What Are Environment Studies and Why Does Your Infrastructure Project Need One?
Every infrastructure project, from a new roadway or dam to a military facility renovation or water system upgrade, has an environmental footprint. Understanding that footprint before construction begins is not just good practice – it is a regulatory, legal, and community obligation. Environment studies are the structured, data-driven assessments that make that understanding possible. For […]
Environmental Licenses and Permits for Civil Engineering Projects: What You Need to Know in 2026
Civil engineering projects take place in the real world, and the real world has rivers, wetlands, floodplains, aquifers, and ecosystems that do not pause for construction schedules. Environmental licenses and permits are the legal framework that governs how infrastructure projects interact with those natural systems, from the first equipment on site through the life of […]
What Is Environmental Design in Civil Engineering?
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, civil engineers have a professional responsibility to integrate sustainability into infrastructure design, addressing environmental, social, and economic outcomes across the full lifecycle of every project. Environmental design is how that responsibility is put into practice: it is the discipline of planning, designing, and building infrastructure that minimizes […]
Dam and Levee Safety: What Owners Need to Understand About Levee Design
Flood protection infrastructure rarely fails without warning. In most cases, dams and levees deteriorate gradually, responding to repeated flood loading, aging materials, and changing environmental conditions. The challenge is that many of the most serious risks are not immediately visible. Understanding how levees behave over time, how levee design influences long-term performance, and when engineering […]
Dam Engineering: 4 Key Considerations for Safe, Sustainable Design
Dam engineering requires more than structural design. Effective solutions must account for water behavior, soil conditions, regulatory requirements, and long term environmental impact. O’Brien Engineering, Inc. recently managed a multidisciplinary team project at an infantry training camp for the Texas Army National Guard. It required close coordination across engineering disciplines to address hydrologic, geotechnical, and […]
Dam Rehabilitation North Texas: Managing Flood Risk in a Changing Landscape
Flooding remains the most common natural disaster in the United States, and North Texas continues to experience increased exposure due to population growth, land development, and evolving rainfall patterns. Areas once considered low risk are now facing greater flood potential as runoff volumes increase and infrastructure is pushed beyond its original design assumptions. Proactive planning […]
Texas Flooding Fast Facts
A unique combination of geography, climate, and development patterns shapes Texas flooding. From intense rainfall events to rapid urban growth, flood risk across the state continues to evolve, directly affecting infrastructure planning, public safety, and project viability. Understanding how flooding occurs in Texas helps communities and project owners make informed decisions before risk becomes damage. […]
Dam Rehabilitation, Dallas and Beyond
Dams across the Dallas region play a critical role in flood control, water supply, and public safety. Many of these structures were built decades ago and were designed using standards that have since evolved. As infrastructure ages, dam rehabilitation Dallas communities rely on becomes essential to address structural deterioration, hydraulic limitations, and updated regulatory requirements. […]
O’Brien Engineering, a SDVOSB Certified Business
O’Brien Engineering, Inc. is a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Owned and operated by an honorably discharged disabled veteran, the firm brings a service-driven mindset to engineering work that supports critical public infrastructure. Table of Contents SDVOSB certification is more than a designation. It reflects eligibility for federal programs designed to expand […]
Dam and Levee Safety and Floodplain Risk Analysis
Dam and levee safety influences how communities plan, develop, and protect land in flood-prone areas. As infrastructure ages and development increases, watersheds continue to change. Understanding how these structures perform under evolving water conditions—and how they influence floodplain risk—is essential to protecting lives, property, and public resources. Table of Contents Floodplain risk analysis helps engineers […]