• The Importance of Site Selection in Land Development Projects

    By:Triad Engineering

    The importance of site selection in land development further emphasizes the critical role that civil engineers play in the success and sustainability of development projects. To ensure the project is economically viable, one must consider the many factors that play into the feasibility of a project. Factors such as accessibility, the environment, the availability of infrastructure, and mitigation of other risks (underlying soil/rock quality, flooding, seismic activity, contamination, etc.) must be considered to ensure that the project is successful, sustainable, and resilient for the long term while minimizing risks and maximizing benefits for all stakeholders involved. Some of the many facets of the analysis that goes into site selection include:

    1. Optimizing Land Use: The importance of selecting sites that maximize land use efficiency while minimizing environmental impact is critical. This may involve evaluating existing land conditions, potential for redevelopment or repurposing, potential for future growth and development, and the proposed site’s compatibility with the surrounding land uses.
    2. Earthwork and Excavation: Underscores the role of geotechnical engineering in managing earthwork and excavation operations, including slope stability analysis and cut-fill optimization.
    3. Slope Stability Analysis: Geotechnical engineering analysis helps to understand the slope stability of the soils and rock strata to mitigate risks of landslides and erosion, especially in hilly or unstable terrain.
    4. Ground Improvement Techniques: Various ground improvement methods can be necessary to enhance soil strength and stability, such as compaction, soil stabilization, and reinforcement. These factors must not be overlooked in the planning of any land development project.
    5. Retaining Structures: Involves a needs assessment and, as appropriate, the design of any potential requirement of retaining structures, such as retaining walls and embankments to support vertical or lateral earth pressures and prevent soil erosion. These are real costs that can affect the viability of a project and must be considered.
    6. Infrastructure Accessibility: Emphasis on the significance of choosing sites with convenient access to transportation networks, utilities, and other essential infrastructure to support construction activities and future operations.
    7. Environmental Considerations: Addresses the need to assess environmental factors such as soil quality, hydrology, vegetation, wildlife habitat, and sensitive ecosystems when selecting sites, emphasizing the importance of minimizing ecological disturbance and preserving natural resources.
    8. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that selected sites comply with applicable zoning regulations, land use ordinances, environmental protection laws, and permitting requirements minimizes legal and regulatory challenges during project implementation.
    9. Stakeholder Engagement: Seek out stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, landowners, and project investors, in the site selection process to gather input, address concerns, and build consensus around project objectives and priorities.
    10. Long-Term Considerations: These factors emphasize the need to consider the long-term impacts of climate change, future land-use trends, and infrastructure adaptability when selecting sites to ensure the durability and sustainability of civil development projects over time.

    By addressing these key areas, a proper feasibility study underscores the significance of strategic site selection in achieving the economic, environmental, and social objectives of land development projects to ensure the project is beneficial to all stakeholders.

     

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  • Duncan Box – Huntington, WV – Phase I ESA, Phase II ESA & Tank Pull

    By:Triad Engineering

     

    Duncan Box Huntington, WV Triad Engineering

    Duncan Box, a roughly 4-acre property situated at the intersection of 14th Street West and Van Buren Avenue in Huntington Cabell County, West Virginia, has a rich historical background, having housed various enterprises such as a slaughterhouse, sausage factory, box manufacturing facility, hardware store, custom sawmill, and lumber storage.

    The primary goals of the project were twofold: to assess and remediate the site, ensuring its suitability for redevelopment, all the while prioritizing human health safeguards. Collaborating closely with the Region II Planning & Development Council, Triad Engineering played a pivotal role in the evaluation and enhancement of their brownfield site inventory for the Interstate 64 Corridor in the Metro Valley Region, specifically incorporating Duncan Box into the assessment.

    Recently acquired by the Huntington Area Development Council (HADCO), the property underwent additional scrutiny and remedial measures conducted by Triad. This encompassed a comprehensive Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and various remediation activities. Noteworthy tasks included the extraction of potentially contaminated water from the basement, dismantling existing groundwater monitoring wells, investigating the adjacent rail line, and removing a previously closed-in-place underground storage tank.

    Triad’s comprehensive suite of services included:

    • Phase I ESA
    • Owner/Occupant Interviews
    • Site Reconnaissance
    • Environmental Regulatory Database Reviews
    • Examination of Historic Records and Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
    • Report Preparation
    • Development of Sampling and Analysis Work Plans
    • Phase II ESA
    • Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal

  • How to become an Environmental Engineer/Scientist

    By:Triad Engineering

    In our ever-growing communities and cities, industries like mining, manufacturing, and construction play a pivotal role in providing resources, building

    homes, and meeting daily needs. However, they also contribute to waste, pollution, and disruptions in our natural ecosystem. Enter Environmental Engineers and Scientists – the unsung heroes working to counterbalance these effects.

    Armed with an understanding of the environment, Environmental Engineers/Scientists design innovative solutions to minimize and manage waste and pollution. They monitor the air, water, soil, and ultimately, our health, and develop strategies that adhere to environmental regulations.

    The demand for Environmental Engineers/Scientists is on the rise. The U.S. Government projects a robust 6% growth in this field from 2022 to 2032. Around 6,900 annual openings for environmental scientists and specialists are expected, highlighting the crucial role they play in our evolving world.

    As the global population expands, these professionals become essential in ensuring a high quality of life with access to clean water, air, and land. The ongoing construction projects supporting this growth create a continuous demand for environmental specialists. Moreover, the increasing global environmental concern only intensifies the need for qualified Environmental Engineers/Scientists.

    These solution-oriented experts can be found in various settings – residential, commercial, industrial, recreational areas, and more. The nature of their work often evolves with experience, starting with fieldwork to build foundational knowledge and progressing to office-based responsibilities such as planning, data analysis, and compliance coordination.

    To become an Environmental Engineer/Scientist it starts with a solid educational foundation. Key subjects include English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology – prerequisites for further education in engineering or science.

    A Bachelor’s degree in either Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science is highly desirable. These programs equip graduates with the skills needed for careers in planning, management, monitoring, and research. Triad Engineering, Inc., a consultancy that deals with environmental concerns, is one such avenue for the application of this knowledge.

    Triad Engineering employs a diverse team of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. They play a crucial role in advising on managing environmental risks, investigating historical and future impacts, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The term “Environmental Consultant” covers a broad range of experts, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of the field.

    In conclusion, the path to becoming an Environmental Engineer/Scientist is diverse. It’s a career that not only meets the demands of the present but ensures a sustainable and healthier future for all.

    Check out our current opportunities here: https://triadeng.applicantpool.com/jobs/

    Click HERE to check out the Environmental Services offered by Triad.

     

     


  • Understanding Turbidity in Water: Compliance and Environmental Insights

    By:Triad Engineering

     

    https://egov.maryland.gov/mde/npdes/Account/LoginHave you recently received an alert from the MDE eReporting system regarding the reporting of Turbidity and its mandatory submission for 1Q24? Reports are due by April 28, and it’s crucial to be prepared.

     

    Primarily impacting MD General Permit 20-CP construction sites exceeding 1 acre in size and Individual Permits, Turbidity Monitoring applies specifically to construction sites in basins where the receiving water is listed as a Tier II or the receiving water is listed as Sediment Impaired. This quarterly monitoring involves daily sample collection from each discharge point for as long as the discharge is active. Triadeng.com

    In anticipation of this new requirement, Triad extends proactive assistance to ensure compliance. Our comprehensive services include Discharge Sample Collection, Erosion/Sediment Control Monitoring, and NPDES – SWPPP Services. By addressing these requirements promptly, we aim to facilitate a smooth and compliant process for your operations. Should you have any inquiries or wish to discuss how Triad can further assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to supporting you in meeting these new reporting obligations.

    Understanding Turbidity and Its Environmental Significance

    triadeng.com

    Turbidity, the measure of relative clarity of a liquid, serves as a vital parameter in assessing water quality. It gauges the amount of light scattered by materials in water, such as clay, silt, organic matter, algae, and microscopic organisms. Turbidity makes water cloudy or opaque, impacting ecological productivity, recreational values, habitat quality, and causing lakes to fill in faster.

    Moreover, Turbidity plays a crucial role in indicating potential pollution in water bodies. High concentrations of particulate matter can harm aquatic habitats, and the particles also provide attachment sites for other pollutants, such as metals and bacteria. Hence, monitoring Turbidity serves as an essential indicator of water quality.

     

    Beyond its ecological implications, excessive Turbidity in drinking water is aesthetically unappealing and can pose health concerns. Turbid water provides food and shelter for pathogens, promoting regrowth and leading to waterborne disease outbreaks.

    Measuring Turbidity has evolved with the introduction of state-of-the-art meters installed in rivers, providing instantaneous readings. These devices incorporate various water-quality sensors, including conductivity and temperature gauges, offering a comprehensive understanding of water conditions.triadeng.com

    In conclusion, if you are a permit holder, applicant, operator, or an engineer this new regulation could affect you. Triad Engineering remains dedicated to supporting your operations through comprehensive services and expertise. If you have any questions or wish to explore how Triad can assist you further, please reach out to us. We are committed to ensuring your compliance and environmental stewardship.

    We do more than turbidity measuring! Click HERE for a full list of our Environmental Services.

     

     

     


  • Staying Safe this Holiday Season!

    By:Triad Engineering

    With the holiday season in full swing, it’s crucial to keep safety front and center, especially with the added hustle and bustle. Whether you’re on the construction site or gearing up for some well-deserved time off, here are some tips to make sure we all stay safe and healthy during the holidays.

    1. Stay Warm, Stay Safe

    Winter’s here, and while the snow might look beautiful, it brings its own set of challenges. To avoid cold-related issues:

    • Bundle up in warm layers to protect against the chill.
    • Watch out for signs of cold-related illnesses, and if you notice a teammate shivering or stumbling, get help ASAP.
    • Rock those winter protective gears – think insulated layers, headgear, gloves, and waterproof jackets.

    2. Decorate Safely

    Getting into the holiday spirit with decorations? Awesome! Just remember to keep it safe:

    • Use the right ladder for the job and check it thoroughly before climbing.
    • Inspect holiday lights for any damage and only use outdoor-rated extension cords.
    • Keep faux trees away from heat sources, and never leave lit candles unattended.

    3. Drive Smart

    Traffic gets crazier during the holidays, so let’s be smart on the roads:

    • Take breaks every two hours during long drives to stay alert.
    • Plan your trips so you’re not rushing and breaking any speed records.

    4. Balance Offsite Activities

    We know the holidays come with socializing and celebrating. Stay on top of your game with these reminders:

    • Enjoy holiday treats in moderation.
    • Take some downtime to relax and de-stress.
    • Sneak in some physical activity during your time off.
    • Stick to your regular routines and get enough sleep.

    5. Keep Stress in Check

    The holidays can bring joy, but let’s face it – they can also bring stress. Here’s how to manage it:

    • Recognize and deal with feelings like fatigue, stress, and irritability.
    • Support each other and keep the communication lines open.

    Let’s make this holiday season not only cheerful but safe for all of us. Look out for each other, follow these tips, and here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season!