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http://couriernews.suntimes.com/news/19931929-418/elgin-looks-to-keep-grant-dollars-flowing.htmlelgin-looks-to-keep-grant-dollars-flowing
Trotter and Associates, Inc. has been selected as one of the lead consultants to perform the high precision leveling work associated with the Illinois Height Modernization Program. This important program was developed to re-establish the USGS monuments throughout the State of Illinois and is a joint effort between the Illinois DOT, Illinois State Geological Survey and the University of Illinois. The previous years leveling focused on establishing a line down the eastern edge of the state from Chicago to Cairo and the back up to Edwardsville. To date, TAI has performed over 270 miles of Second Order Class I leveling, recovered and reestablished 88 existing monuments and set 197 new monuments. This years program will be focused on the western edge of the state and be divided into five segments totaling 649 miles of leveling closing the loop near Thompson, Illinois. TAI anticipates beginning work in March of 2013 which will include installation of 150 new monuments in southwestern Illinois. Leveling work will likely begin in early April and be completed by July 2013.
Aaron Berry accepted an invitation to join TAI's engineering team . Aaron received his degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. He has interned summers and winter with TAI since 2007, when he was a senior at St. Charles North High School. Aaron's areas of focus included environmental engineering and GIS Systems. He is a Certified GIS Specialist and will be working with Trotter and Associates' GIS Department on development of Infrastructure Management Systems for TAI clients as well as water/ wastewater engineering projects completed by the firm.
The Wheaton Sanitary District is seeking to implement a number of rehabilitation projects and upgrades over the next couple of years. One such project is the rehabilitation or replacement of the District's deep bed sand filters. Trotter and Associates, Inc. will be working with District staff to evaluate traditional and innovative methods for meeting the District's strict NPDES Permit limits with the objective of selecting a solution which possesses low capital, , lower maintenance and lower operational costs than the existing system.
Phase I included construction of seven bio retention basins in the City parkway. The projects are designed to mitigate the quantity of stormwater run-off entering the City's combined sewer system. These basins also improve overall water quality discharged to the Fox River. This program was funded through the Illinois EPA "Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program" - IGIG program. The design and construction oversight was provided by Rob Linke, P.E., CFM of TAI. He was assisted by Jillian Goodlove who recently received her Masters in Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois.
Phase II is currently under design and includes seventeen additional bio retention basins, ten prefabricated structure BMP's as well as the reconstruction of two alleyways using permeable pavers. When complete, these improvements will reduce the annual run-off from there tributary areas by over 70%. The Phase II improvements will be constructed in the Spring/ Summer of 2013.
The Village of Bartlett contracted with TAI for the study, design and construction supervision of a centrifuge dewatering facility. The improvements include incorporation of a new centrifuge, polymer system, and sludge conveyors into the existing facilities. Piloting was completed in 2010, design and permitting completed in 2011 and the project funding and bidding completed in the summer of 2012. The $0.7 Million project is being funded through the Illinois EPA Low Interest Loan Program. Manusos of Fox Lake, Illinois was the successful bidder. The project is scheduled for completion in August of 2013.
The City of Rochelle, Illinois has elected to work with Trotter and Associates, Inc. in the study, design and implementation of upgrades to the Rochelle Municipal Utilities treatment facility. The study phase includes pilot testing of centrifuges as well as a consideration of other dewatering technologies. Based on a cost effective evaluation, the City will elect to move forward with a phased rehabilitation project which will be designed and permitted by TAI. The project will be out to bid in the Spring of 2013.
Scott Trotter (a 1989 graduate of the University of Illinois) was the guest speaker to the senior class of the University's Civil and Environmental Engineering Program. CEE495 - Professional Practice is a series of lectures by outstanding authorities on the practice of civil and environmental engineering and its relations to economics, sociology and other fields of human endeavor. Mr. Trotter's lecture covered the expectations of employers and clients, each professionals moral and ethical obligation to their clients and firms as well as the basics of starting a private practice in these economic times. The class included over 200 young professionals that will soon be entering the work force and making a significant contribution to the profession and society as a whole.
The Fox River Study Group was formed in 2002 in an effort to bring stakeholders (environmental groups, municipalities and point source dischargers) together to collectively develop a plan to address Water Quality Issues in the Fox River Watershed. The group has made a significant investment into monitoring water quality through sampling and analysis as well as as developing a Qual2k and HSPF models. In order to calibrate the models, low flow data was required. Due to the 2012 drought, the river reached low flow conditions, which allowed the FRSG to collect the data necessary to complete the calibration.
The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is currently utilizing the data to finalize the models that represent current conditions in the Watershed. As part of the Fox River Study Group, Rob Linke, P.E. is working with ISWS to evaluate potential various scenarios for pollution reduction including limited Phosphorus from point source discharges, improved BMP's on urbanized areas as well as upland undeveloped land, and dam removal. The goal is to identify a scenario which can be implemented practically, economically and achieve the Intended Use for the Fox River.
It is a long recognized fact that Illinois infrastructure is crumbling and that the funding required to meet the increasing demand has not been available. This became painfully apparent during the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act as the applications for projects far exceeded the available funding. In response, Governor Quinn announced that the State is in a position to help fund infrastructure through a dedication of bonding for $1 Billion, which will be repayed through the Low Interest Loan Program. NOTE: This is not intended to be a grant program, but to provide funding for projects that have need to be completed to rehabilitate or upgrade facilities in order to address aging infrastructure, changing regulatory needs and economic development.
TAI has been extremely successful in acquiring traditional low interest loan funds for our client's infrastructure needs. For example, TAI's clients received over $30 Billion in stimulus funding. In addition TAI has utilized the low interest loan program to fund nearly $100 Million in water/ wastewater infrastructure. The Illinois EPA has announced that the increased funding level will allow them to fund larger projects, but that the process will be the same. A process that TAI has successfully navigated on a regular basis, but the level of paperwork and consulting time required to acquire funding has not been reduced. As such, Trotter and Associates, Inc. is encouraging its clients to position themselves to receive funding for projects which exceed $1.5 Million dollars. Form more information, contact Mike Holland, P.E. at Trotter and Associates, Inc.
The Village of Fox Lake, Illinois contract with Trotter and Associates, Inc. to provide interim operations for the Sewer and Water Department as well as a Summary Report which detailed the existing infrastructure and its needs. Dan Lynch, P.E., BCEE was TAI's on-site engineer and interim manager. Dan did an outstanding job of working with the Village staff providing oversight of day to day activities, reviewing operational procedures, and evaluating the Village's existing infrastructure. TAI completed the Interim Operations in early October and made a final presentation to the Village Board on October 23rd. Trotter and Associates, Inc. will continue to support the Sewer and Water Department with engineering issues.
The City of Woodstock contracted with TAI for the design and construction oversight for a small rehabilitation project at the City's South Wastewater Treatment Facility. The project includes significant by-pass pumping requirements for the replacement for four gates in the main diversion structure which distributes influent flow and Return Activated Sludge to the plant's biological process. Manusos of Fox Lake, Illinois was the successful bidder. The project is scheduled for completion in the Spring of 2013.
The Village of Bartlett contracted with TAI for the study, design and construction supervision of an upgrade for the Raw Sewage Pump Station. The improvements include structural rehabilitation, replacement of the dry pit centrifugal pumps as well as complete replacement of all electrical and control systems. The design and permitting were completed in 2011 and the project funding and bidding completed in the summer of 2012. The $1.1 Million project is being funded through the Illinois EPA Low Interest Loan Program. Boller Construction of Waukegan, Illinois was the successful bidder. The project is scheduled for completion in July of 2013.
Trotter and Associates, Inc has been working in conjunction with the University of Illinois (in partnership with ISGS, IDOT and IDNR) to re-establish, re-certify and install new monuments for geodetic monuments throughout Illinois. In 2012, TAI was assigned one of five projects for the continuation of the Illinois Height Modernization Program. The project consists of setting 126 3D Deep Driven Rod Style Monuments and performing Second Order Class I leveling for 156 miles in Southeastern Illinois. The project will be submitted to NGS for inclusion in the National Spatial Reference data base. The project began in the Spring of 2012 and TAI completed the work in August of this year. The new monuments will be "Blue booked" this fall by the University.
TAI is pleased to announce the addition of Rich Renegar to the survey department. Rich has over ten years experience surveying in Northern and central Illinois. Rich will become a crew member of TAI's Height Modernization field team. The Team is beginning a new 156 mile line from Paris, Illinois south to Grayville, Illinois. The project includes installation of 129 new geodetic monuments and 2nd Order Class 1 leveling and ultimately submittal of the electronic data to the National Geodetic Survey for "Blue Booking".
Mike Holland, P.E. is the Central States Water Environment Association's Student Committee Chair. Mike organized this year's Student Design and Student Paper Competition which is open to graduate and undergraduate students from universities in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The competition was held in conjunction with the CSWEA Leadership academy and the Association's Annual Education Seminar in Madison, Wisconsin.
Trotter and and Associates, Inc was selected in September 2011 to provide design and bidding phase services for the Village of Bensenville watermain replacement program. This project focuses on the Jefferson Street Corridor which is served by 6" and 8" ductile iron watermain which varies in age from 40 to 70 years old. The area is subject to chronic watermain breaks, as such the Village is making significant investment into upgrade and replacement of the infrastructure to improve serve to its residents and businesses in the area. The project is being funded through local Capital Utility Funds. The improvements have been broken into three phases to correspond with the 2012, 2013 and 2014 construction seasons. Mark Bushnell and his team provided design phase and bidding services on this project to the Village.
The City of Crystal Lake was experiencing issues with the concentration of chlorides in the effluent of its Wastewater Treatment Plant #3. The major source of the chlorides was the backwash from City's Ion Exchange Water Treatment Plants. The City contracted with Trotter and Associates, Inc to implement four small projects to address the issue. The projects includes several upgrades at the water plant's to improve efficiency as well as construction of a lift station and force main to transfer backwash water from Wastewater Treatment Plant #3 to WWTP #2, which will mass balance chlorides and meet the IEPA Water Quality Standards.
Aryn Zahn has joined the firm's administrative team. Aryn received her Bachelor Degree from Benedictine University and has a degree in Business Administration. Ms. Zahn a strong background in finance and accounting having worked for a Certified Public Accounting firm for seven years prior to joining TAI.
MCCD is continuing to improve its properties through design and construction of ADA improvements as well as implementation of educational infrastructure at numerous sites throughout the County. Jim Condon, P.E. of TAI is the project manager for these projects which include site access issues, wetlands, conservation design features as well as educational opportunities.
Corey Mase is a licensed engineer in Illinois and Wisconsin. Corey has design and construction engineering experience on a wide range of civil and environmental engineering projects. Mr. Mase's areas of expertise include conservation design, site development and hydraulics and hydrology. Corey will be working out of Trotter and Associates, Inc.'s Ringwood office to expand TAI's staff focused on serving clients in McHenry and Lake County, Illinois as well as southern Wisconsin. Mr. Mase is a 2004 graduate of the University of Illinois.
Since the 1960’s the DeKalb Sanitary District had operated a sanitary sewerage lift station on the bank of the Kishwaukee River. Due to the lift station’s age and location in the floodplain of the river the existing lift station was prone significant infiltration and flooding which also created a safety concern in having to access the lift station’s electrical equipment and emergency generator. The Country Club Lift Station Improvements consisted of the demolition of the existing lift station and construction of the new Country Club Lift Station. The new lift station was constructed above the floodplain to eliminate flooding and safety concerns and is sized for the future expansion of the District’s service area which was previously insufficient. Additionally by funding this project through the IEPA and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loan program the District was able to save nearly $1 Million in project costs compared to traditional funding.
The Chicago Chapter of the American Public Works Association has selected the DeKalb Sanitary District's Country Club Lift Station as the 2012 Environmental Project of the Year for the category under $5 Million Dollars. Trotter and Associates, Inc. provided planning, design and construction engineering for the project. This is the forth TAI project to receive a Chicago Branch project of the year award in the last decade.
FRWRD has selected TAI to provide design and construction phase services for three projects. The first project includes reconstruction of Dana Drive from Illinois Route 31 to the new administration building, including drainage and street lighting improvements. The second project includes construction of a master metering station for potable water from the City of Elgin to serve the West Wastewater Treatment Facility. The Third project includes realignment of a 16" DIP along Illinois Route 25 under the Union Pacific Railroad to allow for the construction of a shoo-fly by the UP.
Jillian Goodlove graduated from the University of Illinois with a Masters in Environmental Engineering in December 2011. Jillian spent two summers as an intern with TAI and will be returning as a full time employee in early January. Jillian is an excellent addition to the firm as she is very versatile and has completed route and topographic surveys, performed sanitary sewer modeling, proficient with GIS software platforms, experienced with watershed resource projects. In addition, Jillian has already had some significant project experience with facility planning, design, specification writing,and even construction inspection.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that Tom Cichowski has joined TAI in its northern office. Tom is a registered Professional Land Surveyor with over thirty years experience working with Illinois DOT and throughout McHenry and Lake County. Trotter and Associates, Inc. has been steadily growing over the last twelve years. Approximately 25% of TAI's services are provided to communities within McHenry and Lake County. As such, Trotter and Associates, Inc. has made it a priority to invest into the northern counties and place staff close to our clients which will ultimately lower the cost of services and provide better access for our clients.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has successfully opened its new Northern office. Trotter and Associates, Inc. has been steadily growing over the last twelve years. Approximately 25% of TAI's services are provided to communities within McHenry and Lake County. As such, Trotter and Associates, Inc. has made it a priority to invest into the northern counties and place staff close to our clients which will ultimately lower the cost of services and provide better access for our clients.
This office will be an active and operational hub for McHenry and Lake County projects completed by TAI. The Northern Office will be managed by Jim Condon, P.E.. Steve Cieslica, P.E. (a Sr. Project Engineer with TAI) will be relocating to the Northern office to assist in transition and provide project management for ongoing TAI projects in McHenry and Lake County. Jason Schmitt, P.E. and Meghan Michel, P.E. will continue to serve projects within McHenry and Lake County. The office phone number is 815.728.0068
Trotter and Associates, Inc. welcomes Meghan Michel to the TAI Team. Meghan is a graduate of Bradley University and has twelve years experience in the planning, design and construction supervision of site development project throughout Northern, Illinois. Meghan is a registered Professional Engineer and will working closely with Jim Condon and Steve Cieslica in TAI's new McHenry office.
The City of Elgin is an old community which still has a significant number of combined sewers in the downtown area. These combined sewers convey both wastewater and stormwater. During rain events, the sewers can convey more flow than the Fox River Water Reclamation District can treat, which results in Combined Sewer Overflows to the Fox River. These overflows have an negative impact on the aquatic life within the Fox River. The City of Elgin is committed to mitigating the impacts of these events, action items include sewer separation as well as construction of green infrastructure improvements.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. has been working with the City to acquire grant funding for implementation of the Green Infrastructure Improvements. The City was recently awarded more than $600,000 by the Illinois EPA through the Illinois Green Infrastructures Grant Program. TAI will plan, design and oversee the construction of numerous demonstration projects throughout southwest area Elgin. These demonstration projects are intended to reduce the effects of rainfall on the collection system.
Jim Condon, P.E. has agreed to head up Trotter and Associates, Inc. new McHenry Office. Jim is a registered professional engineer with over twenty five years experience in site development, transportation and municipal infrastructure engineering. Jim has an outstanding reputation and is a detail oriented design engineer that is able to develop practical solutions to complex issues. Jim received his engineering degree from Bradley University and has been a life long resident of McHenry, Illinois.
The Village of Union is currently served by two wells. One of the wells has limited production capacity. The radium concentration in the second well is above the Illinois EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level. Several years ago, the Village constructed facilities to allow the wells to be blended together which resulted in acceptable finished water quality. The well with limited capacity has become less reliable over time. As a result, the Village received a notice of violation and immediately entered into a compliance agreement with the Illinois EPA. The compliance agreement calls for construction of an ion exchange water treatment system to remove the radium.
The Village received a $550,000 CDB Grant from McHenry County to construct Phase 1 of the new water treatment facility improvements. The project was designed in July, bid in August and has been awarded to Carmichael Construction in September. The Phase 1 Improvements are expected to be substantially complete by late December 2011.
The DeKalb Sanitary District has received an additional $2 Million dollars in funding for the rehabilitation of the Tertiary Filter Building. The project includes demolition of the existing pre-engineered metal building which is over thirty years old and replacement with a masonry structure which is more resistant to corrosion. The project also includes upgrade of the filter controls, replacement of the electrical switchgear and rehabilitation of the screw pumps. The project has been awarded to Madison Construction and is expected to be complete be early next spring.
Mike Davison has twelve years experience in the civil/ environmental engineering field. Mike joined the TAI team as a Sr. Engineering Technician and is implementing his expertise in stormwater management, microstation, water modeling and arc GIS applications.
Mr. linke provided an overview of the Illinois EPA's 319 Grant program for Green Infrastructure on June 23rd as part of a panel of experts. Rob has applied for and received several 319 Grants in past two years on behalf of TAI clients. The grant program was established to provide financial assistance for green infrastructure improvements which will enhance the water environment such as stream bank stabilization, but specifically excludes stormwater management improvements. For more information contact Rob Linke at (630) 587-0470.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. incorporated continues the tradition of providing young professionals an opportunity to expand there capabilities. This year TAI awarded internships to Jillian Goodlove of Bartlett and Aaron Barry of St. Charles. Jillian is a graduate student at the University of Illinois and is pursuing her Master in Environmental Engineering. Aaron Barry is a junior at Dayton University and seeking his Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering with a Certification in GIS System Management.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. will be providing planning, design and construction engineering services for the replacement of the City of St. Charles Operations Building and Sludge Handling Building. The project will include construction of the new facilities in two phases to allow the existing infrastructure to remain in operation throughout the project. The Project includes waste activated sludge holding, thickening, storage and pumping, as well as digested sludge holding and dewatering. The overall project cost is estimated to be $9.5 Million dollars and will be funded through the Illinois EPA Low Interest Loan Program.
Metro West Council of Governments is an association of municipalities serving a population of more than 500,000 people in DeKalb, Kane, and Kendall Counties. Metro West fosters regional cooperation to address regional issues including growth management, transportation, water conservation and sustainable development.The Council provides networking opportunities for area mayors and managers to share ideas and address common concerns.
The University of Illinois (in partnership with ISGS, IDOT and IDNR) has selected Trotter and Associates, Inc. to perform one of four projects for continuation of the Illinois Height Modernization Program. The Program is intended to establish a network of high accuracy benchmarks (both vertical and horizontal) throughout the state to allow for integration and monitoring of infrastructure.
Mr. Trotter is a registered professional engineer and a board certified specialist in water/ wastewater engineering by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. Scott has been appointed to the Water Environment Federation Board of Trustees (BOT). The Board of Trustees is the governing body of WEF and holds legal and fiduciary responsibility on behalf of WEF and its membership. The Board is comprised of the four WEF Presidents, the Executive Director, the WEF Treasure and 12 appointed trustees.
Scott has been an active member of WEF and Central States WEA since 1992. Within Central States, he has served and chaired numerous committees including the Technical Program Committee, WEFTEC Reception Committee, and WEFTEC Local Arrangements Committee in 1997, 2002 and 2008. He is also a co-founder of the University of Illinois’ WEF/AWWA Student Chapter. Scott has been a member of the Central States WEA Executive Committee since 2004 and was CSWEA President in 2006-07.
Scott has been one of two CSWEA representatives to the Water Environment Federation House of Delegates (HOD) since 2008. The House of Delegates is the deliberative and representational body of the Federation and advises the BOT on matters of Strategic Directions and Public Policy Development. While in the House of Delegates, Scott worked on several committees including the Federation Nominating Committee, Federation Audit Committee as well as Co-Chaired the HOD WEF/MA Relations Committee, and Chaired the HOD Budget Committee.
On July 14th, Trotter and Associates, Inc. hosted a listening session to the USEPA webcast dedicated to SSO and Peak Flow Policy. This proposed rulemaking affects several of TAI's clients which experience infiltration and inflow issues, basement back-ups, or maintain excess flow treatment facilities. TAI invited twenty communities to join TAI engineer's in the training room for this important learning opportunity. The USEPA webcast (which lasted approximately three hours) was designed to receive input from the public to help EPA shape changes to the stormwater program. Representatives from the USEPA briefly discussed the proposed rulemaking and policy as well as the process and schedule for moving forward. During the webcast, participants had the opportunity to provide comments or ask question or request clarifications.
Scott Trotter graduated from the University of Illinois department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 1989. Scott has been active in the profession over the last twenty years through both his work and commitment of his time to several organizations including APWA, AWWA and WEF. Scott was awarded the "Young Civil Engineer Achievement Award" by CEEAA in 1999 for his dedication to the profession and accomplishments up to that point. Scott has continued to support the University of Illinois through mentoring of undergraduate students and working with graduate program research over the last decade. Scott Trotter co-founded the WEF/AWWA student chapter at the University of Illinois in 2003. Since that humble beginning, the University has been selected to send by Central States WEA to send its design team three of the past eight years to the national competition held annually at WEFTEC. In 2005, the University of Illinois won the National Student Paper Competition.
"The mission of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association is to support the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty, staff, students and alumni and to inspire lifelong loyalty and pride among alumni and friends by developing and enhancing their continued relationship with the Department. To fulfill its mission, the Association has a Board of Directors to provide advice and counsel to the Department, to recognize distinguished alumni, to foster collegial alumni relations and alumni support of the Department, to mentor students and facilitate their entry into the civil and environmental engineering profession, to represent the Department's activities conducted by the Alumni Association, and to support the Department's public outreach activities."
The American Public Works Association (APWA) has developed a certification program for inspectors which provides training and testing to insure that the personnel responsible for overseeing installation of America's infrastructure are educated, knowledgeable and professional. The Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector certification program is intended for individuals that inspect the construction of public infrastructure (e.g., roadways, highways, utilities, bridges, dams) and facilities (e.g., pump stations, treatment plants, water storage facilities) and other types of construction work and materials to ensure compliance with plans and specifications. Duties may include observation, measurement, testing, and documentation.
Lenard Lynn of Trotter and Associates, Inc. has over twenty years experience overseeing the installation of public infrastructure. Lenard has been designated an APWA Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector "for demonstrating a high level of competence for infrastructure inspection by successfully completing examination, documenting education and work experience, and fulfilling prescribed standards of conduct and performance required for CPII."
The American Public Works Association (APWA) and Underground Contractors Association (UCA) provided a training session and demonstration of a new AXIS Guided Boring System at Trotter and Associates, Inc. offices on May 14th. This new technology allows contractor to install sanitary sewer main from manhole to manhole with intermediate excavation. This new technology was developed in Australia and is licensed through Vermeer. The demonstration included installation approximately 60 lineal feet of eight inch sanitary sewer at the TAI offices. Over hundred and fifty contractors, engineers and municipal employees attended. For more information on this new technology visit http://www2.vermeer.com/vermeer/newsroom/detail/101
Terra Move L.L.C. specializes in the protection and relocation of dry utilities. The firm has developed and patented several technologies in this growing field and is steadily increasing its project load. The Terra Move process is able to relocate most major duct banks horizontally or vertically faster and more economically than traditional construction methods. The largest advantage of the process is that it is able to relocate the existing infrastructure while in service and eliminates the time and cost associated with splicing. For more information on Terra Move visit www.terramove.com
Terra Move and Trotter and Associates, Inc. have formed a relationship which allows Terra Move to provide engineering services to its projects and clients through a sub-consultant arrangement with Trotter and Associates, Inc. This allows Terra Move to provide planning, design and construction engineering services throughout the North America.
Trotter and Associates, Inc. has developed a highly talented team of professionals and has done so through a combination of hiring experienced professionals as well as outstanding new graduates. The attributes sought by TAI management are individuals who are independent, intelligent, dedicated, team oriented, dependable, confident and personable. The skills required to be a successful member of the TAI team include good leadership and communication skills. TAI team members are required to present the facts, analysis and solutions in a comprehensive, but succinct manner so that our clients can make informed and sound decisions. Each of the team members are hardworking, organized, professional and accountable. Furthermore, TAI strives to provide members an opportunity to be involved in each phase of a project's development from concept through construction. This involvement provides each member with a better understand of how their individual contribution leads to the successful implementation of the project or program.
Recognizing the importance of practical work experience in a young professional's life and the need to develop their skills, TAI has consistently provided internship opportunities to civil and environmental engineering students. This year, TAI has committed to providing internships to two outstanding young engineers.
Aaron Berry graduated from St. Charles North High School and is currently a sophomore in civil engineering at Dayton University. Aaron will be returning to serve as an intern at TAI for the third straight year. He will be working with TAI survey department of the Illinois Height Modernization program as well as performing construction inspection duties to gain experience in the implementation of the plans and specifications.
Jillian Goodlove will be a new addition to the team. Jillian is a graduate of Bartlett High School and is currently a senior in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Jillian's concentration of coursework is in Environmental Engineering and Hydrology. Jillian will be working inside the office as well as performing field work with Mr. Trotter on water/ wastewater projects as well as Rob Linke on watershed management projects.
Rob Linke has completed the process and examination to become an ASFPM Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM). the ASFPM grants this certification only to those professionals who meet the requirements and complete a comprehensive examination on the programs and standards to reduce flood losses in the nation.
Goals of the ASFPM CFM Program are to:
- Formalize a procedure to recognize and provide an incentive for individuals to improve their knowledge of floodplain management concepts
- Enhance individual professional development goals
- Promote an understanding of relevant subject matter that is consistent nationwide
- Convey new concepts and practices
- Build partnerships among organizations and agencies that share the goal of advancing sound floodplain management
More information about the ASFPM CFM Program is easily accessible at www.floods.org under Certification.
Yellow Creek Watershed Partnership has selected Trotter and Associates, Inc. for the Phase I Feasibility Study for the Yellow Creek Fish Passage. The purpose of the project is to restore fish passage from the lower reach of Yellow Creek (and the Pecatonica River) to reach of Yellow Creek (and its tributaries) that is upstream of the Krape Park Dam in the City of Freeport.
Fishery surveys conducted by the IL Department of Natural Resources confirm that the dam in Krape Park acts as a man-made barrier to fish movement between the lower section of Yellow Creek and its upstream watershed. The dam’s design also creates a dangerous hydraulic condition at the base which constitutes a significant safety hazard potential for persons fishing / recreating in the dams tailwater or accidentally going over the dam. The Krape Park dam is recognized as a focal point and nostalgic feature of the park, and the upstream impoundment created by the dam provides a variety of recreational opportunities.
TAI staff will be working with the Yellow Creek Watershed Partnership to develop alternatives and and cost estimates to resolve the issue. This work includes review of the existing data, field topographic surveys of the affected reach, development of a electronic basefile, analysis of alternate configurations, and hydraulic modeling of the potential solutions. The final work product will be a Feasibility Report that references existing documentation, design constraints, alternative analysis, cost estimates and ultimately recommendations for design and permitting. For more information contact Rob Linke at r.linke@taiengr.com
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, permeable 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 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 and Associates, Inc. appoints James McKenzie, PLS as Director of Land Surveying. Mr. McKenzie is a graduated of Southern Illinois University and has over twenty five years experience in land surveying and engineering. Jim has completed hundreds of land and route surveying projects, such as the I-355 extension from Bolingbrook to New Lenox. Jim's qualifications and experience is a significant boost to the TAI team's capabilities to perform and successfully complete a variety of surveying and transportation projects.
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 integral 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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