community Archives - 鶹TVվ /tag/community/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:28:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Engineering for Communities: A Storied Career in Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure /engineering-for-communities-a-storied-career-in-water-wastewater-and-stormwater-infrastructure/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:25:49 +0000 /?p=247363 The post Engineering for Communities: A Storied Career in Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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鶹TVվ’ Mike Filmyer reflects on his 40‑year engineering journey in water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. Mike highlights some of the memorable projects he has been involved in and offers advice to up and coming engineers who are interested in making a difference to protect public health, preserve natural resources and help communities flourish and thrive.

For more than four decades, I have had the privilege of contributing to the design, management and improvement of water, wastewater and stormwater systems that millions of people rely on every day.

These essential yet often unseen systems form the backbone of healthy, sustainable and resilient communities. My journey in engineering has been shaped by a deep belief that infrastructure is more than pipes, pumps, tanks and treatment processes — it is about protecting public health, preserving natural resources and ensuring that communities can thrive.

A Dual Foundation in Biology and Engineering

My path into engineering began with a strong grounding in biology from St. Joseph’s University, followed by a second degree in Environmental Engineering Technology from Temple University.

The combination of biological insight and engineering rigor helped me understand not only how infrastructure works, but why it matters — especially when dealing with water quality, ecological health and regulatory compliance. Early in my career, this interdisciplinary knowledge proved invaluable as I began working in Baltimore before returning to my hometown of Glenside, Pennsylvania, where my roots and career both continued to grow.

Engineering in Service of Communities

Across my career, I’ve worked on hundreds of projects spanning water treatment plants, wastewater facilities, stormwater systems, pump stations, force mains, storage tanks and complex regulatory programs.

Each project brought its own unique challenges, but the most rewarding aspect has always been the impact on the communities we serve. Some of the highlights that continue to make me proud include:

  • An Anaerobic Digestion & Cogeneration Facility, where waste biogas was transformed into renewable energy for the community.
  • An 18-inch force main installed via Horizontal Directional Drilling under the Lehigh River, a technically complex project that protected both infrastructure and the river ecosystem.
  • A 3.4-million-gallon underground Combined Sewer Overflow storage facility, which eliminated millions of gallons of polluted discharges into local waterways. This tank was placed under a local university’s tennis courts, which were replaced as part of the project.

These projects, and many others like them, illustrate the critical role engineers play in public safety and environmental stewardship.

Technology as a Transformational Force

Over the past 40 years, technology has continually reshaped how we design and operate infrastructure. I’ve seen firsthand how advanced SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, new materials, better treatment technologies and improved hydraulic modeling have expanded what’s possible. My work on SCADA upgrades for regional authorities brought real‑time system visibility and operational reliability to facilities that previously operated with limited monitoring.

Technology has enabled us to make systems smarter, safer and more sustainable, and it will continue to drive the future of engineering.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability has been a thread running through my entire career, long before it was a buzzword. Whether designing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutant loads, preparing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewals or implementing stormwater reduction plans, I have seen how thoughtful engineering can dramatically improve environmental outcomes.

Projects such as stormwater BMPs, streambank restoration efforts or regenerative stormwater conveyance systems illustrate how engineered solutions can harmonize with natural systems.

Our responsibility as engineers is not only to solve today’s problems, but to protect ecosystems for generations to come.

Advice to the Next Generation of Engineers

One unique aspect of my career is the long-standing relationships I’ve built with my colleagues, many of whom I’ve worked with for decades. That continuity of people, knowledge and a shared mission has allowed us to take on increasingly complex challenges with confidence and collaboration.

To those entering the profession, or early in your careers, I offer a few guiding principles:

  • Stay curious. Engineering changes constantly; lifelong learning is essential.
  • Remember who you serve. Infrastructure exists for people and the environment, so keep communities at the center of every design.
  • Embrace the details. In our field, precision saves money, prevents risk and protects lives.
  • Seek mentors and be a mentor. Much of what I know came from generous colleagues who shared their expertise.
  • Stand proudly in the impact you make. Engineers often work behind the scenes, but our work shapes the world.

A Career Built on Purpose

From wastewater treatment plants to pump stations, SCADA systems to stormwater BMPs, my career has been shaped by the belief that engineering is a public trust. Every design, every calculation and every decision carries with it the responsibility to safeguard communities and the environment.

As I reflect on more than 40 years in this profession, I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve worked with and the communities our work has contributed to. And as new generations begin to lead, I am confident the future of engineering will continue to bring innovative, resilient and sustainable solutions to the challenges ahead.

Brett Haggerty

Mike Filmyer

Director of Engineering

Mike Filmyer serves as Director of Engineering at 鶹TVվ. He has more than 40 years of experience and is intimately involved in numerous design projects. It is his responsibility to guide projects from the concept phase into final design. He is responsible for the preparation of contract documents to allow for bidding and construction of various facilities. Mike’s expertise is associated with sanitary, mechanical, civil and environmental engineering tasks relating to large infrastructure projects. He is highly experienced in the design and construction of water, wastewater and stormwater facilities.

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鶹TVվ recognizes engineers who are transforming our future: Q&A with Harshal Desai /atlas-recognizes-engineers-who-are-transforming-our-future-qa-with-harshal-desai/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:32:38 +0000 /?p=247305 The post 鶹TVվ recognizes engineers who are transforming our future: Q&A with Harshal Desai appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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We caught up with 鶹TVվ’ Chief Growth Officer Harshal Desai to learn how 鶹TVվ is celebrating Engineers Week. He shares what inspired him to pursue an engineering career and why he feels passionate about encouraging students to consider a career in engineering.

was founded more than half a century ago by the to honor the important role engineering plays in our lives, as well as inspire the next generation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) professionals. And now, this special week gives us an opportunity to recognize the people behind the iconic projects that are transforming our communities and the world.

This year, Engineers Week is being celebrated February 22-28, and 鶹TVվ is excited to participate by shining a light on some of the individuals who are making a difference in our company and the communities where they live and work. The theme, “Transform Your Future,” highlights how engineering not only shapes our world, but also new opportunities, our communities and the futures we imagine for ourselves and for future generations.

We’re kicking off the week by highlighting how since joining 鶹TVվ, Harshal has mentored young minds to help them conceptualize and model cities of the future, using engineering as a tool to spark curiosity, creativity and problem-solving.

Alongside the engineering excellence that has been central to your success, you also understand the importance of developing best-in-class talent, which includes inspiring future engineering leaders. In your spare time, how are you inspiring students to love engineering?

For years, I have volunteered with middle schools, helping students with the , an educational program that brings STEAM to life for students in grades 6 through 12. The competition challenges students to envision ways they can make the world a better place by designing a city 100 years in the future.

This year’s competition challenged students to design a city that eliminates food waste from farm to table and keeps citizens healthy and safe. I see so much value from this competition because it goes beyond just engineering. It fosters imagination, societal problem-solving and multidisciplinary thinking. The students gain experience with engineering, but also hone their writing, presentation, math, science, art, history and geography skills too. A couple of years ago, my daughter’s team made it to the national competition in Washington, D.C. Schools from across the country, as well as international students, participated. It was an energetic environment and gave the students an opportunity to not only explore all the educational museums the city offers, but a great venue to socialize and learn from the other contenders.

Mentoring students has been incredibly rewarding to me, and it reinforces the importance of encouraging curiosity and interest in engineering early on.

 

What advice can you offer aspiring engineers or young engineers looking to advance their career?

Early in your career, focus on building credibility through strong technical skills by working on multi-disciplinary, complex projects and consistently do what you say you will do. As you advance, soft skills—working with others, connecting the dots and learning from different perspectives—can help open new opportunities. Stay curious, meet people and absorb as much as you can.

Why did you want to become an engineer? Did you have a special mentor that you emulated your career on?

Both of my parents were doctors, and while I was not interested in pursuing a medical degree, I was interested in science. Engineering was a good fit for me because it provides strong analytical skills that can be applied in a variety of careers.

How does your engineering background support your current role in business development?

My civil engineering background gives me a practical lens for business management. It helps me understand problems at their root, ask better questions and engage credibly with both clients and project teams. Having worked across all phases of projects—from planning to construction—has helped me focus on solutions that are practical, technically sound and aligned with client goals. That foundation builds trust and keeps conversations centered on outcomes, not just opportunities or sales.

How do you see engineers making a difference at 鶹TVվ?

What stands out to me about engineers at 鶹TVվ is how hungry and humble they are. They’re committed to learning, put the customer first and bring strong practical experience to everything they do. Many of our engineers have deep construction and field backgrounds, so they understand how things get built—not just how they’re designed. In addition, we provide several mission‑critical services, including environmental, materials and geotechnical engineering. These capabilities are highly transferable across markets—from transportation and water to data centers—creating meaningful growth opportunities for 鶹TVվ and our A‑Team, while continuing to deliver real value to our clients and communities.

Brett Haggerty

Harshal Desai

Chief Growth Officer

Harshal Desai serves as Chief Growth Officer of 鶹TVվ, responsible for driving organic growth by focusing on major accounts and marquee projects in key end markets. He brings 25+ years of experience in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry and has been involved with major infrastructure projects in U.S. and globally, with end markets including transportation, water, federal and power. He is a registered professional engineer with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering.

Harshal has built an exceptional reputation in our industry and has forged strong working relationships with key stakeholders. He is well recognized and active in the AEC community and professional organizations. Harshal has often been recognized for his endeavors, having been named one of Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) Top 20 under 40 for the Southwest region.

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Seattle’s Ready to Ride: Q&A with Slava Kurkov /seattles-ready-to-ride-qa-with-slava-kurkov/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:39:45 +0000 /?p=247145 The post Seattle’s Ready to Ride: Q&A with Slava Kurkov appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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Q&A: We caught up with 鶹TVվ’ Quality Manager Slava Kurkov to learn more about Seattle’s latest transit system upgrade – Sound Transit’s F200 Federal Way Link Extension project—and how the upgrade positively impacts the Pacific Northwest by improving connectivity for local communities.

On Saturday, December 6, celebrated a major milestone with the completion of its largest design-build project, the (FWLE) project. To prepare for the grand opening, Sound Transit spent months testing the new light rail vehicles without passengers onboard to help ensure operations run smoothly on opening day and beyond. This pre-revenue testing is essential to flawless opening operations, as well as minimizing downtime for both equipment and personnel.

Hundreds of people participated in the grand opening celebrations, attending the cultural activities, exhibits, and entertainment at each of the new stations. In partnership with Sound Transit, 鶹TVվ is proud to have had a hand in delivering the F200 link extension, which is part of Sound Transit’s larger commitment to build a 252-mile regional light rail network that will connect communities across the three counties.

Q: What is the FWLE project?

The FWLE is a new light rail line that extends the transit service 7.8 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s existing Angle Lake Station (a project 鶹TVվ helped deliver in September 2016) to Federal Way. The extension connects the South Puget Sound communities, alleviates congestion on Interstate 5 (I-5), increases regional connectivity and provides reliable, rapid and efficient transportation services—giving Seattle residents a better way to get to the airport, work, restaurants, shopping districts and more.

Additionally, the project adds three new stations—Kent Des Moines, Star Lake and Downtown Federal Way—as well as a combined 3,200 parking spaces and connections to other transit services.

Q: How will the FWLE benefit the community?

Light rail and transit projects are all about connectivity, so by expanding Seattle’s light rail network south, we are helping connect residential and economic centers. The new line will decrease the amount of time it takes for residents to get around, all while reducing windshield time and the stresses of Seattle’s well known daily commute.

Q: Tell us about your role in the FWLE project.

I served as 鶹TVվ’ Quality Manager, entrusted to help Kiewit deliver another successful Sound Transit project for the Northwest. My involvement in the project began in 2019—about a year before the Notice to Proceed, with the relocation of Highline Water District’s main waterline near 211th Street. In early 2025, I took over as the Project Quality Assurance Manager to help get us to the milestone we have today.

For 14 years, I have worked alongside Kiewit and other regional partners to deliver massive infrastructure projects, including the FWLE. I appreciate 鶹TVվ’ and Kiewit’s shared commitment to quality standards. I feel so honored to spend my career helping deliver projects of this caliber, and no matter how many projects I have seen completed throughout my career, it still amazes me to see how city landscapes change and drawings come to life. In my day-to-day role, I oversee the small individual project elements, making certain all materials, processes, building and structural components stay within contract plan and specification tolerances, so it is always fulfilling to see how 鶹TVվ and our A- team impact finished projects that bring tremendous value to communities.

Q: What was 鶹TVվ’ role in the project?

Together with Sound Transit, 鶹TVվ is pleased to help bring Seattle’s vision of connectivity to reality through our multidisciplinary professional services, including quality, environmental, engineering, and survey support.

Throughout the project, 鶹TVվ’ team completed an estimated 40,000 inspections. On one of our busiest days, we completed 65 hold point inspections, including 14 separate concrete placements—supported by 17 inspectors and 5 technicians. Furthermore, the Quality Assurance team oversaw work completed by more than 35 contractors and subcontractors, which required close coordination with more than 10 major entities and jurisdictions, including Sound Transit, WSDOT, the Cities of SeaTac, Des Moines, Kent and Federal Way, as well as King County Metro, Highline Water District, Midway Sanitary District and Lakehaven Water and Sewer.

In addition to the thousands of inspections completed, 鶹TVվ’ team oversaw the concrete work required to get the job done. We poured approximately 163,000 cubic yards of concrete. To put that into perspective, consider filling up16,300 concrete mixers, which would be enough concrete to fill 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools or pave a standard 4-foot-wide sidewalk for 625 miles (the distance from Seattle to Sacramento). Our technicians also cast 37,562 concrete cylinders for strength testing, which is enough concrete to fill approximately 8 truckloads of concrete or 81 cubic yards—all to make 4”x 8” cylinders. We are talking about a lot of concrete work to say the least!

Q: What was one of the biggest challenges you faced on the FWLE project and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges we faced on the FWLE project was the unexpected redesign of the Structure C bridge near South 259th Place and I-5, where unstable and liquefiable soil in a wetland area posed construction challenges. Due to a potential landslide in the area and existing soil type, the design-build team had to completely redesign the bridge; however, while this engineering challenge presented a hurdle for the team, the resulting innovative bridge design by Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering and the talented group of craftsmen makes the light rail more resilient to seismic events and environmental elements for generations to come.鶹TVվ’ A-team jumped in quickly to complete the 1,100-ft-long structure located on a 50-ft-high embankment, to keep the project on schedule, with zero quality concerns.

Q: What was one of the lessons you learned working on this project that you will be able to take to the next big project you work on?

At 鶹TVվ, we value people, and as a result, I’ve always said that we are first and foremost a people company with a desire and capability to oversee and solve complex technical challenges. I strive to lead by empowering our team to not only understand our role in the industry, but to look at challenges, identify a solution and keep looking for the next opportunity—this is what makes 鶹TVվ great. We genuinely believe that our people are the difference.

By working on complex projects, we provide value to our staff, who then pay it forward in the work they do for our clients and their communities. No matter the problem or situation at hand, there is always a competent, qualified and eager individual within the organization ready to tackle our clients’ biggest challenges. This is the 鶹TVվ difference and working on Sound Transit’s FWLE project gave our team of 55 inspectors and testers, who made an impact on the project, gain the experience and confidence required to continue making a difference.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to construction quality management?

As a teen, I began working in my family’s business, specializing in custom home building and tenant improvement projects in the South Puget Sound area. Understanding and delivering on clients’ needs is something I learned from an early age. Staying busy, staying engaged and focusing on results are lessons I learned early in life and continue to implement today, at home and at work.

I studied Construction Management at Central Washington University, and following graduation, I contributed to upgrading WWII-era company operations facilities and barracks at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. However, driven by a passion for solving complex problems, I leaned into the heavy civil side of construction, and each day has been rewarding in its own ways.

Throughout my career, I’ve taken on pivotal quality roles in several high-profile projects, including the I-405/SR520 expansion in Bellevue, Washington and the construction of the new SR 520 floating bridge across Lake Washington. These mega projects solidified my love for delivering quality work because they require a strong understanding of the plans and specifications. I thoroughly enjoy working closely with our clients and teams to build a culture that values quality too, so when Sound Transit rolled out their East Link Expansion program in 2016, I was eager to take part and enjoyed the challenges and problem solving it has brought every day.

One of the things I love most about my job and the region I work in is knowing that when one project ends, there’s always another coming down the pipeline. Each project and challenge are new opportunities to understand and grow personally and professionally. I will undoubtfully apply lessons I learned from this project to future work and continue developing a team focused on quality and doing the right thing. I look forward to partnering with Sound Transit on additional expansions and helping them fulfill its mission to extend transit systems to West Seattle and Ballard, as well as the Tacoma Dome Link Extensions, in the near future and beyond.

Slava Kurkov

Slava Kurkov

Northwest Region Branch Manager

Slava Kurkov serves as the Branch Manager for 鶹TVվ’ Northwest region, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the construction and quality management industry. He joined 鶹TVվ in 2012. Slava began his construction career as a teenager with a family-owned business, specializing in custom home building and tenant improvement projects in the South Puget Sound area. After earning his Construction Management degree from Central Washington University, Slava contributed to upgrading WWII-era company operations facilities and barracks at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Driven by a passion for the heavy civil side of construction, Slava took on pivotal quality roles in several high-profile projects, including the I-405/SR520 expansion in Bellevue, Washington and the construction of the new SR 520 floating bridge across Lake Washington. As Quality Manager for 鶹TVվ, he also played a critical role in the Sound Transit East Link Expansion and the Federal Way Link Extension projects.

Slava’s approach to quality management emphasizes not only delivering the right product the first time but also fostering communication with owners to build trust, respect and collaborative project outcomes. He believes that a project focused on quality enhances schedule adherence, ensures profitability and strengthens relationships with all stakeholders.

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鶹TVվ helps improve traffic for Texas communities /atlas-helps-improve-traffic-for-texas-communities/ Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:10:38 +0000 /?p=247116 The post 鶹TVվ helps improve traffic for Texas communities appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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鶹TVվ has partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to improve mobility and manage traffic congestion in Austin. Our latest endeavor will help ease congestion along .

On October 28, TxDOT crews on the $58.5 million project, and 鶹TVվ was there to help turn the dirt. The project includes a new overpass bridge on SH 71 over the existing signalized intersection at Tucker Hill Lane, new one-way frontage roads, and improved and expanded pedestrian and bicycle lanes. This work is among several projects to enhance travel from Bastrop to Austin as part of TxDOT’s more extensive Hwy. 71 East Corridor plan—a plan that will eliminate all traffic signals on SH 71 between Austin and Houston.

Providing construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the Tucker Hill Lane intersection project, 鶹TVվ is helping improve the intersection, which serves as a major corridor for motorists traveling to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the city of Bastrop and other central Texas communities. With more than 50,000 vehicles traversing these roads daily, this project will enhance safety and better manage congestion on one of the city’s busiest roadways.

“With growing communities comes a need to improve mobility and make communities more accessible to pedestrians and motorists,” said Joe Fiello, 鶹TVվ Central Texas Sector Lead, Infrastructure. “鶹TVվ’ work with TxDOT is helping enhance safety not only for kids walking to school and people biking to work but is also improving mobility and reducing congestion on highly traveled roads.”

The project is expected to wrap up in the fall of 2028.

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From Calling to Impact: How Brownfields Work Transforms Communities /from-calling-to-impact-how-brownfields-work-transforms-communities/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:49:53 +0000 /?p=246699 The post From Calling to Impact: How Brownfields Work Transforms Communities appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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In this article, National Brownfields Director Kelly Schmitt reflects on her brownfields journey and how community-centered approaches transform environmental challenges into opportunities for economic revitalization, cultural preservation and lasting community change.

Kelly Schmitt
National Brownfields Director

Some careers are just jobs. Mine has been a calling. From the very first brownfields grant I supported to the work I lead today at 鶹TVվ, the focus has remained the same: helping communities reclaim their past to build a more sustainable future.

When I started my brownfields journey, I had no idea how deeply it would shape my perspective. One of the earliest and most memorable projects I was involved in was in Miles City, Montana, where we supported the cleanup of the Old Holy Rosary Hospital, an aging, shuttered building that had outlived its original purpose. Working alongside the local housing authority to secure funding, the vision was transformative: convert an urban blight into affordable housing that families desperately needed.

The day I left Montana, I heard a story on the radio about the grand opening of that very housing project. It was a full-circle moment that encapsulates why this work is so important. I didn’t get to see the ribbon-cutting or witness the first family move in, but I knew I had played a small part in making it possible. In brownfields work, we don’t always get to witness the end result, but that doesn’t make the job any less rewarding.

Another project I worked on that exemplifies the broader potential of brownfields work is the Garden of Surging Waves in Astoria, Oregon, a public park and cultural heritage site celebrating Chinese American history. It’s a beautiful, meaningful space rooted in community pride and cultural healing, and it exists in part because brownfields funding helped clear the way. These projects highlight the power of brownfields work to not only improve environmental conditions but also help communities tell their stories and shape their identities.

“We help create housing where there was once hazard, parks where there was once pollution and hope where there was once disinvestment. Even when our names aren’t on plaques, we know our efforts made those moments possible.”

— Kelly Schmitt, National Brownfields Director, 鶹TVվ

Like many professionals, my path hasn’t been linear. I left consulting temporarily, but I continued writing brownfields grants because the work kept calling me back. During that hiatus, I worked for a nonprofit social services organization in Milwaukee, helping secure funding for youth programs, housing initiatives and mental health services. That experience was eye-opening. It introduced me to challenges I had never directly encountered and deepened my empathy for communities we serve.

When I returned to brownfields work, I brought a broader, more compassionate perspective, recognizing that our efforts extend far beyond land reuse to encompass the lives that are fundamentally shaped by environmental and economic conditions.

My role at 鶹TVվ allows me to bring all this experience together — technical expertise, grant writing and a passion for community impact. I’m part of a team that shares these values and commits to helping local governments, regional agencies and nonprofits transform uncertainty into opportunity. We approach each project understanding that environmental sustainability, economic revitalization and community development are all interconnected.

Brownfields work is rarely fast-paced or glamorous, and its impact often remains invisible to the broader public. But the patience required is worth it. Each successful project becomes a catalyst that ripples through generations, creating opportunities for families and businesses that might never have existed otherwise.

That legacy is a privilege to be part of, and it’s why 鶹TVվ remains committed to this essential work.

Brett Haggerty

Kelly Schmitt

National Brownfields Director

Kelly Schmitt leads 鶹TVվ’ nationwide brownfields initiative, bringing over two decades of experience in brownfields redevelopment, environmental assessment, remediation, and grant writing. Her expertise spans everything from conducting Phase I ESAs to writing Records of Decision for complex state superfund sites. Kelly has written multiple EPA-approved QAPPs and has navigated regulatory frameworks like RCRA to achieve critical outcomes, including contained-out determinations.

She has overseen work on a wide range of sites, including former mine lands, landfills, sawmills, and commercial buildings with asbestos. As Brownfields Director, she works closely with local governments and nonprofits to secure and manage EPA, EDA, and USDA funding. Kelly has solely secured 27 EPA brownfields grants and assisted with hundreds more.

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Innovation in Urban Mobility and Sustainable Development /innovation-in-urban-mobility-and-sustainable-development/ Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:25:32 +0000 /?p=245308 The post Innovation in Urban Mobility and Sustainable Development appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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Investing in AI to Build Next-Generation Infrastructure

, offering solutions to some of the biggest challenges in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. As the demand for infrastructure rises, organizations are turning to AI to address skilled labor shortages, improve efficiency and promote sustainability.

The global infrastructure gap — estimated at $15 trillion — calls for smarter, more efficient approaches. AI is already helping bridge this gap by automating repetitive tasks, such as converting complex 3D models into manageable formats, freeing engineers to focus on more critical work. These AI-powered tools are reducing costs and improving resource efficiency in projects.

AI’s impact also extends to waste reduction and energy efficiency. Digital twins and machine learning models can detect off-spec materials and excessive energy use, allowing real-time adjustments that minimize waste and optimize sustainability. In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront, AI is driving more responsible design and construction practices by cutting material waste and promoting greener designs.

Beyond that, AI is revolutionizing operations through . Digital twins powered by AI can optimize energy use and space management, making buildings more efficient and cost-effective to operate. AI’s ability to simulate various scenarios enhances renovation and retrofitting, allowing for faster, more cost-effective updates to existing infrastructure.

As AI technology evolves, its role in infrastructure development will continue to grow. By combining human expertise with AI-driven insights, the AEC industry is better equipped to build sustainable, resilient infrastructure that meets future demands.

Building Community Through “15-Minute Cities”

In cities around the world, the concept is gaining traction as a model for accessible, sustainable and community-focused urban design. Based on an idea championed by Carlos Moreno, a professor at the Sorbonne University in Paris and special envoy for smart cities for the mayor of Paris, the goal of the 15-minute city is to create neighborhoods where all essential services are within a short walk or bike ride. By reducing dependency on cars, the model fosters healthier lifestyles, lowers emissions and creates vibrant, locally focused communities.

This vision isn’t just for Europe — U.S. cities are exploring ways to adapt the concept to American landscapes. Cleveland, Ohio, a city known for its automotive heritage, is one of the leaders. Under , Cleveland has been to encourage denser, walkable neighborhoods where local businesses and public transit options take priority over sprawling developments. The initiative shows how even car-centric U.S. cities can pivot towards a people-focused approach, proving that this urban model can adapt to cities of all shapes, sizes and histories.

As support for walkable cities grows, , showing the impact of accessible urban design and fostering public awareness and engagement. While implementing the 15-minute city concept poses challenges, particularly for cities built around cars, the potential benefits — healthier communities, reduced pollution and a better quality of life — make it a transformative strategy for the future.

Source SFGate | Geary Boulevard intersection in San Francisco.

San Francisco’s Largest Subway Project Proposed for Geary and 19th Avenue

San Francisco is — a transit solution along Geary Boulevard and 19th Avenue that could turn a 75-year-old dream into reality. The plan envisions an underground line connecting the city’s west side to downtown, offering major relief for the nearly 50,000 daily riders who brave the 38 Geary and 38R Geary Rapid bus lines.

The subway would link key destinations like Stonestown Galleria, San Francisco State University and Daly City BART while providing much-needed connections to the East Bay and San Mateo County. The project is part of a broader effort, the ConnectSF initiative, which aims to reshape how people move through the city.

Community feedback has been enthusiastic, with many hoping the city can pick up pace. If approved, the subway could create 81,000 jobs, shave off 48% of transit time during rush hour and help address the city’s housing and transit needs. But, with an estimated $20 billion price tag, the project is far from pocket change. The (SFCTA) planners call it a “generational, transformative project” — a bold step toward making downtown traffic jams a thing of the past.

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Transformative Housing Initiatives: From Small Towns to Urban Skylines /transformative-housing-initiatives-from-small-towns-to-urban-skylines/ Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:22:06 +0000 /?p=244727 The post Transformative Housing Initiatives: From Small Towns to Urban Skylines appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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Source Eugene V. Debs Hall | The transformed tavern in Buffalo, NY now a community hub.

Addressing Cincy’s Housing Crisis

In Cincinnati, planners, developers, and designers from the New Urbanism and Strong Towns movements convened to tackle the urgent housing crisis.

The conference, organized by Strong Towns and the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), spotlighted the urgent need for affordable and diverse housing solutions, emphasizing how local residents can unite to propel development initiatives forward.

founder Charles Marohn sparked discussions among attendees from his new book “Escaping the House Trap,” which included prominent figures like architect Peter Calthorpe, who advocated for market-driven solutions over public housing.

The event highlighted Cincinnati’s zoning code rewrite, “,” aimed at increasing housing density and converting businesses into residential spaces. Mayor Aftab Pureval stressed the importance of addressing segregation and rising home prices.

The conference painted a hopeful picture of small-town America leading the charge in creating affordable housing through community-driven projects.

It showcased success stories like the transformation of a vacant tavern in Buffalo, NY, into a , illustrating the power of local initiatives!

An 鶹TVվ project of a former mall in Burlington, VT that is underway for CityPlace Burlington.

Small Cities and Federal Funds

Smaller US cities face significant challenges in securing federal funds for clean energy and climate projects due to complex grant applications.

Landmark legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS Act make billions available for local economies, clean energy, and environmental justice. However, larger cities with more resources have historically dominated grant opportunities.

Towns often lack the expertise and budget for detailed grant writing, as seen in Jackson, MS, during its water crisis.

The stakes are high, with up to $2.2 trillion in potential funding. Technical assistance and dedicated grant writers are crucial for these cities to compete. Initiatives like the Local Infrastructure Hub and the EPA’s $1.5 billion investment in technical assistance aim to level the playing field.

Efforts are ongoing to streamline the grant application process, including oral interviews and resubmission pilots. Elected officials in states like Colorado are to ensure equitable fund distribution.

The goal is to help smaller cities access essential funding for transformative projects and address systemic environmental racism.

鶹TVվ specializes in helping small towns navigate the complexities of grant applications, especially for brownfields redevelopment projects, ensuring they secure the funding needed for vital community improvements.

Reach out to National Brownfields Director, , today to learn how we can support your town’s growth and sustainability.

kelly.schmitt@oneatlas.com

Source world-architects.com | Tower at Eagle + West in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Brooklyn’s Greenpoint Waterfront Reimagined

Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood has been transformed by the striking residential towers known as Eagle + West.

These visually captivating towers appear as if they’re constantly shifting, depending on the viewpoint. From one angle, they resemble moving boxes; from another, .

Eagle + West represents a significant effort to rezone and rejuvenate Greenpoint’s waterfront. This development is part of a broader initiative that has revitalized 1.6 miles of waterfront, creating new parks and housing.

The towers, with their angular design, maximize residential space while adhering to zoning restrictions, offering terraces with sweeping views of New York.

Eagle + West includes 745 apartments, ranging from studios to three bedrooms. The development features a mix of market-rate and affordable units, amenities, and individual lobbies. The unique shape of the towers ensures they integrate with both the waterfront and the surrounding neighborhood.

The dynamic facade, made of precast concrete with a corduroy texture, adds to the buildings’ striking appearance. Eagle + West marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of the New York skyline, blending innovative design with community integration.

These towers prove that in Greenpoint, even the buildings have character!

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American Wetlands Month: When Isles Vanish /american-wetlands-month-when-isles-vanish/ Thu, 25 May 2023 17:09:17 +0000 /?p=243895 The post American Wetlands Month: When Isles Vanish appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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鶹TVվ volunteers from our Duluth, Ga., office pose next to a pile of refuse they collected at the ninth Great Gwinnett Wetlands Cleanup of Bethesda Park in Lawrenceville, an annual event hosted by Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and its partners at the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources.

At its pinnacle, the Isle de Jean Charles in coastal Louisiana harbored over 300 families across 22,000 acres of marshland.

But in the span of 50 years, almost 90 percent of the landscape went underwater, forcing residents to migrate toward the mainland.

Factors like rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and over-exploitation of resources continue to threaten historic island communities. In fact, the Bayou State loses about one football field’s worth of land per hour to the sea and has shrunk 2,000 square miles in less than a century.

Inland wetlands on the other hand face threats like widespread agriculture, invasive species, and pollution.

In total, the world has lost 35 percent of all wetlands since 1970.

They’re disappearing three times faster than forests.

Why it Matters

  • Coral reefs as well as ‘blue-carbon’ wetlands such as mangroves and seagrasses provide cost-effective disaster-risk reduction solutions to protect communities against storm surges.
  • Inland ecosystems, such as peatlands and rivers absorb excess water to prevent floods and drought.
  • Wetlands can retain significant percentages of pollutants such as nitrates, ammonium, and phosphorus.
  • In the US, more thanone-third of all threatened and endangered specieslive exclusively in wetlands.
  • Water purification and waste treatment, flood control and storm protection, carbon storage and sequestration, fisheries, and recreational opportunities provided by wetlands are globally valued at$47 trillion a year.

The EPA launched in 1991 to raise annual awareness about the most biologically diverse and fragile ecosystems in the world. You don’t have to be a policymaker or stakeholder to help combat flood risk and land loss…

Just search for upcoming local volunteering events or organize your own and assemble a good group of colleagues to accompany you.

From the Everglades to the ecosystems in our own backyards, we all have the power to help restore segments of our environment.

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Bike to Work Day – Transforming the Way We Commute and Connect with Our Community /bike-to-work-day-transforming-the-way-we-commute-and-connect-with-our-community/ Tue, 05 Jul 2022 17:09:15 +0000 /?p=243246 The post Bike to Work Day – Transforming the Way We Commute and Connect with Our Community appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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As someone passionate about urban development and its impact on the environment, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Bike to Work Day has always been one of my favorite events in San Diego, CA.

Why participate in Bike to Work Day? The reasons are endless, but mainly, it —

  • Supports climate and sustainability action plans by providing an alternative to using cars such as cycling and public transportation
  • Provides the opportunity for us to see and experience new public transportation infrastructure
  • Creates awareness of cyclists and the need to share the road
  • Connects us to our communities! We are far more likely to chat with a neighbor while on a bike at a light than in a car with the windows rolled up and radio on
  • Supports our need to start the day with fresh air, sunshine, and smiles before work.

This year was particularly special because my partner and I decided to test our new electric bicycle (e-bike) by riding 15 miles tandem from our home to work. We knew it would be an adventure, but it was important to me to see the progress San Diego has made for bike infrastructure, and I was impressed!

Our ride was magical and fun! We took the newly completed Rose Creek Bikeway (as of 2021) which connects key areas for businesses, students, and tourists with green bike paths, protected lanes, and private bikeways made to keep us safe. Connectivity is still an issue, but I am seeing progress every year. There are unfinished areas where bike lanes would disappear, putting us in dangerous zones with cars whizzing by at high speeds. I am hopeful that with more awareness, meaningful environmental action will follow.

Author:

Amanda Barbagallo | Digital Marketing Manager | ATLAS

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Our Wetlands Are Choking – A Volunteer’s Life Changing Experience /our-wetlands-are-choking-a-volunteers-life-changing-experience/ Tue, 14 Jun 2022 22:37:42 +0000 /?p=243234 The post Our Wetlands Are Choking – A Volunteer’s Life Changing Experience appeared first on 鶹TVվ.

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This is what is sitting in our wetlands! Beautiful green space for us to cherish. The lush greenery helps to clean the air, gives natural purifiers for our water, and provides a natural habitat for many species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals which are essential to our ecosystem. But this is what lives there.

Last month, I joined a team of my colleagues from 鶹TVվ along with other volunteers in a clean-up effort for the Great Gwinnett Wetlands. We cleaned up trash from the floodplain and wetlands bordering a section of Sweetwater Creek. There were times that I had to pause to just look at and touch the variety of plants growing, the water lilies that thrive and the colors that are so vibrant and alive there. It was simply breathtaking beauty.

Our work area was located on the right bank of Sweetwater Creek on the property of Bethesda Park, but cut-off from the Park by the creek itself. The area has a sewer easement running through it, which provided excellent access to the wetlands, and is surrounded by residential development. In just three hours, a crew of 17 volunteers cleaned approximately eight acres of wetlands along a 2,300ft. section of the creek. In the end, an estimated 1,800 pounds of trash were collected in 94 bags, 15 tires, a mattress, and water heater, and a bicycle.

As I walked along picking up garbage, there were two things that struck me. How does all this trash end up in these wetlands? Second, there are so many simple things that can be done to keep these life-giving spaces safe, healthy and beautiful for generations to come.

To answer the first question – trash thrown in parking lots, roadways, ball fields, restaurants, on the streets gets swept up with floodwaters and back into rivers and creeks, and then into these wetland areas. Wetlands across the US provide many important services to the environment and to the public. They offer critical habitats for fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife; they purify polluted waters; and they help check the destructive power of floods and storms. Wetlands act as natural water purifiers, filtering sediment and absorbing many pollutants in surface waters. In some wetland systems, this cleansing function also enhances the quality of groundwater supplies. I am fascinated by the fact that wetlands present along rivers and streams absorb energy and store water during storms, which reduces downstream flood damage and lessens the risk of flash floods. The slow release of this stored water over time can help keep streams flowing during periods of drought. As a foodie, I love that wetlands provide food, cover, spawning, and nursery grounds for freshwater and marine life including trout, striped bass, pike, sunfish, crappie, crab, and shrimp. And, they are particularly vital to many migratory bird species. Nearly 7000 plant species live in U.S. wetlands, many of which can only survive in these wet environments.*

Wetlands are a productive and valuable resource that is worthy of protection and restoration. But all this beauty and value to our environment is at risk – simply because we are careless about how we dispose of our trash. And talk about TRASH! There were mattresses, a water heater, tires, children’s toys, soccer balls, and tennis balls! But the overwhelming item discarded in this wetland area was plastic bottles.

Just google plastic bottles and the impact on the environment, and you can spend hours reading about the ravaging effects that it has on the ocean, marine life, wetlands, the ecosystem, and it goes on and on. I am not an environmental scientist, nor do I claim to be an expert on the impact of BPA or plastic on our bodies, but what I saw and picked up was enough for me to make a change.

Driving home from that cleanup effort, my overriding thought was, I HAVE TO DO BETTER! Here’s what I plan to do moving forward.

First, I must apologize to my daughter who has consistently encouraged me to stop buying plastic water bottles at home. I have stopped! And here are some other simple things that I am doing:

  1. Carry an eco-friendly reusable water bottle
  2. Reduce my use of plastics, and if I can’t, then reuse and recycle all plastic
  3. Use the water filter at home—I already have one in my refrigerator
  4. Working with my office to implement a water purifying system
  5. Carry reusable grocery bags to the store
  6. Skip the straw and lid at the restaurant
  7. Get educated, volunteer, and contribute in any other way that I can.

And I hope you will consider doing just one, or however many more meaningful steps you can take to protect our wetlands…our environment.

As we were cleaning up, John Butler, Gwinnett County’s Water Resources Outreach Manager, mentioned that this type of event is not just about getting all the trash from the Wetland area. A trash cleanup helps, but it is only a short-term solution. This effort is about raising the awareness of the volunteers so they can talk about it to someone else, and hopefully influence change.

I am certainly more aware, and I will work to make a change. I hope you will too.

Author:

Karlene Baron | Director of Communications | 鶹TVվ

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