Chad Laucamp is a dedicated professional at 91影视 with 26 years of experience in the Chicago office, specializing in potable water, wastewater and conveyance projects. His expertise spans planning studies, hydraulic modeling, water and wastewater treatment plant design, risk and resilience assessments, and program management. Beyond his impressive career, Chad is a vibrant individual who thrives on staying active and exploring the world. He is a former triathlete, prioritizing fitness and adventure in his daily life. Being an avid traveler, he has visited captivating places like South Africa, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, where he immersed himself in diverse cuisines and cultures. He resides in Chicago, enjoys spending time at the lake and cheering for his favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. Chad has a zest for life and adventure and embraces every opportunity to connect with nature and experience new cultures.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Growing up in rural Iowa, I always had an aptitude for science, math and problem solving. My connection to the environment and desire to be part of the solution inspired me to pursue a career in engineering. It was during my time in graduate school that I encountered a professor who became a pivotal mentor in my life. His guidance helped me navigate my path and solidify my understanding of where I wanted to go in my career. This combination of my early interests and the influence of an inspiring mentor truly shaped my journey into the industry. I am excited to continue my professional journey in leading technical teams to solve complex challenges for our clients in the water industry.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

I鈥檝e been with 91影视 for almost 26 years now. Over the years, I often say it feels like working for three or four different companies because of how much 91影视 has evolved since I started. One of my favorite projects during this time was managing a 30-million-gallon-per-day water treatment plant as part of a Greenfield project. It was fascinating to work on a blank slate, designing and laying out the plant without the constraints of existing infrastructure. The project presented unique challenges, particularly due to the poor soil conditions at the site, requiring innovative design provisions like pile-supported structures and piping. What made this project truly memorable was the exceptional team I had the privilege to lead. Together, we overcame difficult design and construction conditions and delivered to the client within a tight timeframe 鈥� a remarkable achievement that stands out in my career.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

A couple of the most rewarding projects I鈥檝e worked on in the Chicago area are stormwater management projects to help mitigate flooding for nearby homeowners. The first was an opportunity to contribute to planning, design and permitting efforts for stormwater landscapes on vacant parcels of land across the city. The project focused on implementing green infrastructure strategies to divert stormwater and mitigate flooding in vulnerable neighborhoods. It was incredibly fulfilling to evaluate and develop solutions that not only addressed stormwater management but also provided tangible community benefits. These strategies helped improve the quality of life for residents, particularly those who had been disproportionately affected by flooding. What made this project truly special was seeing the direct impact of our work 鈥� watching the solutions come to life and knowing they were making a difference in the lives of people in the community. It鈥檚 projects like these that remind me of the power of engineering to create meaningful change and improve resilience in urban environments.

The second project was a stormwater storage project that provided compensatory storage for the Corps of Engineers (COE) / Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Levee 37 project on the Des Plaines River. The project is in a large existing recreational park, and balancing the needs of the park with the needs for flood control was a critical aspect for project success. Recreational elements included four artificial turf baseball fields, concession building, bandshell, picnic pavilion, soccer fields located at the base of one of the shallow detention basins, approximately two miles of multi-use paths, two parking lots and extensive landscaping throughout the 100-acre park.

Share a piece of career advice.

In our fast-paced work environment, it’s crucial to set aside time each day for meaningful conversations with clients, colleagues or junior staff. Focus on sharing insights and learning something new about those you work with. These connections enhance professional relationships and foster personal growth.

No two career paths look the same. At 91影视, we have four main career paths for our people to explore. An employee鈥檚 unique career journey can cross paths at different points depending on what inspires them.

Check out how Chad Laucamp chose the path he鈥檚 on today.

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With nearly one-third of operators expected to retire within the next five years, the sector faces a significant workforce transition just as aging infrastructure, regulatory complexity and public expectations continue to intensify. The challenge is no longer simply modernization 鈥� it is preserving the institutional knowledge that keeps essential systems operating safely and reliably.

For Cynthia Chemello, associate principal at 91影视, this convergence represents both risk and opportunity.

Her work focuses on helping utilities shift from siloed knowledge practices to an integrated, technology-enabled approach 鈥� reframing knowledge transfer as a strategic imperative that strengthens workforce continuity while advancing operational excellence.

A system under strain

The water sector operates within what Cynthia describes as a fragile knowledge ecosystem. For decades, utilities have depended on tenured professionals whose expertise lives in experience 鈥� troubleshooting equipment failures, navigating complex compliance requirements and responding to emergencies based on years of field insight.

As retirements accelerate, that expertise risks leaving with them.

At the same time, utilities function within fragmented digital environments. Systems such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), geographic information systems (GIS) and workforce platforms often operate independently, limiting their collective value. The result is a widening gap between institutional knowledge and the real-time demands placed on operations and engineering teams.

From documentation to transformation

Cynthia鈥檚 approach centers on a structured transformation framework that moves utilities beyond static documentation toward a living, integrated knowledge model.

The process begins with leadership articulating a clear vision tied to workforce sustainability and operational performance. Rather than reacting to retirements, utilities must define what knowledge continuity looks like in the future.

Next comes a realistic assessment of existing systems, workflows and organizational capabilities. By mapping current processes against future objectives, utilities can prioritize investments, mitigate risk and design modernization pathways grounded in operational reality. Importantly, frontline staff are engaged as essential contributors in shaping those pathways.

Digitization then becomes an enabler 鈥� not an added burden. Knowledge capture must be embedded directly into daily workflows to minimize disruption. Traditionally, gathering and integrating data from structured and unstructured sources has been prohibitively time-intensive and costly. AI now has the ability to significantly accelerate this process, synthesizing historical work orders, field notes and system data into usable intelligence at scale. When supported by intelligent integration, a centralized knowledge environment allows staff to retrieve relevant insights intuitively, without altering how they perform their work.

This shifts knowledge transfer from a one-time documentation effort to a governed, strategic capability.

The role of human-centered AI

A defining theme of Cynthia鈥檚 work is the responsible use of artificial intelligence in water utilities.

Emerging technologies such as predictive analytics, digital twins and machine learning are transforming how water systems are monitored and maintained. Yet success depends on aligning innovation with real-world workstreams and operational needs.

By unifying fragmented systems through a governed, explainable AI framework, utilities can integrate SCADA alarms, CMMS histories, GIS layers, inspection findings and workforce data into a cohesive knowledge structure. This enables teams to surface lessons learned, identify patterns and receive contextual guidance in real time.

The impact is organizationally significant. Utilities can accelerate onboarding and training, reduce dependency on individual experts, improve predictive operations and maintenance planning, strengthen compliance reporting and support smarter capital decisions. Rather than replacing expertise, AI amplifies it 鈥� allowing seasoned professionals to transfer knowledge to the next generation through intelligent systems that preserve and contextualize experience.

A practical roadmap for implementation

Recognizing the operational sensitivity of public utilities, Cynthia outlines a phased transformation approach designed to minimize disruption while advancing modernization responsibly.

The roadmap prioritizes human-in-the-loop governance, transparent decision trails and alignment with regulatory requirements. It ensures modernization respects safety boundaries and public-sector accountability while still enabling innovation.

Through collaboration with utility partners and technology providers, 91影视 is exploring scalable, human-centered solutions that modernize operations while safeguarding institutional knowledge.

Strengthening the future of water

Water utilities stand at a critical juncture. Workforce transitions, infrastructure demands and regulatory pressures require a more intentional approach to knowledge continuity.

Cynthia Chemello鈥檚 leadership reframes knowledge transfer as a strategic asset 鈥� one that bridges generations of expertise and integrates technology responsibly into the operational fabric of utilities.

AI鈥檚 adaptive learning capability adds another dimension: it enables increasingly personalized knowledge exchange. By tailoring insights, recommendations and learning pathways to individual roles and experience levels, AI has the potential to transform employee engagement and elevate human capital development across organizations. Knowledge becomes not only preserved, but continuously evolving 鈥� strengthening both people and performance.

The path forward is clear. By institutionalizing knowledge capture, unifying fragmented systems and empowering staff with governed, AI-enabled tools, utilities can enhance resilience, safeguard service reliability and prepare confidently for the future.

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Mario Turgeon is a mechanical engineer specializing in hydraulic turbines and generators. With more than 32 years of experience 鈥� including over 18 at 91影视 鈥� he has contributed to a wide range of hydropower projects, including new developments and rehabilitation programs. His experience spans multiple turbine types and configurations, from small to large鈥憇cale hydroelectric and pumped鈥憇torage facilities, across projects in Canada, the United States, South America and Africa.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

My first meaningful exposure to the hydropower industry came during a summer job after my first year at university. I worked as a tour guide at the Shawinigan 2 generating station, which was built in the early 20th century. At the time, it was the largest hydroelectric site in Quebec, earning it the nickname 鈥淣iagara of the East鈥�. This summer job was a dream opportunity. It not only satisfied my curiosity about how turbine-generator units convert the potential energy of water into electricity but also sparked a lasting interest in the rich history of hydropower.

Early in my career, I had the opportunity to join GE Hydro, one of the leading hydraulic turbine manufacturers, marking the beginning of what has become a lifelong career in hydropower. After working as a turbine design engineer and later as the turbine department technical lead, I joined RSW, an 91影视 legacy company. This move allowed me to remain in the hydropower sector while gaining exposure to a broader range of project activities, developing a more holistic project perspective and collaborating more closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

One thing I quickly realized is that every hydropower project is unique, not only shaped by its river hydrology and site conditions but also by the people involved. This is what makes the field so engaging: no matter how experienced you are, there is always something new to learn.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

One of my favourite projects I鈥檝e worked on at 91影视 is the Rusumo Hydropower Project, an 80-megawatt power station jointly owned by Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi. I became involved in the project in 2014, beginning with the preparation of the design report and bidding documents. Over the following years, I contributed to all major phases of the project, including bid evaluation, turbine model testing, design reviews, follow-up on manufacturing, installation and ultimately unit commissioning. Being involved from early concept through commissioning made this a uniquely rewarding experience.

The project also has strong personal significance for me. While studying mechanical engineering, I first came to Rwanda in the early 1990s as an intern, teaching computer science at the National University of Rwanda. During that time, frequent power outages were a constant challenge. I never would have imagined that more than 20 years later, I would play a direct role in developing a project that strengthens Rwanda鈥檚 electricity supply and supports regional development. That full鈥慶ircle connection makes the Rusumo project especially meaningful to me.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

We recently completed the Jiji鈥揗ulembwe Hydropower Project in Burundi. The project consists of two run鈥憃f鈥憆iver hydropower plants, inaugurated in 2025, with a combined installed capacity of 49.5 megawatts. This single project increased Burundi鈥檚 national electricity capacity by approximately 25 percent, significantly reducing the country鈥檚 reliance on imported fossil fuels for power generation. The two plants play a critical role in improving grid reliability by delivering clean, renewable energy to communities, businesses and essential services. I was proud to participate in a project that directly supports Burundi鈥檚 energy security and long鈥憈erm development.

One of the aspects I valued most was collaborating with professionals from diverse cultural and technical backgrounds, all working toward the shared goal of delivering a key piece of infrastructure with lasting benefits for the population.

Share a piece of career advice. No hydropower project can be delivered by one person alone. Success depends on people with different skills working together toward a shared goal. Throughout my career, I鈥檝e learned that listening to others, sharing credit and supporting colleagues leads to better outcomes not only for the project but for everyone involved. When a team is aligned and working collaboratively, individual contributions have far greater impact, and it is this collective success that truly drives meaningful projects forward.

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Leah Daniel, based in our Winnipeg, Manitoba office, has 12 years of experience focusing on collaborative delivery of large wastewater treatment projects. She holds a master鈥檚 degree in civil engineering from the University of Manitoba, which included completing her thesis in partnership with 91影视 on chemical phosphorus removal on an active wastewater treatment plant during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Growing up on a lake that served as a drinking water source made me deeply aware of how essential clean, safe water is to everyday life 鈥� and how easily it can be impacted by human activity. That awareness led me to study water and wastewater treatment in university, with the goal of improving quality of life by expanding access to safe drinking water, particularly in underserved communities.

My shift into wastewater treatment was less intentional and more driven by practicality. When senior design projects were assigned, I was the only student in my class who could stomach handling cadaver waste, making me the lucky one chosen to design and operate a benchscale bioreactor to treat waste generated by the university鈥檚 cadaver lab. I quickly found myself loving the process 鈥� watching the biomass 鈥渂ugs鈥� grow, finetuning micronutrients to keep them healthy and seeing tangible treatment results. Once I joined 91影视, I was drawn to the field鈥檚 complex challenges and constant innovation, solidifying my passion for the wastewater industry.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

A career-defining project for me has been working on Winnipeg鈥檚 North End Water Pollution Control Centre (NEWPCC) upgrade project. A real highlight for me has been being part of this project since day one and having the chance to watch it evolve over the past 10 years. When the project kicked off in 2016, I was early in my career and incredibly fortunate to work with many 91影视 colleagues with technical expertise across North America and build my network across the company.

Now, a decade later, both my role and the project itself have evolved significantly. Looking back at what we envisioned for the project 10 years ago really highlights how much it has changed, from originally being planned as a single large design-build project to now being delivered as three major ones, using a delivery method tailored to best serve each of them. It鈥檚 been incredibly rewarding to grow alongside this project, and to contribute to something that will serve the city, which I call home, well into the future.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I have had the opportunity to serve as project manager on water and wastewater treatment projects for a remote community in northern Manitoba, an experience that brought me back to why I became a water and wastewater engineer in the first place. The community is accessible only by small plane, or for a few months each year by an ice road, creating unique logistical and operational challenges. Through upgrades to the community鈥檚 water treatment plant, including new ultrafiltration membranes and expansion to the treated water reservoirs, a long-term drinking water advisory was successfully lifted. Improvements to the wastewater treatment plant are ensuring all wastewater is treated to provincial and federal standards before being returned to the water body that serves as the community鈥檚 drinking water intake and is critical to its fish supply.

Share a piece of career advice.

Get out of the office whenever you can, especially early in your career. Spending time in the field lets you see how engineering designs are built, operated and maintained, which deepens your understanding far beyond drawings and calculations. Hearing firsthand about operational challenges helps identify small design changes that can make a meaningful impact over the lifecycle of a project. Those real-world lessons make you a better designer and help you connect your work to the people who use and rely on it.

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Rich Millet is a seasoned water resources and dam engineering leader with six decades of experience guiding major infrastructure projects across the United States. Early in his career, he played a central role in dam, surface water and reservoir development along the East Coast before becoming one of the principal design engineers for Metropolitan Water District鈥檚 Diamond Valley Reservoir. This is a landmark $2-billion off-stream storage project that transformed an empty valley into a fully operational reservoir in under five years and established critical water supply redundancy for Southern California.

Rich later led the California Department of Water Resources鈥� Urban and Non-Urban Levee Evaluation Program, a nine-year forensic assessment of roughly 1,300 miles of levees throughout Central Valley, California. The effort produced a comprehensive risk categorization system and helped spur nearly $4 billion in subsequent levee improvements, significantly reducing statewide flood risk to population and infrastructure. Over his long tenure with 91影视 and its legacy firms, Rich has also held senior leadership roles, including principal, Bay Area office manager, Denver office manager, Board of Directors member, and Chief Practice Officer before transitioning into his current role as a senior consultant. Today he mentors and advises staff across multiple active water and dam related projects, providing senior technical review, guidance and support. This February, he celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 60 years with 91影视.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I was always good at math and science, and as I was finishing high school, I found myself torn between two very different paths. I had a physical education teacher in grammar school who made a great impression on me, and for a while I thought becoming a gym teacher would be a meaningful and rewarding career. I鈥檝e always been athletic, so the idea of working with kids and staying active really appealed to me.

At the same time, my brother-in-law was a civil engineer, and I was drawn to the idea of working outdoors and not being tied to a desk. I ended up choosing engineering, probably with a little encouragement from my parents, and went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which is a strong engineering school in Troy, New York. During my time there, I joined ROTC, was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and spent two years at the Army Engineer School at Fort Belvoir teaching basic engineering courses.

After completing my service, I knew I wanted to focus on geotechnical engineering rather than structural or transportation work. That led me to Woodward Clyde, which was one of the top geotechnical firms in the country at the time. I applied and was hired into the New York鈥揘ew Jersey operations. From there, my water resources career really took off.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

My favorite 91影视 project is definitely Urban Levee Evaluation (ULE) and Non-Urban Levee Evaluation (NULE). The project was a nine-year effort, and the sheer scale was incredible. At any given time, we had about twenty to twenty-five inhouse staff working on the project, supported by four or five primary consulting firms and another twenty or so secondary firms, including environmental support teams, surveyors, labs and drilling companies. It really had everything in it, and it was extremely rewarding. One of the biggest accomplishments on this project was developing resources and databases that are still used today. We prepared a handbook for the state that continues to guide consultants working on levee projects in California and beyond. We also created a cost estimating tool, a simplified design flow chart for remediation, and a suite of technical and resource documents that have had long-lasting value. Knowing that these tools are still in use is something I鈥檓 very proud of.

Over 60 years, I鈥檝e had the chance to work on a lot of great projects, but this one stands out not just because it was recent, but because of how immersive and complex it was. Nine years is a long time to be involved in a single effort. At times, it felt like a complex balancing act, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

Tell us about your work with cutoff walls and how that became your area of expertise.

I first became involved with cutoff walls in the early 1970s when the technology was still very new. A former Woodward Clyde principal introduced the concept to me. At the time, we had a client building a series of reservoirs that needed a reliable way to control seepage beneath their dams. The idea of creating a vertical, low permeability barrier in the ground to block water flow was innovative for that period, and I was immediately intrigued. We designed and constructed our first cutoff wall for one of their smaller dams, and its success led to several more dams and cutoff wall systems being constructed for that same client. That early exposure put me at the forefront of the technology long before it became commonplace. Over the years, I have authored award-winning technical papers and helped shape technical specifications that are still referenced now. To date, I have participated in over 50 cutoff wall projects with depths reaching 145 feet.

Since then, cutoff walls have remained a consistent and specialized part of my career, particularly for dams and levees where seepage control is critical to public safety. I often get called to support teams across 91影视 on technical decisions, design approaches and constructability questions. I also serve on two national technical panels through the Deep Foundations Institute and the United States Committee on Large Dams, helping advance best practices for soil bentonite and related wall systems. Today, I continue to work on major cutoff wall projects, including deep installations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Natomas Basin near Sacramento. After more than fifty years in this field, cutoff walls have become one of the areas where I bring deep, practical experience 鈥� especially valuable for complex dam projects where seepage control is fundamental to performance and long-term resilience.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

When I think about how my work has positively impacted the community, I go back to the ULE and NULE programs. The work we did there significantly enhanced public safety and the protection of critical infrastructure in Northern California. Since we completed our evaluations and the resulting remedial construction work, the region has experienced several major storm events, and those levees have performed well. In many ways, the biggest success is that nothing happened. The improvements held, and communities were protected. That is extremely rewarding.

Another major project that stands out is the Diamond Valley Reservoir for the Metropolitan Water District. That reservoir provides almost a year鈥檚 water supply for Southern California and was designed with the recognition that much of the region鈥檚 water comes from Northern California. If an earthquake disrupted that flow, Southern California could have been in a very difficult position. By creating this massive off-stream storage system, supported by three major dams, the Diamond Valley project helped ensure a more secure and resilient water supply for millions of people. All the water in that reservoir is pumped in from the California and Colorado River Aqueducts, so it serves as a critical buffer for the entire region.

There often isn鈥檛 recognition for this type of work because the best outcome is when the public doesn鈥檛 notice anything at all, and the systems perform exactly the way they鈥檙e supposed to. That’s certainly true for both the levee program and the Diamond Valley Reservoir. The results speak for themselves: communities are safer, flooding risks have been reduced and Southern California now has a far more reliable water supply. Knowing that these efforts have strengthened resilience and protected people鈥檚 lives and infrastructure is the real reward.

Share a piece of career advice.

I鈥檝e always believed that communication is the key to being a successful consulting engineer. Our work depends on explaining technical recommendations clearly so clients understand what needs to be done and why. If you can鈥檛 communicate 鈥� whether in writing or in person 鈥� it鈥檚 very hard to be effective because even the best technical work won鈥檛 go anywhere if others can鈥檛 follow it.

Today, with so much analysis done on computers and with AI, strong communication skills are more valuable than ever. When engineers learn to speak and write clearly, they can share their ideas with confidence, build trust with clients and take on greater responsibility. Being able to stand in front of a client or community group and explain your work opens doors, and it鈥檚 one of the most important capabilities you can develop for a successful and rewarding career.

Header image photo credit: Central Valley Flood Protection Board

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Ken Myers has built a nearly five-decade career dedicated to federal water infrastructure, dam safety and flood risk management 鈥� spending more than 20 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District and over 30 years supporting major civil works programs in the private sector. After graduating from Chico State University in 1978, he joined USACE through its two-year Junior Engineer Training rotational program. His early assignment as a construction inspector on the New Melones Dam 鈥� completed while he was onsite 鈥� sparked a long-term commitment to complex dam and flood control projects. Upon completing his rotations, Ken landed in the District鈥檚 Levees and Channels Section, where he spent many years advancing urban flood protection work and gaining deep knowledge of the federal project development and delivery process.

After more than two decades of federal service, Ken transitioned to the private sector, where he continued to support USACE and its non-federal partners across California. Over the past 14 years with 91影视, he has remained closely aligned with the USACE Sacramento District, working with regional flood agencies and joint power authorities to deliver major dam, levee and flood system improvements. In his current role, Ken helps guide 91影视鈥檚 partnership with USACE and advance critical water infrastructure programs that protect communities and support long-term resilience.

Tell us about what inspired your career in dams.

I attribute my interest in dams and flood control to my dad during my childhood, even though he likely had no idea he was influencing my future career path. When I was growing up in the 60s, a large dam was being built on the Feather River, not far from the small agricultural town where I was raised. My dad used to take us up to the overlook where you could see the dam under construction. It seemed like we went there every single weekend, and I remember seeing it slowly rise and take shape, bit by bit.

That river had flooded the year I was born, in 1955, and the Oroville Dam eventually alleviated a lot of that threat. Before the dam was fully completed in 1970, there were still moments when high river stages created real concern. I remember one Christmas when I was about seven or eight, the Feather River was running so high it was almost up to a bridge crossing in town. Even though the Oroville Dam wasn鈥檛 fully functional yet, there was enough of the embankment built to help buffer that flood risk. Our family left home for a few days because of the threat, and when we returned, we discovered that my dad and grandfather had moved things up off the floor 鈥� including the big console TV 鈥� to try to floodproof the house. Looking back, I had no idea how much all of that was sinking in. When you are a kid, it is not a conscious thought that you are going to become a civil engineer because of dams and flood control projects. But looking back, I鈥檓 sure those experiences shaped me 鈥� even if I didn鈥檛 realize it at the time.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects at 91影视 has been the Folsom Dam Raise. The goal is to raise the perimeter of the reservoir by six and a half feet. Folsom has the main concrete dam with the spillways and tainter gates, but then around the perimeter there are these low spots, including embankment wing dams, eight earthen saddle dams, and the mile-long Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam (MIAD). 91影视 was awarded the work on Dikes 7 and 8 and MIAD, and we have been working on this project for about seven years now.

At the project kickoff, USACE let us know they wanted Dike 8 completed on an accelerated schedule, and we worked closely with them to make that happen. As we continued with the designs for Dike 7 and MIAD, project priorities evolved, and we supported USACE through an alternatives analysis to determine the best approach moving forward. Originally everything was going to be a full earthen raise, but through that process the decision was made to go with parapet walls on top of several of the embankments instead. That meant reworking some of the designs, including Dike 7 from final design and MIAD from about 65 percent, but it was the right solution for the project.

Construction of the MIAD raise has just been completed, with Dike 7 construction planned to follow. It has been a complex, multi-year effort with changing needs and fast-track milestones, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Working side by side with USACE, adapting as the project developed, and helping move a major flood risk management project forward has made this one especially meaningful for me.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the communities in California.

A lot of the work I am most proud of has been in the Sacramento region and up through the Yuba City/Marysville area. These are places where communities were directly affected by flood risk, to the point where flood moratoriums were put in place. One example is the Natomas area, just north of downtown Sacramento. At one point, no new development was allowed, and it was very difficult for people to get flood insurance. Through the flood improvement work in Natomas, and in the Yuba River Basin as well, we were able to help demonstrate adequate progress to FEMA. There is a whole process behind that, but once the region met those requirements, the moratorium was lifted and you could start to see infill development return.

This flood protection development made a real difference for people living there. I live in a floodplain myself, and because of the work that local flood agencies have done in partnership with USACE, I believe the risk of flooding has been reduced. I still carry flood insurance, but at a much more affordable, preferred risk rate. Without these improvements, my insurance bill would be sky high. Knowing that our work has helped lower that burden for entire communities 鈥� and reduced their flood risk at the same time 鈥� is something I feel really good about.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is to make sure you become technically proficient in your field. A strong technical foundation really does carry you through your career. When I first started doing design work, I was drawing on mylar with a T-square and calculating quantities with a planimeter. Now technology is completely different, from digital design tools to modern surveying equipment, and it continues to evolve. It has been remarkable to see how much things have changed and how much more precise the work has become. Building solid technical skills early on will help you adapt to those changes and set you up for long-term success.

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By immersing participants in United States Coast Guard operations through hands-on demonstrations and focused discussions, the program creates an unmatched opportunity to understand the Service鈥檚 11 statutory missions and explore new ways to support them. For 91影视, participating is both an honor and a responsibility: a chance to listen, learn, and apply decades of expertise to help the Coast Guard execute its mission with agility and confidence.

Immersive learning: Experiencing the United States Coast Guard mission up close

The Coast Guard Industry Academy is designed to embed industry leaders with the Coast Guard across multiple missions and locations. Through interactive sessions and site visits, participants gain firsthand insight into the Coast Guard鈥檚 operational challenges and priorities. Now on its fourth cohort, we have participated in the Industry Academy since the program鈥檚 inception, sending one representative annually.

Beth Kalapos, 91影视 vice president and federal program leader, who has managed DHS鈥檚 Nationwide A/E Services IDIQ for 20 years and led numerous Coast Guard projects, shared her perspective:

Each cohort experiences a series of visits to Coast Guard facilities across the country. During his participation in the third cohort, Nathan Carte, environmental scientist, traveled to multiple locations, including Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington DC, TRACEN Cape May, Coast Guard Yard, Station South Padre Island, Base San Juan, Base Kodiak in Alaska and Base Seattle. These visits offered a firsthand look at the Coast Guard鈥檚 diverse missions 鈥� from drug interdiction and ports, waterways, and coastal security to search and rescue and protection of living marine resources.

Brendan Grady, project manager and a participant in the Industry Academy鈥檚 second cohort, experienced that same mission diversity firsthand. From donning a Gumby suit and jumping into the water at Base Seattle, to observing a helicopter-based search and rescue exercise in Miami, to tactical water training aboard an 87-foot patrol boat, the program offered immersive exposure to the breadth of Coast Guard operations.

A gathering of industry leaders

A hallmark of the Industry Academy is the diverse mix of participating organizations. Leaders from technology, engineering and security sectors work side by side, sharing perspectives and identifying ways to support the Coast Guard more effectively.

Beth reflected on the value of these interactions:

Brendan echoed this sentiment, noting the unusually broad range of industries and people represented 鈥� from A/E firms and wireless technology providers to retired military personnel and even public relations professionals.

Looking ahead: Shared commitment to mission readiness

The Coast Guard Industry Academy is more than a training program. It is a forum for shared commitment, where industry partners learn directly from the Coast Guard and identify new ways to contribute meaningful solutions.

For our participants, it deepens our understanding of Coast Guard operations, strengthens relationships and supports our mission to help federal partners operate with confidence.

We are proud to stand with the Coast Guard and fellow partners, bringing the curiosity to learn and the capability to integrate solutions that strengthen security, resilience and mission success.

Header image photo credit: Nathan Carte

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That鈥檚 why Erika鈥檚 recent move into the role of Lead Service Line Leader for the U.S. West comes at such a pivotal time. In this position, she helps teams and clients navigate complex regulations, leads monthly meetings with a team of 91影视 experts and brings together professionals from across the country to share resources and lessons learned. In doing so, she enables the rapid deployment of best practices across the lead service line replacement projects we deliver with our utility partners.

Collaboration is at the heart of her work and attending the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Quality Technology Conference in November 2025 offered the perfect opportunity to learn, connect and bring fresh insights back to her team.

Why I attended Water Quality Technology Conference (WQTC)

I first attended WQTC in 2022, when I presented on the lead service line investigations we were conducting on behalf of Denver Water. It was exciting to share our approach and even more rewarding to see how much interest utilities showed in the discussion. For the 2025 event, my focus was different. With my new role, I wanted to gain perspectives on industry practices for lead pipe replacement and apply those learnings internally. Networking with peers and hearing about emerging trends was my priority.

What stood out most

The sessions were packed with insights. Here are a few that really stuck with me:

1. Innovation in lead service line identification
   U.S. regulations require utilities to replace lead service lines by 2037. First, they need to know what their pipes are made of. I saw technologies such as X-ray fluorescence that can identify pipe materials without the need to dig up people鈥檚 front yards. That鈥檚 huge for utilities trying to work efficiently and minimize disruption.
2. PFAS
   PFAS was a major topic, with utilities exploring treatment options to meet strict standards. The regulatory pressure is real, and it鈥檚 driving innovation across the industry. For example, treatment technologies are looking to enhance traditional adsorption through novel media that better withstands background organics, or through powdered forms applied in controlled reaction tanks and recovered via membranes, filters or similar processes. There are also advancements underway with the scaling up of foam fractionation processes to separate PFAS from the water column in complicated liquid streams. This approach creates a low鈥憊olume, PFAS鈥憆ich foamate needing little pretreatment, making it well鈥憇uited for use with emerging destruction technologies.
3. Wildfire impacts on water quality
   Living in Colorado, this hit close to home. Ash and chemicals from wildfires can enter raw water reservoirs, overwhelming treatment plants. Some projects are piloting ways to treat ash from recent fires to prepare for future events.

A keynote that inspired me

One of the most inspiring talks came from a NASA engineer who designed the International Space Station鈥檚 water treatment system, capable of recovering 98 percent of urine into drinking water. It was a powerful reminder that innovation starts by questioning what we take for granted 鈥� like the role of gravity in water treatment and reimagining solutions for environments where those basic assumptions no longer apply. Beyond the technical talks, I enjoyed hearing how challenges vary across regions. In Denver for example, customers have embraced lead service line replacements thanks in part to strong community engagement and an education program that builds trust and understanding. However, distrust of local government makes it harder. Small and rural utilities face different hurdles, like not having GIS systems, which makes it harder to locate service lines, plan replacements efficiently, and meet regulatory reporting requirements. Those conversations were eye-opening and gave me a broader perspective of the challenge.

How it helped me grow

Attending WQTC was as much about learning as it was about connecting. Talking to people outside Colorado and hearing what everyone else is doing helps me grow professionally. Meeting AWWA folks who work on the regulatory front in Washington, D.C. was fascinating too. It gave me a deeper appreciation of the policy side of what we do. I鈥檓 also excited to be part of the AWWA Distribution System Water Quality Committees to help with the young professional activities and initiatives for the upcoming year. We鈥檙e working to get more young professionals involved, encourage abstract submissions for future conferences, and create opportunities for growth. Building the next generation of water leaders is something I鈥檓 passionate about.

Looking ahead

As I step into this new role, my focus is clear: collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing. Every utility faces unique challenges, but we all have the same goal 鈥� to provide safe, reliable drinking water. WQTC reminded me how important it is to keep learning and connecting.

If you鈥檇 like to share your experiences with lead service line replacement or water quality challenges, I鈥檇 love to hear from you. Let鈥檚 keep the conversation going.

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Born and raised on a farm in southwestern Saskatchewan, Ryan King studied civil engineering technology at Lethbridge College before returning to Saskatchewan to stay close to his family. After an early role with the City of Saskatoon on a term contract, he eventually joined UMA Engineering, a legacy company of 91影视, and has been with us for 25 years and counting.

Ryan has extensive experience in preliminary design, detailed design and construction services for water and wastewater facilities, site grading, stormwater management, water and sanitary sewer servicing and road work. He was previously 91影视 Canada鈥檚 conveyance market sector lead and has recently moved into a role as lead of the North & Indigenous market sector. In this role, he will focus on delivering practical solutions and strong project outcomes across Northern communities. He has strong, long-standing relationships with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Lac La Ronge Indian Band and the City of Yellowknife, to name a few.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Right out of high school, I worked for several construction companies on large commercial and institutional projects. I would observe the engineer or architect come to the site to check on their design and on the work we were doing. To have the responsibility and freedom to take a design from concept to reality really intrigued me and led me to consulting engineering.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

I want to say most of my projects hold special meaning. However, my favourite project is probably the Saskatchewan Landing Regional Water Project (SLRWPU) where I was the project manager and project engineer. This project brought a reliable and sustainable potable water system to a vast area of west-central Saskatchewan.

The project was with one of our longest-standing clients in the Town of Rosetown 鈥� a partnership that made us truly excited to pursue this work. I still remember meeting with the water utility in its earliest days, before they had even issued an engineering request for proposals, and being part of the journey all the way through to celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the project鈥檚 completion.

Over seven years, we delivered a transformative solution: two water treatment plants, five booster stations and reservoirs, and 700 kilometers (435 miles) of transmission and distribution pipeline. The impact on the community was profound and lasting. We鈥檙e incredibly proud to have helped SLRWPU achieve its vision and complete a project that continues to make a tangible difference in people鈥檚 lives.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Our work always aims to make a difference in communities, but one partnership truly stands out. Over the past 25 years, my projects with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) feel the most impactful. The infrastructure we鈥檝e delivered across multiple PBCN communities have real lasting benefits to remote northern areas 鈥� from providing safe drinking water to creating new subdivisions or housing. These improvements have profoundly impacted the quality of life for the residents, and the opportunity to contribute to that transformation remains deeply rewarding to me personally.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is to enjoy the journey. I never set out to reach different roles or responsibilities within our firm. I focused on being the best consulting engineer I could be 鈥� providing sound advice and exceptional service to my clients, listening carefully and responding to their needs, especially those of our long-term clients.

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Vinoth Manoharan has 19 years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure, including 12 years leading major initiatives from our Houston office. He specializes in the planning, design and delivery of complex water and wastewater treatment plants and pump stations across Texas, with a strong track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and navigating regulatory and funding challenges. Vinoth also leads our water and wastewater treatment team in Houston, partnering with offices across the country to deliver resilient, community-centered solutions.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Growing up and seeing the effects of untreated water on public health and safety motivated me to become a water and wastewater engineer. I carried that motivation into my education, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in chemical engineering and then a master鈥檚 degree in environmental engineering, where I focused specifically on water and wastewater treatment. That path shaped my entire career and continues to drive my commitment to preserving water resources for all.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

My favorite project is the 360-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) City of Houston East Water Purification Plant. It was the first project I was assigned to when I joined 91影视 and I鈥檝e been involved in various aspects of its design and improvements ever since.

The project began with a Sustainability Evaluation Study to assess and recommend strategies for long-term plant sustainability. Over more than a decade, it has evolved into a series of impactful improvements that have strengthened the facility and its operations. Throughout this time, I have built strong relationships with the operations and maintenance staff, and the engineering team 鈥� everyone who keeps it running. Being responsive and accountable to the client has been key, and it鈥檚 rewarding to know that our work is helping Houstonians access safe, clean drinking water.

When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, our team鈥檚 foresight and preparation ensured the East Water Purification Plant stayed operational, keeping safe water flowing to millions despite record-breaking rainfall. Planning ahead for vulnerabilities and implementing critical improvements made all the difference. Most recently, we completed a condition assessment of the plant facilities and developed a facility master plan to address deficiencies and create a blueprint for future capacity expansion. A recommendation was made to decommission Plants 1 and 2 to make way for a more resilient treatment facility. This recommendation will provide long-term reliability and redundancy with a focus on producing clean and safe drinking water sustainably.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I’m working on three different projects for the City of Port Lavaca, a historically underserved community. One of the key initiatives involves expanding their wastewater treatment plant, significantly improving infrastructure to support future growth and environmental resilience. The challenge was that they didn鈥檛 have the financial capability to fund the expansion.

We explored different grant options, but they didn鈥檛 qualify for any at the time. After extensive research into alternatives, we were able to secure a loan for them through the Texas Water Development Board. We applied on their behalf and successfully obtained funding, which will reduce impact and help the city and its residents move forward.

It felt rewarding to be involved from the very beginning, helping build the project all the way through and truly making a difference for the community.

Share a piece of career advice.

Starting your engineering career strong is essential. Early on, focus on earning the trust of senior colleagues and clients by consistently showing initiative and accountability. Demonstrating a willingness to take ownership not only builds credibility 鈥� it sets the foundation for long-term career growth.

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