific projects.

Mary has more than 20 years of progressively complex transportation planning and project management experience, gained from working on a variety of transportation projects for modes including roads/bridge, transit, and trails. Several these projects have included environmental documentation considerations – either pre-NEPA, or through NEPA and/or MEPA processes.

[email protected] | 612.741.7055

Land Development and Planning in Tribal Communities

August 30, 2024
By Jay Adams, Proposal and Tribal Client Manager, WSB

Optimizing resources for community growth and infrastructure.

Over 40% of the land in Oklahoma is made up of tribal communities and 38 federally recognized tribes call the state home, including the Kickapoo Tribal Community. The large presence of tribal communities within the state increases the importance of coordination and collaboration on construction projects. In addition, recent legislation is encouraging development in and around this land. With so many players, it is extremely important to have clear coordination and concise communications. These Tribal Nations, just like any other government, regularly seek out grant funding for development purposes. The Kickapoo filed for grant funding after identifying a variety of infrastructure improvements needed within their community, including improving land usage and building renovation.

Improving Land Usage

With newly acquired grant funding, the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma identified the need to update their wastewater treatment sites. Wastewater treatment lagoons, like the ones used on their land, require far less maintenance than other water treatment systems. However, communities that rely on these lagoons struggle with odor problems, especially during warm weather and the inability to develop the large spaces occupied by the lagoons. To rectify this problem, our team noted that the current sewage system needed to be expanded. Using the new lift stations, the lagoons will be drained, and all of the sewage and contaminants flushed through newly installed pipelines to an existing mechanical wastewater treatment plant.

To improve efficiency for current and future projects, we created a detailed land survey with aerial mapping to identify the exact locations of all new installations as well as any potential issues that could negatively affect the system expansion. Furthermore, the removal of the lagoons combined with the land survey will provide the Kickapoo Tribe with new opportunities to develop previously unusable land for agricultural, residential or industrial purposes.

Building Renovations

In addition to wastewater treatment, the Tribe received grants dedicated to refurbishing older buildings. To better use available land and infrastructure, the Kickapoo Tribe partnered with WSB to create a plan to redevelop an old equipment building. The old storage building will be redesigned and updated for future use as an office building for the Tribal Government’s information technology staff. To aid in this venture, WSB is coordinating with an architecture firm to provide initial drawings and architectural maps for the building.

Throughout this process, the Kickapoo Tribe find value in working with a full-service firm to support their growing infrastructure needs throughout their community. As many systems impact one another, the ability for in-house expertise has allowed them to better utilize funding and resources across their community and better plan for future expansions.

Planning For the Future

The access and availability to grants is an opportunity for not only the Kickapoo Tribe, but other Tribal Nations across Oklahoma and the U.S. With more resources than ever before, tribal communities can better position themselves to support the infrastructure needs of their communities.

Jay leverages over 39 years of transportation expertise in his role as Proposal and Tribal Client Manager at WSB. His extensive background includes leading projects within the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and pioneering ITS GIS Systems nationwide. As ODOT’s former Tribal Liaison, he facilitated key partnerships with 38 Federally Recognized Tribes, significantly advancing transportation projects. His technical skills in GIS and asset management, combined with his public service experience including 12 years on the Mustang City Council and roles as Mayor and board chairman, equip him to effectively manage diverse client relationships and proposals.

[email protected] | 405.815.3654

Designing and Improving the Snake River Bridge

August 28, 2024
By Carl Osberg, PE, Director of Structures, WSB

Meeting Traffic Demands and Environmental standards with aesthetic sensitivity

As with many instances of aging infrastructure, the bridge across the Snake River to the East of Pine City, MN reached a point in its lifespan where it needed to be redesigned and replaced. Construction projects like bridges require focused attention to a variety of elements to not only ensure the bridge is sound and long lasting, but also to ensure no concerns are created like blocking off access from boats or environmental concerns. The Snake River Bridge scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2024 provides a superb example of the many facets that make up bridge design.

Meeting Traffic Needs

One point of consideration for bridges are current and future traffic needs. Previously, if farm equipment needed to cross from both sides of the bridge there would be issues. With the newest designs, the addition of extra wide shoulders allows for traffic to flow whether by car or larger. Through traffic forecasting, a bridge design can meet the needs of the current levels of traffic and those estimated for up to 40 years of potential population growth in the area. This project’s analysis deemed additional lanes unnecessary so long as the extra wide shoulders were included. Ensuring the bridge is only as big as is needed will save considerable time and money.

Considering Environmental Data and Concerns

In bridge design, gathering hydraulic data about the river is imperative to ensure that not only will the bridge be able to handle expected seasonal water depths and the speed of the river’s flow, but also to ensure that any bridge design avoids negatively impacting the areas downstream. For example, the updated trail on either side of the bridge included designs for updated drainage ponds and piping to prevent the road and nearby residences from being affected during heavy rains.

When tearing down an existing bridge, care must be taken to ensure that the river is not polluted, and animal habitats are not unnecessarily impacted. Specifically for the Snake River project, remnants of an older bridge still remained and new designs included removal. For both environmental concerns and financial reasons, the Snake River Bridge was designed with the impetus of ensuring durability and expandability. Not only is the bridge made to last, but also if population growth surpasses estimates the bridge can be more easily expanded to fit the new needs rather than torn down and rebuilt again.

To meet environmental and safety concerns, plans for a path underneath the bridge were included in the design that will grant extra protection for drivers, pedestrians, and the local wildlife once the bridge is completed and put to use. Accessible paths allow for foot traffic of both people and animals to maneuver safely without needing to cross the street.

Reducing Costs

Steps were taken through data gathering and design to limit unnecessary costs. These aspects include adding contingencies in relation to the soil and bedrock. Through geotechnical data gathering, it was identified that there are high levels of bedrock close to the surface in the construction area. Building with bedrock is difficult and attention was given to include contingencies on how to handle different bedrock or soil conditions during construction to ensure the project does not stop and cost money and time. Additionally, to limit excess costs geotechnical data was able to be acquired by drilling through the old bridge and into the soil rather than using a barge. Using a barge for data gathering would have drastically increased costs.

A Completed Project With Aesthetic Appeal

Bridge designs like the one used for the Snake River Bridge meet the needs of the communities that use it, protect against environmental impacts to the water, soil and local animals, reduce costs, and provide a timetable to ensure the bridge will be constructed and reopened without delay. Even down to forgoing the usual plain rectangular shapes and including parabolic arches to for little additional funds to make the bridge more attractive and not stand out so much against the beautiful environment around it. Creating not only a finished usable bridge, but one that is attentive to the various needs of the community, the land it sits on, and the river it crosses are what bridge design is all about.

Carl is Director of Structures, and he brings a deep comprehension of MnDOT’s guidelines and protocols for bridge and transportation projects. His extensive experience includes leading studies, engaging with the public and stakeholders, assessing environmental impacts, and overseeing both preliminary and final design stages. Carl has a track record of designing over 70 bridges throughout Minnesota, along with a variety of other structures such as retaining walls, noise barriers, tunnels, and sign structures. His profound knowledge and proven expertise in structural design make him an essential leader, adept at guiding decisive actions and advancing significant projects.

[email protected] | 612.219.3524

The Crucial Role of Geotechnical Engineers in Infrastructure Development

July 29, 2024
By David J. Gordinier, P.E., Geotechnical Department Manager, WSB

In the complex landscape of infrastructure development, the role of a geotechnical engineer is often pivotal yet understated. For municipalities, counties, and private developers, understanding the ground on which they build is not just a precaution—it’s a necessity. Geotechnical engineering is the key that unlocks the potential of any site, ensuring that the envisioned projects are not only feasible but also sustainable and cost-effective.

Understanding the Foundation: The Geotechnical Guide

Before any concrete is poured or any beam is erected, a thorough understanding of the site’s soil is crucial. A geotechnical engineer provides this insight through detailed soil studies, which are the first step in transforming an area from a plot of land to a developed property. These studies allow developers to understand what they can build and how they can build it, aligning their ambitions with the practical realities of the soil beneath.

The Value of Geotechnical Reports

A comprehensive geotechnical report is more than just a routine check—it’s a fundamental part of due diligence. It assesses various soil characteristics such as density, composition, and stability, which can vary significantly from one site to another. This report can reveal critical issues such as soft or expansive soils, or deeper Geologic risks including Karst and subsidence. Such insights are crucial not only in deciding whether to purchase a property but also in planning the development to avoid costly errors and delays to the project.

Why Choose WSB?

Choosing WSB for geotechnical engineering means opting for a partner who prioritizes your project’s timelines and budget. Our detailed attention to these aspects has earned us a loyal client base. WSB boasts a diverse portfolio, rich in a variety of projects, allowing us to quickly devise solutions tailored to the specific geological challenges of your site.

We believe in clear communication, translating complex geotechnical data into easy-to-understand terms, and maintaining constant contact with our clients. From delivering detailed reports to conducting follow-up calls, we ensure that you are well-informed at every step.

Building with Confidence

Incorporating a geotechnical engineer into your development team is not just about adhering to standards—it’s about building with confidence. With WSB, you gain a partner who provides the expertise to navigate the complexities of soil challenges, ensuring that your infrastructure projects are built on solid ground. The guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable geotechnical engineer can also make the difference in success during construction including assisting the contractor with cost effective solutions when or if they arise.

David is a geotechnical department manager in the southeast region. He has experience managing estimating costs for geotechnical, and construction materials projects, and geotechnical engineering design for transportation, commercial, industrial and residential projects. He had led his team through managing construction and resolving issues encountered throughout the project process.

[email protected] | 804.366.0703

Three Strategies for Sustainable Drinking Water Systems

August 1, 2024
By Steve Nelson, Director of Water/Wastewater, WSB

The resilience of public water treatment systems has never been more crucial. There are also new opportunities that allow us to design systems that are sustainable, efficient, healthy and adaptable.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) presents a pivotal opportunity for cities to bolster their water treatment infrastructure with a focus on sustainability and resilience. This historic funding initiative supports the modernization of critical infrastructure, including the integration of sustainable technologies and practices within public water systems. By accessing IIJA funds, cities can invest in treatment technologies, green infrastructure and energy-efficient upgrades that meet regulatory demands position them to better address future challenges. The act offers a strategic pathway for cities to align financial investments with long-term sustainability and water treatment goals.

Three of the current models being used include:

Water Reclamation using Green Infrastructure, such as biofiltration systems, which can contribute to urban greenery while reducing irrigation loads on a water treatment plant.
Advanced Water Recycling Technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO) that treat and reuse wastewater.
Water Supply Plan initiatives by which public water supplies work to reduce per capita demands and maximum day to average day peaking factors.

Three new, innovative strategies for sustainable drinking water systems that can enhance the resilience of drinking water treatment systems:

BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION – This technology has been used in the vast majority of European drinking water treatment plants for the last few decades. WSB has been at the forefront of working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to pilot test and implement the technology in several metropolitan area Minnesota communities. The process harnesses nature to avoid challenges and realize many benefits including:
- Vastly reduce costs for water treatment plant expansions through MDH approval of filtration rates that can be double that of what MDH approves for conventional filter operations. This level of filter efficiency can eliminate the need for building additions and filter expansions and save municipalities millions of dollars in capital improvements costs.
- Reduce chemicals added during treatment resulting in more natural drinking water and less potential for the formation of chemical by-products and the health risks such byproducts may introduce.
- Better air quality in the water treatment plant, healthier air for the plant operators and less corrosion of equipment and infrastructure in the plant.
- Better tasting water.
- Reduce taste, odor and corrosion in the distribution system, which is good for Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) compliance and reduces the amount of expensive orthophosphates that need to be added to the finished water and carried into the distribution system.
GEO-THERMAL ENERGY – WSB staff have worked with water treatment staff to harness the geo-thermal energy of drinking water that passes through treatment plants in Minnesota. No such large-scale systems have been allowed in the last several years. Recently, a new technology, by which to capture this geo-thermal energy, is emerging and may prove fruitful for some Minnesota drinking water treatment plants.
PLATE SETTLERS – Although not as recent, there is once again the potential to apply for funding assistance if the expansion or optimization of your water treatment facility could benefit from the space saving and increased water recovery associated with plate settlers. We have helped implement nearly a dozen plate settlers for such purposes.

How WSB Can Help
These new opportunities to procure funding and enhance sustainable drinking water systems promote adaptability, treated water aesthetics and operator health are something we are prepared to assist you with. Our team works with you to leverage these technologies, apply for federal or state funding and help you build a drinking water treatment system that provides great water quality, reduced chemical use and adaptability for meeting future demands and regulations.

Steve designs treatment plants and renovations (for both groundwater and surface water plants) including treatment process technologies such as reverse osmosis, ozone, activated alumina, biological filtration, lime softening, radium reduction, plate settlers, plate and frame presses and solids handling. He has worked with the AWWA Office of Government Affairs and the AWWA Research Foundation on water studies.

[email protected] | 612.258.8152

Stormwater Management & Planning in Expanding Communities

August 1, 2024
By Jake Newhall, Director of Water Resources and Samuel Phillips, Water Resources Engineer, WSB

As communities grow, the challenge of stormwater management becomes increasingly complex. The key to success lies in proactive planning and the strategic development of infrastructure that can adapt to future growth. Learn more about strategies for effective stormwater management in growing communities.

Impact of Population Growth on Stormwater Systems
With urban expansion comes the inevitable addition of impervious surfaces – concrete, asphalt, and roofs, for example – which significantly increases stormwater runoff and alters natural drainage patterns. These changes make communities more vulnerable to flooding and localized erosion, pushing existing infrastructure to its limits and leading to environmental degradation.

Strategic Infrastructure Planning
Effective stormwater management starts with comprehensive planning. Communities need to integrate stormwater management considerations into all stages of development. This includes assessing the potential impact of new construction on stormwater runoff and making necessary adjustments to the stormwater system in early planning phases. It is critical that the planning factors in the existing regulatory framework at the state level, e.g., MPCA regulations in Minnesota, or at local level, e.g., Watershed Districts or city regulations.

Incorporating Flexibility in Infrastructure Design
To accommodate growth, stormwater systems must be designed for flexibility and scalability. This involves creating systems that can be expanded or adjusted as the population grows and land use changes. Techniques such as flow rate control structures, expandable stormwater detention facilities including underground storage are vital. These systems ensure that the infrastructure can evolve in step with the growing community’s needs, without requiring complete overhauls. Often it can be beneficial to plan stormwater management at a regional level, rather than on a project-by-project basis.

Surface Water Quality
In recent decades the stormwater management focus has shifted from traditional rate control through detention towards water quality and volume reduction. Runoff retention, infiltration practices, and erosion control techniques are essential components of the infrastructure planning. Creative solutions such as biofiltration or underground infiltration play an important role in keeping the sediment and nutrient loads at a minimum to preserve healthy riverine and lacustrine ecosystems.

Enhancing System Resilience Through Advanced Engineering
Employing advanced engineering solutions can significantly boost the efficiency and resilience of stormwater systems. For instance, real-time monitoring systems can provide immediate data on water levels, flow rates and system performance, allowing for swift responses to potential flooding events. Additionally, automated control systems can dynamically manage gates and pumps to optimize water flow during different weather conditions.

As communities build resilient infrastructure in growing areas, it may be desirable to bring enhanced stormwater infrastructure to previously developed areas. This is often a challenge, as space may be limited. Hydraulic and water quality modeling can be useful tools in completing subwatershed assessments to identify optimal areas for improvement.

Community Engagement and Education
Community involvement is crucial for the success of stormwater management strategies. Educating the public about the importance of reducing surface runoff and maintaining personal property to aid in water absorption can have profound effects. Community-based initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting and the proper maintenance of private drainage systems, complement larger infrastructure projects and empower residents to contribute to the health of their environment.

Economic and Regulatory Considerations
Planning for the economic aspects of stormwater management is as critical as the technical components. Funding mechanisms, whether through local government budgets, grants or public-private partnerships, need to be established. Moreover, robust regulatory frameworks that mandate sustainable stormwater practices in new developments can drive compliance and ensure that growth is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

How WSB Can Help
Managing stormwater in a growing community requires foresight, innovation, and community collaboration. At WSB, we provide expert consulting and engineering services that help communities plan, design, construct and maintain flexible, efficient and cost-effective stormwater management systems. Our approach ensures that your infrastructure not only meets today’s needs but is also prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

Jake has more than 15 years of engineering experience designing and managing many types of water resources projects, including modeling, planning, design, maintenance programs, and construction. Jake has worked with various municipalities, counties and state agencies to solve challenging water quality and water quantity problems.

[email protected] | 763.231.4861

Samuel has experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, water quality modeling and permitting. His stream restoration experience spans all phases, from feasibility to plan production to construction observation.

[email protected] | 563.607.4018