Civil Engineering - Where Every Day is Earth Day

It’s EarthDay once again! [April 22nd]  In schools across the United States, students are learning about the important natural resources available to us and they are taking time to focus on ways to reduce, reuse, renew and recycle.  It is encouraging seeing this focus in the classroom and exciting to think about how this will translate to a better tomorrow.  That is our focus at MeritCorp every day – ‘Designing the Future’ to our best ability every day.  Perhaps you read the title of this Blog and you are asking yourself, “What does a Civil Engineer do that affects our environment?”

WHAT DO ENGINEERS DO?

There are many facets to Civil Engineering and some of the specializations have more impact than others.  Here are just a few of the ways that a Civil Engineer manages the resources around us:

• Engineers design how and where water flows taking into account contaminates, distance, filtration and final location.  This includes surface water, groundwater, wastewater, soil and air.
• Engineers help manage our natural environment including wetlands, watersheds and floodplains.
• Engineers design systems for wastewater treatment and disposal of solid and hazardous waste.

EARTH DAY – EVERY DAY

With each and every project, whether it be a roadway, building, or subdivision it is important to note that Engineers do not just consider building size and location, vehicle/pedestrian pavement design, traffic flow and safety, but they look at how the stormwater runoff will be collected, stored and discharged.  A Civil Engineer needs to find a way to reduce the volume of water and the level of contaminates in stormwater runoff.  They need to consider how to utilize natural filtration thru clean soil to recharge groundwater tables and to help protect sources of drinking water.

• Where will the water that washes off the sediment, salt and oil from the building or pavement go?
• How are contaminates separated from the stormwater discharge?
• When a building is constructed, will there be enough area to contain rainfall and prevent downstream flooding?
• Does the planned building or parking lot affect a natural area or wetland?

Proper management of stormwater from any land development is essential to ensure the continued quality of our natural water system of streams, rivers, wetlands, watersheds and floodplains.

SITE CIVIL WORK AND BEYOND

When buildings and subdivisions are constructed, the civil engineers are responsible for designing how and where drinking water is provided to serve the site and how wastewater will be leaving the site.

• Where will the water and sewer lines that are necessary for the building go?
• How will they hook up with what is already in place?
• How are these water and sewer lines protected? 

Municipalities and some developments are required to have wastewater filtered and cleaned either by a water treatment facility or thru a natural process before it goes back into our streams and waterways.

Earth Day is an important reminder that we need to minimize our negative impact on the environment.  As we learn and improve, we also strive to ‘clean up’ what is already in place thru testing and remediation.    Every day MeritCorp Group LLC works to design a better tomorrow thru responsible planning and thoughtful Engineering.   We can also help identify potential hazards at existing developments with Phase I and PhaseII investigations, and Asbestos Surveys.  We don’t need to wait for Earth Day to improve the World we live in because here we do it every day.

-  by Clayton Schuler and Rebecca Luginbill

MeritCorp Goes Back to School

This month MeritCorp Group, LLC went back to School!  Across the nation there has been a recent push in the education system to encourage students to embrace Math, Science and Technology learning.  Many schools, including the Oswego School system, are reaching out with programs like ‘Project Lead the Way’ and with community events like the recent Science Night put on by P.A.C.E. [Parents and Community for Excellence].   

MeritCorp Group was proud to participate in this fun evening focused on encouraging young students with activities focused on scientific principals related to Civil Engineering and Surveying.

The objective of the Science night was to provide an interactive experience for kids that would help them to learn about Civil Engineering and Land Surveying.   While the sometimes technical world of a Civil Engineer may go over the heads of kids, our staff stepped up to the challenge with three fun hands-on activities that anyone could relate to and learn from.

The first activity was focused on Civil Engineering.  Using a simplified design, we showed the kids how to filter water with sand similar to what would be done in a large industrial sand filter.  The kids were able to create a small filter using a 2-liter bottle, cotton balls, small aggregate (rocks) and sand.   For the ‘dirty’ water we used glitter with water.  This made it easy for the kids to see how the sand filters out solids.  Then as they poured the water back thru the filter a second (or third) time they could see how the fine particles would come out cleaner on the other side.

The second activity included a land surveying construction level.  It was set up for the kids to look thru and see an object across the room.  They enjoyed the ability to focus and see the tiny plaque on the bottom of a picture of George Washington.   Our goal was to show kids the resolution capabilities of the instrument and then explain how it is used by a surveyor to set and obtain elevations of roads, buildings and other structures.  

The third activity was focused more on problem solving, something a Civil Engineer has to do every day.  The problem presented was how to use a single sheet of paper to support heavy books at least 2 ½ inches off of the table.  They were allowed to use scissors, tape, and a ruler.  Amazingly, the kids stepped up to the challenge and figured out ways to create columns to support their impromptu ‘structures’.

The staff at MeritCorp had a fun evening of interacting with potential future engineers and surveyors.  With over 600 attendees, it was a busy 2 ½ hours.  We hope that the excitement of the evening will encourage future problem solvers to continue pursuing knowledge in the Science, Math, and Technology fields. 

“PACE Science Night was a great success thanks to all the support from presenters throughout the community, the volunteers, and everyone at Oswego High School!  Over 600 guests of all ages enjoyed presentations and activities at over 50 tables.” 

                                                  – Jessica Byrne (PACE Representative)  www.pace308.org

For parents interested in doing the water filter or even more fun activities to do with their kids visit: PBSkids.org 

For more information on MeritCorp Group, LLC and how we can put our hands-on problem solving to work for you visit  www.meritcorp.com 

Can I get a Survey in the Winter?

With the severity of the winter weather this year our thoughts have turned to

the challenges of providing a survey in the winter weather.  While surveys are completed in the winter time, there are several factors to consider when deciding if the weather is a detriment to your goal.  The first thing to consider is what kind of survey do you need?  Once you have determined the need you can then look at the conditions, timing and cost to see if it really would make a difference to wait.  A few of the most commonly known surveys are as follows:

Boundary Survey:  In a nutshell, this type of survey is required to establish the property boundary and mark the corners of any property.  The more formal explanation says:  * “….…The purpose of a boundary survey is to establish or re-establish the extent of title lines, and to define and identify those lines so as to uniquely locate each lot, parcel or other specific land area in relation to well recognized and established points of reference, adjoining properties, and rights of way.”  

Since this type of survey defines the boundaries, it is necessary to find fixed points, features or previous monumentation (markers) which can mean breaking ice, digging snow and fighting with the frozen ground.  This can make surveying in the winter challenging, but not impossible.  A client can expect a slight increase in cost, depending on the size and nature of the property and its’ associated legal descriptions.  This may also mean waiting a day or two if there is a snow storm or extreme cold, but should not prevent a surveyor from completing the project goal.

Mortgage Survey – This is a boundary survey that also includes the building locations and easements.  This is different than a Mortgage Inspection (See Mortgage Inspection below).

Mortgage Inspection - *“A Mortgage Inspection does not approach the standards of other survey categories, though ….the services of an Illinois Professional Land Surveyor are required.  A mortgage inspection is not a type of boundary survey or ALTA/ACSM survey and does not constitute a boundary survey of the subject real property.  A mortgage inspection includes field investigation, measurements and graphic representation of improvements. The mortgage inspection is intended for use by a mortgage lender and/or title insurer and is only a professional opinion of the relationship of improvements with respect to the deed lines and the existence, location and type of building on the property, the intent of which is to assist in the determination of the property's suitability to serve as collateral for a mortgage.  It is not an opinion as to deed, title or platted lines.  It is not to be used in matters of boundary disputes, legal actions between landowners, or for construction purposes.  No new legal descriptions can be created from a mortgage inspection.”

Topographic Survey – While a boundary survey is completed in one dimension (flat), a topographic survey depicts elevations and contours of the land, buildings, sidewalks, utilities, and other features of the property.  This would include both natural (rivers, trees, etc.) and man-made features.  A more technical definition is: *“……the delineation of horizontal and/or vertical locations of the existing natural or man-made features of a portion of the earth's surface, subsurface or airspace and the graphic representation of the results of such delineation. ..”    Topographic surveys are frequently used in the design stage for new construction projects and may include boundary lines and easements (boundary survey) and may be part of a survey performed per the ALTA/ASCM standards.

Since a Topographic survey looks at all of the land features and the height or elevation of those features, it makes winter surveying more difficult.  Snow and ice covering the ground, especially in open areas with heavy drifting can make it difficult or impossible to determine vertical changes.  Utility structures, concrete, and monuments can be buried in the snow.  In order for a surveyor to take accurate measurements they may need to shovel snow to get to the roadway or other fixed height in multiple sections meaning the surveyor may spend more time shoveling the 5 ft of snow at the side of the road then they do actually measuring for the survey.  Again, this can affect the timing and  add cost or delay the survey if the weather prohibits proper measurements.

ALTA/ASCM – While other surveys may have slight variations in how they are presented, the ALTA standards were established to maintain uniformity in the information provided to lenders and Title companies.  This is not so much a type of survey, but a standard set of information that has to be included with the survey that is requested.  It includes a boundary survey and some, if not all of a Topographic Survey.   There are some options as to what is included or not and that is typically determined by the Lending Institution.  Commercial land transactions are the most common reason for an ALTA/ASCM survey.  Overall it is much more detailed survey and higher in cost due to the established standard that is followed.

As in the boundary and Topographic survey, the winter Cold, snow, ice, and frost cause longer monumentation searches when measuring and locating boundaries.  When Extreme cold occurs it can affect equipment calibration and battery life.  Since the ALTA/ASCM has more detailed and exacting standards it is of the utmost importance to have visibility and access to the whole site with few or no obstructions.  Winter conditions can greatly affect the surveyor’s ability to perform.  While it isn’t impossible, these factors can affect the timing and cost of providing this type of survey in the winter months.  A survey of this type will almost always bear a notation that it was performed in winter conditions and may not depict certain features otherwise found in optimum conditions.

While the winter months tend to keep most people indoors, it is nice to know that a surveyor is still able to get out and perform the job.  Just as Snow Drifts can hide features in the winter, a large bush or trees can be an obstruction in the summer.    It is important to consider the type of survey, the level of detail needed and timeframe required.  While there may be a slightly higher cost or a weather delay to consider in the wintertime, a quality surveyor can accomplish the needed survey no matter what time of year.   

Please contact us for more information about our Land Surveying Services or to get pricing.

- By Jonathan Spinazzola , PLS
Edited by Rebecca Luginbill


REFERENCE
*The 2012 Illinois compiled statutes and administrative rules for the practice of professional land surveying in the state of Illinois, published by: Illinois professional land surveyors association

Oswego, IL - State of the Village for 2014

As a business and member of the Oswego Chamber, I attended the 3rd Annual Oswego Chamber of Commerce “State of the Village” address on February 17th featuring Village President Brian LeClercq and Oswego Economic Development Director Vijay Gadde.  The theme of this event was Oswego’s pro-business climate, accomplishments over the past year and future development highlights.   We at MeritCorp Group are excited about these growth opportunities in our area and hope that it will continue to strengthen the economic development in Oswego and the surrounding communities in the coming years.  Following are the Highlights from the breakfast:

- Win Soon, Inc. is planning their second U.S. production facility in 2014 for their Asian style cultured beverages in Oswego, IL in the Kendall Point Business Center.  They expect to create 40 fulltime employment positions the first year and reach 180 by the year 2020.  Read more in the Oswego Patch.
- It is not official yet, but rumor has it that the vacant Lowe’s building finally has a buyer.  The tentative plan is the break it up into multiple retail spaces and Hobby Lobby may be one of the first retailers to fill a large portion of the now empty space.  
- Last year the Village approved a development plan and special use permit for a truck transit facility at 2000 Wiesbrook Drive in the Kendall Point Business Center.  This year the opening of the Sam’s Club logistics center at that location should start with 40 jobs for area residents and hopefully grow to around 100.
- Although Centrella looked at buying multiple Dominicks stores that stand empty at the end of last year, the fate of the empty store remains uncertain. Rumors of different grocery chains (Whole Foods?) are floating around in other markets but given the number of grocers in close proximity to this location that may not be the case in Oswego. The possibility of breaking the retail space up to suit smaller businesses is more likely for this location.  Vijay Gadde is working with the building’s current owner to help find an end user(s) but ultimately the fate of that space is in the hands of the owner.
- Despite the overall sluggish economy, Oswego has a healthy number  of new residential housing permits and new commercial businesses opened.  For more information on these numbers and the growth and development happening in Oswego visit www.osweoil.org/ed 

- By Todd Roberts
Principal

For  information on the Village of Oswego Visit: http://www.oswegoil.org/ 
For Information on the Oswego Chamber of Commerce: http://www.oswegochamber.org/ 

Great Lakes, Chicago Waterways, and Asian Carp

Asian Carp and the threat they pose to the Great Lakes has been in and out of the news for some time now, and has just recently been spotlighted by a new report prepared by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps).  “Asian carp are fast-growing, aggressive and adaptable fish that are outcompeting native fish species for food and habitat in much of the mid-section of the United States.¹”

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) submitted to Congress the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Inter-basin Study (GLMRIS) Report Jan. 6, 2014….The report contains eight alternatives, each with concept-level design and cost information, and evaluates the potential of these alternatives to prevent, to the maximum extent possible, the spread of 13 ANS, to include Asian carp...” ²    The  Army Corps, during the Month of January 2014, is in process of hosting public meetings in Chicago, Cleveland, Ann Arbor, Traverse City, St. Paul, St. Louis and Milwaukee to discuss the options available and allow for public comment.  Since all of the options offered require extensive funding, there needs to be public support for any plan put into action.

The Chicago Area Waterway (CAW) system has been the main topic of conversation regarding the threat of Asian Carp entering the Great Lakes. In this new report, the Army Corps identifies 18 other possibilities for passage of Asian Carp and other species into the waterways.  One passage where preventive measures are needed is known as Eagle March, near Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Eagle Marsh is at the headwaters of the Wabash River, which is part of the Mississippi River Basin, and the Maumee River, which is part of the Great Lakes Basin. During flood events, water depths in Eagle Marsh range from 2 feet deep to 10 feet deep. These events last from just days or up to a month, and can occur multiple times during any given year. These events allow for a clear passage for Asian Carp and other species between the two basins.

Several species of Asian Carp are known to be present in the Wabash River, and are within 25-70 miles of Eagle Marsh.  To reach Eagle Marsh, the fish would need to enter Little River and then a series of ditches. Upon reaching Eagle Marsh, the free passage to the Great Lakes (Erie) via the Maumee River can occur. To date, there is no certain evidence that the fish have reached Little River. There is no evidence of Asian Carp in Eagle Marsh either; however there is evidence of common carp, which have made successful passage for decades.  

Several projects are currently in place or in the design phase to prevent passage of these invasive and destructive fish from our waterways.   Currently a temporary chain link fence has been installed between the two basins and is meant to prevent larger fish from gaining free passage. Other possibilities for implementation include structural barriers, chemical treatments, biological controls and physical fish removal. 

Our waterways are an important resource to be protected.  At MeritCorp Group, LLC we want to help our clients make informed decisions and provide information needed to create eco-friendly developments focused on the best use of natural resources.  Some of our services include Flood Control, Stormwater Management, Erosion Control, and Drainage.  For a complete list of the services we offer please see our website.

Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or for more information on the services we provide.

- by James Meier, PE, PLS, CFM

 1.   National Wildlife Federation website:  http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Threats-to-Wildlife/Invasive-Species/Asian-Carp.aspx

2. Army Corps of Engineers Report www.glmris.anl.gov

SPECIAL EDITION – HOLIDAY BLOG

The thing about companies that makes a company more than just a name and a logo is the people who work there.    At MeritCorp we have Engineers, Surveyors, and Environmental Professionals, but these same people are also fathers, mothers, friends, brothers, etc.  If you have met Jim Meier on a professional level you will know he has a bevy of letters after his name [PE, PLS, CFM], but did you know he is also a ‘food engineer’?
As our ‘in-house’ foodie we often look to him for our entertaining needs, menu suggestions and more.  This month when I announced I needed more blog content, Jim offered up one of his favorite recipes for the holidays.  As he said it is one of his favorite ‘go-to’ items for those big family gatherings during the season.
This recipe is sure to please the most discerning taste buds and even the fussiest eaters in your family. It might look like a lot of work, but it is really not and cleanup is a snap! It’s a one-pot dish and all of your guests will think you are a master chef when they are done devouring your holiday offering!

We hope you will enjoy this meal with good friends and family and have a safe and Happy Holiday Season and New Year!

BEEF BOURGUIGNON

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
• A 4 quart heavy-bottomed oven safe cooking vessel is essential, such as a Dutch oven or large pot, with a tight lid, A baking sheet
• Utensils, including a slotted spoon, spatula, whisk and tongs
• Kitchen basics, including salt and pepper, corn starch, butter, grape seed (or canola/vegetable) oil, water and aluminum foil
• Stovetop and oven

Ingredients for 12 servings:
• 8 ounces of bacon, minced
• 6 pounds of stew meat - 1” cubes
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 sweet onions, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, or 1 tablespoon fresh
• 1-750ml bottle of good Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1-32 ounce box of beef cooking stock (not broth)
• 16 ounces of Sautéed mushrooms - optional
• 16 ounces of Boiled and peeled pearl onions  - optional

Procedure:
Preheat the oven to 325F.

Place a 4 quart heavy-bottomed cooking pot over medium heat, add a little bit of the oil and then the minced bacon.   Sautee until crispy and the fat is rendered.  Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat behind.

Pat the stew meat dry, liberally season it with salt and pepper and Sautee in the bacon fat until browned on all sides. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, otherwise the meat will not brown. Add additional oil, if necessary, as you progress with the batches. Remove the meat and set aside.

Add the carrots, sweet onions and thyme, along with a little more oil if necessary, and season with salt and pepper. Sautee the vegetables until soft, being careful to not brown them, this should take approximately 7-10 minutes.

When the vegetables are soft, add the wine to deglaze and scrape the bits off the bottom. This will flavor the sauce. Return the bacon and stew meat to the vessel, stirring the mixture to combine thoroughly. Add the cooking stock to completely cover the meat. Cover the vessel with the tight lid, and if not tight enough, cover with foil and then the lid. Place the vessel on a baking sheet (for ease of handling) and then into the oven.

Cook at 325F for 2 ½ hours or until the meat is fork-tender but not falling apart.

When cooking is complete, remove the meat from the vessel with a slotted spoon and set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a measuring cup, add 2 tablespoons of water and 4 tablespoons of corn starch. Stir to combine. Place the cooking vessel on medium heat on the stove, and quickly whisk the butter and cornstarch mixture into the liquid. Bring to a boil and simmer for approximately 5 minutes on lower heat. This will thicken the sauce. When the sauce is thickened, return the meat to the vessel, along with the sautéed mushrooms and boiled onions, stirring to combine.

Keep warm for serving, over mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or egg noodles. Accompany with your favorite green vegetable, and that’s your holiday dinner!

Happy holidays, and bon appétit!!

ASTM STANDARDS FOR PHASE I ESA – What’s New in 2013?

As of November 6, 2013 – there is a new ASTM Standard in Effect for all Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.  What does this mean?  If you are a lender, property owner, or real estate agent, this new standard can affect your business.

What is a Phase I ESA and Why Do I need one?  A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a Site Investigation that identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions [REC]on or at a property. The Phase I ESA is generally considered the first step in the process of environmental due diligence and is typically prepared based upon the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standard.  This standard was established to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) requirements for an ‘All Appropriate Inquiry’ (AAI) on a property.  When purchasing or financing a property, it is an important precaution for owners and lenders to know that they are covered by the ‘Innocent Landowner Defense’ and that they have done their due diligence on the property in question.

An ESA does not guarantee that a site is clean or eliminate risk, however knowing about a REC will help users identify property value impacts;  account for potential delays on property transactions due to site remediation ;and identify potential owner cash flow constraints due to remediation Costs.
[The Innocent Landowner Defense was established by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) on October 17, 1986, holding that “the defendant must have undertaken at the time of acquisition an all appropriate inquiry (AAI) into the previous ownership and uses of the property consistent with good commercial or customary practice in an effort to minimize liability.”]

 If requested, testing for  asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint can be added to the Phase I ESA scope-of work.  The analysis typically addresses both the underlying land; the physical improvements to the property; and the adjacent properties.  Phase I ESAs are often required by lenders for commercial, industrial and multi-unit residential property transactions and are a great way for potential purchasers, developers and/or lenders to do their due diligence prior to purchasing a property.

The ASTM E1527 – 05 Standard was updated as of November 6, 2013.  Most of the changes in 2013 are clarifications / additions to terminology that will help clients better understand the report and set the best practices in the industry as a minimum requirement.

CHANGES TO THE ASTM:

REC Redefined – The new REC Definition is: “the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in on or at a property: (1) due to any release to the environment; (2) under conditions indicative of a release to the environment; or (3) under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment”

Historical REC – ASTM updated definition:  The HREC definition has been revised to clarify that the scope and application of an HREC is limited to include only past releases that have been addressed to unrestricted residential use.

New Classification - CREC: Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition (CREC)- new terminology added for clarification purposes to differentiate sites:  A ‘Controlled Environmental Condition’ describes the condition where previous releases at properties that underwent risk-based closures were addressed, but contaminants are allowed to remain in place under certain restrictions or conditions.

Example:  If the property is cleaned up, but has a restriction to commercial /industrial because of contamination remaining – that would be a CREC.   If the property is cleaned up w/ no restrictions and could even be used for Residential use– it is a HREC.   This clarification makes a differentiation between items that are closed w/ no restrictions and those that still have regulation on them.

Activity and Use Limitations (AULs) Revised:  A Client Requirement that needs to be done by a Title Professional – Wording modified to highlight the need to also search Judicial records on top of deeds and liens.

Regulatory File Reviews (Section 8.2.2) Revised – Reviews may increase due to rewording that is intended to have the Environmental Professional explain in greater detail their rationale for when a regulatory file review is or is not warranted.  The idea is that ‘more information is better than less’.

Vapor Intrusion Revised: New language added to reinforce that this type of contamination needs to be considered, however it does NOT require ASTM E2600 which is a separate, more comprehensive assessment of vapor migration.  The revised definition of ‘migrate/migration’ specifically includes vapor migrations.  This revision clarifies that releases of contaminants that migrate via vapor in the subsurface or in soils are recognized environmental concerns (REC).  Prospective property owners will have the added assurance that releases that migrate onto a subject property via a vapor pathway will be identified as recognized environmental conditions.

Need to know more or want help understanding what this all means for you?  Contact us at 630-554-6655.