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The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) maintains a network of benchmarks throughout the continental United States which are on a common datum. The horizontal and vertical accuracy of this network is intended to allow for the maintenance and construction of America;'s infrastructure as well as provide accurate geological information with respect to movement of the earths crust as well as the rise and fall of water levels in the great lakes as well as the oceans.
The network within Illinois was established i the 50's, 60's and early 70's. Many of the original benchmarks have been lost due to natural changes in the landscape as our country continues to develop. The U.S. Congress has made a commitment to fund a program a 10-year - $35 Million dollar "Illinois Height Modernization Program" to re-establish this network. The program is being implemented through the University of Illinois and is a joint venture between the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois DNR as well as USGS.
The University established a Qualification Based Selection process for contracting with firms for installation of the benchmarks and surveying. The scope of work demands that the benchmarks be constructed to a Class B stability and the surveying being completed in accordance with Second Order Class I standards. TAI had completed a very similar project for the City of St. Charles in 2008. Based on our team's expertise, Trotter and Associates, Inc. was one of three firms selected to perform this work and will begin installation of the new benchmarks in April 2010 with completion of the field work in July and ultimately "bluebooking" of the new benchmarks in the fall of 2010. For more information contact Jim McKenzie, PLS at j.mckenzie@taiengr.com
Rob Linke, P.E., from TAI’s Watershed Resources Group, is working with Judson University to begin implementation of a Green Infrastructure Plan for their campus. The Campus Green Infrastructure Plan was completed in 2009 by Watershed Resource Consultants, Inc., a specialty design firm that has since become a part of Trotter and Associates, Inc. The University’s campus is located in Elgin, Illinois, at the confluence of Tyler Creek and the Fox River; two waterways listed as impaired by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. To do their part to protect & improve these valuable natural resources, the University is seeking to implement their Campus Green Infrastructure Plan, which includes sustainable infrastructure features such as bioretention basins, permable pavement parking lots, and rainwater harvesting for irrigation. Contact Rob at r.linke@taiengr.com for more information.
Trotter and Associates, Inc.’s Watershed Resources Group is working with the Village of Campton Hills and Campton Township through a cooperative partnership to prepare a green infrastructure inventory and mapping that will help the Village and Township government effectively incorporate the region’s green infrastructure into new developments under their jurisdiction. The plan will also serve as a guide for the Village of Campton Hills to use in revising existing ordinances to facilitate more sustainable developments which strike a better balance between the built-up land and the community’s green infrastructure.
The City of St. Charles is continuing to take advantage of these economic times by rehabilitating its headworks facility. The existing system was originally installed in 1972 and has been partially rehabilitated over the last thirty five years. However, some recent failures has resulted in Notice of Violations. Rather than placing a patch over the aging system, the City has elected to reallocate the funds saved through the ARRA Program and further stimulate the economy. This project is currently under design and includes replacement of the aerated grit equipment, helecoids in the primary clarifiers and primary sludge pumping system. TAI will complete the design this spring and the project will be out to bid by May. for more information contact Scott Trotter at s.trotter@taiengr.com
The City of Crystal Lake went through a rigorous Qualification Based Selection process for design and construction engineering for Rehabilitation of WTP #1 and WTP #4. Trotter and Associates, Inc. is the selected consultant for design and implementation of the proposed improvements.
Water Treatment Plant #1 is an older facility which treats raw water from an Ironton-Galesville Well. The Barium concentration in the raw water exceeds the Maximum Contaminant Level established in the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Water has been treated by an ion exchange softening system that has reached the end of its service life. In addition, the City is current trying to address a Compliance Commitment Letter, which was issued due to elevated chlorides levels in the wastewater discharged from WWTP#2. The elevated chlorides issue is partially caused by brine found in the backwash water from this facility. The City has elected to replace the existing system with counter current ion exchange system which significantly reduces the brine in the backwash. In addition, the City will be piloting a Barium specific resin in parallel which may further reduce salt usage. Lastly, the design includes a diversion of the backwash water from this treatment facility to a larger wastewater treatment facility through minor sanitary sewer improvements. WWTP#2 has a much higher dilution factor and will be able to treat the backwash without violating Water Quality Standards.
Water Treatment Plant #4 is similar in that this facility uses ion exchange, however the system is used to lower hardness for aesthetic reasons. The wells tributary to this facility are shallow sand and gravel wells located adjacent to the Water Treatment Plant. WTP #4 is located adjacent to WWTP#3, which has the issue with chlorides concentration in its effluent. While the counter current backwash design will significantly lower the brine usage, it will not be sufficient to bring WWTP#3 into compliance. Three alternatives were reviewed: pump the backwash water to WWTP#2, reduce the treatment or implement a process that sufficiently reduces the brine concentration. During the evaluation, other water quality issues arose and must be addressed for continued use of this facility. TAI and the City are currently developing a treatment train that addresses all of the issues within one project.
For more information contact Scott Trotter at s.trotter@taiengr.com or Mark Sikora at m.sikora@taiengr.com
Steve Cieslica, P.E. is a St. Charles native graduating from STC High in 1985. Steve attended Montana State University in Boise and graduated with a bachelors in Construction Engineering. Steve has broad background of experience and has worked for both contractors as well as consulting engineers throughout his career. Steve is a very personable and grounded individual that strengthens the TAI team. Steve has been active in a number of professional organization including McHenry County COG, Fox Valley, Lake County and Suburban Branch APWA, among others. We are very pleased the Steve elected to accept a Project Managers position within the firm in December of 2009 and we are looking forward to growing the firm together. Contact Steve at s.cieslica@taiengr.com
Jerry Ruth, EIT grew up in St. Charles and attended STC East High School and went on to attend Purdue University. While in college Jerry interned with multiple firms and agencies including the City of St. Charles Engineering Department. Jerry graduated from Purdue University's engineering program with a specialization construction management and a secondary in structures. Jerry joined the TAI team in October of 2009 and will be providing resident engineering for the St. Charles Lift Station Rehabilitation projects. Contact Jerry at j.ruth@taiengr.com
Chris Marschinke, EIT also grew up in St. Charles and attended STC North High School. Chris attend the University of Illinois and interned with TAI for five consecutive summers and winters stating in his senior year of high school. Chris graduated from the U of I in December 2009 with a specialization in construction engineering and a secondary in environmental engineering. Chris joined the TAI team as a permanent member immediately (two days after graduation). Chris is providing resident engineering on the DSD Biosolids project as well as the Country Club Lift Station. Contact Chris at c.marschinke@taiengr.com
The Village of Port Barrington and Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District entered into an intergovernmental agreement to extend sewers to 93 additional houses along the Fox River. The project is being funded through the Illinois EPA SRF and ARRA funds. The project was awarded the Mark Cresmay Construction. Work began in January 2010 and will be completed in late April 2010. Construction of the project will remove several failing septic systems and many more that are near failing due to high ground water conditions along the Fox River.
The DeKalb Sanitary District has awarded the Phase 1A Biosolids project plans to Williams Brothers Construction of Peoria, Illinois. The Phase 1A - Biosolids Rehabilitation project is includes:
- Upgrade of the Primary Sludge Pumping System
- Upgrades to the waste activated sludge thickening system
- Rehabilitation of the existing anaerobic digesters
- Construction of a new sludge dewatering facility
- Construction of a new sludge storage barn for winter storage
- Rehabilitation of the existing tertiary filters
The $17.5 Million project was originally intended to be funded through the State Revolving Loan Program at an estimated 2.5% APR. DeKalb Sanitary District received stimulus funds which uses and combination of SRF and American Recover and Reinvestment Act Funds (ARRA). The result will be that only 75% of the original construction value will need to be repaid to the SRF at an interest rate of 0%, which is over $9 Million saving for the users of DeKalb Sanitary District.
The City of St. Charles has received ARRA Funds for renovation of its two main lift stations, East Side and Riverside Lift Stations. The Project has been awarded to Meccon Industries and is scheduled for completion in July 2010. Renovation to the East Side Lift Station includes replacement of the mechanical fine screen and gates as well as conversion of the pumping system from dry pit to submersible pumps. The renovations also include replacement of the MCC's, and controls including VFD's. The Riverside Pump Station renovation includes replacement of two mechanical fine screens including installation of a screenings washer/compactor and protected water system.
The project was originally intended to be funded through the use of traditional revenue bonds, which would be paid back over twenty years. Based on a 4.5% bond rate the $2.7 Million project would have cost roughly $4.0 Million including interest. Recognizing that ARRA funding might be available, the City of St. Charles aggressively pursued this alternative and as a result is saving the citizen's of St. Charles approximately$2 Million over the next twenty years.
The DeKalb Sanitary District is constructing the Country Club Lift Station Replacement project using the stimulus funding provided via the Illinois EPA and ARRA Program. The project $2.1 Million dollar project is schedule to reach substantial completion in July of 2010.
Trotter & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has acquired Watershed Resource Consultants, Inc. (WRC) With the inclusion of WRC, Trotter & Associates, Inc. has expanded its capabilities to provide expertise in green infrastructure projects such as watershed planning, natural resource & green infrastructure mapping, sustainable development, river & stream restoration, and dam removal. Rob Linke, P.E. (former president of WRC) is the new Director of the Watershed Resources Group within TAI. For further information e-mail Rob at r.linke@taiengr.com
Trotter & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has acquired Watershed Resource Consultants, Inc. (WRC) With the inclusion of WRC, Trotter & Associates, Inc. has expanded its capabilities to provide expertise in green infrastructure projects such as watershed planning, natural resource & green infrastructure mapping, sustainable development, river & stream restoration, and dam removal. Rob Linke, P.E. (former president of WRC) is the new Director of the Watershed Resources Group within TAI. For further information e-mail Rob at r.linke@taiengr.com
The DeKalb Sanitary District dates back to 1927 and has served the community through the collection and treatment of wastewater since that time. In 2007, the District updated its Facility Plan, which outlines the long range needs of the District and provides an implementation plan to meet those needs. The highest priority is rehabilitation and/ or replacement of the existing infrastructure to protect public health and the environment. These rehabilitation projects include upgrades to the collection system as well as the treatment facilities.
The District's collection system predates 1927 and is subject to significant amounts of infiltration and inflow due to the age and material of construction. Infiltration and inflow is non-sanitary water from the ground, foundation drains, sump pumps and other sources that enter the collection system, but do not contain sanitary waste. Once these flows enter the system they become contaminated with the sanitary waste and require treatment prior to discharge. The overall effect is increased cost to treat larger volumes and in extreme cases results in basement back-ups and other discharges that endanger the public health and environment. The District implemented an annual rehabilitation program in 1987 focusing on the removal infiltration and inflow from the collection system. The program has significantly lowered the amount of infiltration and inflow, but the total amount received by the collection system continues to exceed it's conveyance capacity. In 2008, the District increased the funding of its annual collection system rehabilitation program to approximately $900,000 per year. The program is using several technologies to maximize the value of the community's investment into rehabilitation.
In July 2008, the District authorized TAI to move forward with design of Country Club Lift Station Rehabilitation. The existing lift station is the remains of a package treatment facility that was originally constructed in the 1960's and has reached the end of its service life. The pump station is located within the floodplain along Buena Vista Golf Course and is subject to flooding. The project includes construction of a new lift station that will meet the community's current needs and can be upgraded in the future to convey wastewater from future growth on the community's north side.
As part of the Facility Plan Amendment, the District evaluated the existing treatment facility. Much of the existing infrastructure is becoming unreliable, requiring increased maintenance and reaching the end of its service life. The District has adopted a phased approach to rehabilitating/ replacing the infrastructure to maintain regulatory compliance and protect the environment. In October 2008, the DeKalb Sanitary District authorized TAI to move forward with design of Phase 1A - Biosolids Rehabilitation Improvements. The project includes rehabilitation of the District's sludge stabilization and disposal process. At the conclusion of the project, the District will no longer be forced to recycle waste material through the treatment facility, which will lower the overall treatment cost. In addition, the District will produce a more stabilized by-product and reduce the volume of material to be disposed.
The District was originally intending to fund the Country Club Lift Station and Phase 1A Improvements through a combination of reserves and Illinois EPA Low Interest Loan. In February 2009, the Federal Government passed a stimulus package which included funds for water and wastewater projects. However these funds were restricted to "Shovel Ready" Projects. The District and TAI recognized the opportunity to maintain low rates and still implement the necessary improvements. TAI and the District requested $20 Million in SRF/ARRA funding for the projects. Simultaneously, TAI expedited the design process and reached the milestones necessary to obtain "Shovel Ready" Status. The District, TAI and the Illinois EPA worked together to complete all of the required documentation, pass resolutions and obtain planning approval for the projects. The Illinois EPA issued approval and construction permits for both projects by mid June. The bidding phase will be completed in August 2009 and the projects will begin construction in early Fall.
The result of the District's foresight and ability to move quickly will save the rate payers roughly $12 Million dollars over the next twenty years and allow the District to move forward with additional projects to rehabilitate its infrastructure both at the wastewater treatment facility and in the collection system.
Representatives from USEPA recently toured the Village of Algonquin's wastewater treatment facility, which according to Region-5 staff is the first 5-stage BNR treatment facility in the mid-west.
The Village recently completed expansion of their existing Wastewater Treatment Facility from 3.0 to 5.0 MGD. The project included construction of biological nutrient removal process that will reliably achieve 5/5/3/1 (BOD, Suspended Solids, Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus). The upgraded facility includes Biological Phosphorus Removal with chemical polishing as well as a denitrification loop and second stage methanol polishing for total nitrogen removal. The project was planned and design by TAI and HDR Engineering of Omaha, NE. The Village selected a ground breaking delivery method in Construction Management. IHC Construction has taken the lead and oversaw the project as the C. M.
The Clean Water Act requires an NPDES Permit be issued for construction sites 1-acre and greater and that a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) be implemented and inspected for these projects. Ted Bergeson of Trotter and Associates, Inc. has completed APWA/ CISEC Certification. CISEC, Inc. has a nationwide certification program that recognizes the abilities, skills, experience and knowledge of inspectors who have demonstrated their proficiency in observing, inspecting, and reporting on the implementation of StormWater Pollution Prevention Plans.
The American Public Works Association has established and administers a training, testing and certification program for inspection of public infrastructure. The premise behind the certification program is to establish a minimum standard for experience, training, practices and documentation requirements for inspection. The program includes an emphasis on addressing public concerns as well as job-site safety, emergency response, and regulatory issues. The program also discusses acceptable practices for erosion control and infrastructure testing.
Many communities in Northern Illinois have adopted the APWA Certification as a requirement for the individuals responsible for construction inspection. Trotter and Associates, Inc. has three APWA certified inspectors: Mike Holland & Marty Dopke. If you would like to know more about the certification program or have a project that requires certified inspection please contact one of these individuals.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. recently installed and surveyed a new Vertical Control Network for the City of St. Charles. This project included construction of 12 benchmarks that were certified by the National Geodetic Survey as well as 20 additional benchmarks that were constructed to the same standard, but for use by the City of St. Charles. This important project will provides horizontal and vertical control benchmarks throughout the community. This control network will ensure that future projects throughout the community are constructed on the same datum.
Please contact Scott Warner for additional information about this landmark project.
Donna McNichols has joined the TAI Team as a lead draft technician. Donna has almost twenty years experience drafting and designing mechanical piping systems. Donna is currently working multiple TAI projects and providing support to the engineering team. Welcome aboard Donna.
Mr. Mike Holland, one of TAI's young professionals, has earned his Professional Engineer's License in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Mike is currently working one several key design projects and is an intergal part of the TAI Team. Congratulations Mike!
The Village of Bloomingdale has been working with TAI to develop a plan to improve both the appearance and air quality at Village Hall. The Village was concerned about air quality within the lower levels of Village Hall do to the location of the air intake for the HVAC System. The air intake was located near the front of the building and occasionally became contaminated by fumes from vehicles parked in this area. Rather than redesign the entire ventilation system, the team developed a unique solution to the issue. The Village and TAI decided to extend the intake up to avoid exhaust fumes and other irritants. The new duct is located interior to a new chimney which is consistent with the architectural design of the building.
The project was designed in the Spring on 2008 and the Village awarded the construction Phase to Driessen Construction. The project will be complete in late 2008.
The Village of Port Barrington is located along the Fox River in McHenry County. Many of the homes adjacent to the river were originally constructed with private wells and septic systems. Over the years, high ground water and flooding has caused these septic systems to fail. The failing septics have had a negative impact on the water quality within the Fox River.
The Village of Port Barrington recEntly completed the Phase 1 Improvements which included construction of a low pressure sewer system to serve over 100 of the Village's homes. During a dedication ceremony held on August 8th the Village of Port Barrington honored U.S. Congressman Don Manzullo August 8th for his efforts in assisting the community to clean up the Fox River. Congressman Manzullo was responsible for drafting and championing a bill that held a line item appropriation which helped fund the project.
The Village will be pursuing additional funding to implement Phase 2 which serves the remainder of the community. The Phase 2 funding will be a combination of low interest loan and grants and is estimated to cost $2.0 Million dollars.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. has moved to its new corporate office. The office is located 5 miles west of Randall Road near the intersection of Illinois Route 64 and Burlington Road.
The office layout has been specifically designed around the TAI’s casual corporate environment with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and wood beams – it will maintain the loft feel of the existing offices. These new facilities will allow TAI to continue to expand. Currently with a staff of 15 professionals, TAI's new offices will support up to 40 engineers, surveyors and technicians.
40W201 Wasco Road, St. Charles, IL 60175
Trotter and Associates, Inc. has developed a Water Master Plan for the City of St. Charles. The Master Plan includes a comprehensive review of the existing infrastructure including water supply, treatment, storage and distribution system. In addition, TAI has updated of the City's WaterCad Model and is providing support to community development department in review of proposed projects. The recommendations of the Master Plan focus on defining long term needs, addressing water quality issues as well as capacity and pressure concerns. The recommendations include a Capital Improvements Program which will be implemented by the City beginning in 2008.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. provided planning, design and construction engineering services for the Village of East Dundee's Treatment Facility Expansion. The project expanded the Village's WWTP from 1.15 MGD to 2.30 MGD. The project was initiated by an intergovernmental agreement between the Village of East Dundee and West Dundee to provide for growth within the region. The $7.2 M project was funded through an IEPA Low Interest Loan. The project was constructed by River City Construction L.L.C., Hogan Contracting Corp. and Kadlec Electric. The Construction team achieved substantial completion on time and within budget.
The expansion incorporates biological nutrient removal capabilities utilizing a two three-ring oxidation ditches in conjunction with ORP and D.O. monitoring capabilities. The proper anaerobic. anoxic level is achieved within the outer ring of each ditch through the incorporation of VFD's on the aerator motors. The design also included tertiary clarification for enhanced settling capabilities and an upgrade of the UV disinfection facilities to include automated cleaning capabilities. All of which is intended to lower maintenance and operational costs as well as improve over plant efficiency. Ron Bockenhauer has report that the plant effluent is continuous meeting 2 mg/l BOD and 3 mg/l TSS.
Biosolids stabilization is achieved through aerobic digestion and was upgraded with an anoxic basin for alkalinity recovery as well as Kubota membranes for sludge thickening. This innovative use of membrane technology significantly improves the efficiency and stability of the digestion process. The process design includes a four stage digestion system operating in series. The concept of digestion in series alleviates concerns regarding recontamination of the stabilized biosolids. The first stage digester operates in conjunction with the anoxic basin and membrane basin in a continuous loop to removal water created during initial VSS destruction. The first stage digester is capable of achieving an estimated 30% VSS reduction at 20 Degrees C and 40% VSS reduction at 35 Degrees Celsius. Both waste activated sludge is introduced and permeate is withdrawn on a continuous basis, which is made possible through the implementation of the membrane technology. This design has significantly reduced the need for operator attention in comparison with the centrifuge thickening operations required prior to the expansion.
For more information or a tour of the new facility please contact either Mark Sikora or Scott Trotter at (630) 587-0470.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. provided planning, design and construction engineering for the City of St. Charles' newest Water Treatment Facility. The 1.7 MGD water treatment facility is the primary source for a large industrial park on the east side. The process utilizes a combination of ion exchange and HMO Filtration technologies for radium removal. The unique application not only meets the regulatory requirements for radium removal, but provides the City with the ability to control the finished water hardness. Implementation of this design assured area businesses that they could count on the City to provide a consistent high quality water source, which is a key element to many of the manufacturing processes throughout the community.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. has been working with the Central States WEA Student Chapter at the University of Illinois in reviewing new technologies for ground water treatment. The project is being funded through a USEPA Grant. The graduate students are laboratory testing various media' capacity for contaminant removal from groundwater, including atrazine, nitrogen, ammonia and others. The research team intends to present their data and findings to the USEPA in April of 2007. Potential applications for this technology include filtration from agricultural field tile discharges, lagoon plant effluent as well as stormwater runoff.
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