Utility easement rights: Understanding project, legal, and landowner implications
Utility easement rights can be extremely complicated and vary widely among locations. A documented easement gives an individual or agency the right to use or access a property for a specific purpose. In the case of civil engineers, an easement can be used when implementing or updating infrastructure. An easement grants access to private property […]
Wastewater Collection System Design FAQ
Wastewater collection system design is integral to the proper management of a community’s water resource management system. More than 3.5 billion people don’t have access to properly managed sanitation. Civil engineers continue to work with communities and other entities to provide more efficient water management systems. Here are three frequently asked questions about basic wastewater […]
Texas GIS Map Guides Planning
A Texas GIS map has many applications when planning, implementing, and maintaining community infrastructure. A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer representation of specific data sets that can be layered and analyzed. GIS technology is used in almost every industry with a multitude of practical applications. Mapping Benefits The ability to layer data that […]
Floodplain Development Permit Needs
A floodplain development permit is required before any construction or development of any type begins in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Communities are responsible for ensuring all proposed developments attain the required documentation and approvals as mandated by local, state, and federal law. Furthermore, a community must develop floodplain management ordinances to ensure the […]
Environment Studies and Sustainable Community Planning
Environment studies are imperative for community decision makers. These reports contain empirical data of the environmental impact of current or potential infrastructure. The beginning of the industrial revolution created a need for regulations that prevent pollution. Introducing any type of waste substance into an environment can have major consequences to land, water, plants, animals, and […]
National Flood Experts Predict Higher Flood Incidents
National flood experts collect and interpret data regarding water movement. These observations have multiple applications including the prediction of future event intensity, rate of occurrence, and response recommendations. The results of new studies indicate the coastal areas of the United States, including the gulf of Mexico, will see a higher rate of flooding in the […]
Dam and Levee Safety and Floodplain Risk Analysis
Analysis of dams and levees within the context of adjacent floodplain management and planning is a practice that evolves over time. With more information about past structure failures, industry experts are able to use current trends and technologies to create better processes increasing structure viability and safety. FEMA Dam and Levee Safety Analysis In 2013, […]
What are Phase Construction Services?
What are Phase Construction Services? Phase construction services are project management services provided by an expert to ensure each step or phase of a project is properly completed. Each phase of a construction project takes specific skills to coordinate while ensuring a quality end product that aligns with regulations and stakeholder expectations. 5 Steps of […]
Substantial Damage Estimator from FEMA
The FEMA substantial damage estimator is one of the tools used to assess the state of structures after a flood. Community planners must coordinate with many levels of government in order to provide protection against flooding and recovery plans to mitigate damage if a flooding event occurs. In order to be eligible for flood insurance […]
Facility Condition Assessment Services and Sustainability
Population growth in urban settings creates unique challenges. Community infrastructure systems are undergoing elevated stress. These stresses increase the urgency for community planners to evaluate and plan for future generations. Facility condition assessment services are needed to aid planners in making informed decisions. The ability to properly evaluate the state of infrastructure greatly impacts the level […]