Regulatory Agency Coordination
Coordination with regulatory agencies is an integral part of our projects. Each agency serves a different purpose. O’Brien Engineering helps our clients work with these agencies to achieve a goal that is both economical and in line with industry standards.
Why Do We Need Regulatory Agencies?
Regulatory agencies set and enforce codes and standards across the entire engineering industry. It is important to follow universal practices to ensure project quality and safety.
These standards apply to the actual engineering project and the people involved in completing it. Professional engineers need to meet detailed education standards for specific roles within a project. Regulatory agencies monitor an engineer’s qualifications and hold them to precise ethical standards.
Project standards apply to tangible materials and documentation but are also needed for the building process. Proper steps are taken to ensure the final build is safe and will serve its intended design purpose. Standards also apply to build site safety. These protect the workers during the build process.
Collaboration among multiple organizations and industries is easier when everyone is following the same guidelines.
O’Brien Engineering regularly works with the following agencies:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Commissions on Environmental Quality
OEI maintains many certifications. These professional certifications demonstrate the quality of our expertise and our ability to meet industry standards consistently.
OEI Work with USACE Fort Worth
Beginning in 2017, OEI began working on a project with USACE Forth Worth to update the USACE Fort Worth District water control manual. The project includes plans for five of the twenty-eight lakes and dams in the district. USACE Fort Worth provided OEI with a plan for dam operations. These include emergency plans, flood control, and hydroelectric power production.
Using this information, the OEI team conducts research and provides additional data in the form of graphs, maps, and tables. Once the information is collected, OEI prepares documents and provides editorial support.
OEI continues to work with USACE and other federal agencies on multiple projects. Check out our Federal Experience packet for more information on current and completed coordination and collaborative projects.