Civil Engineering

Effluent limitation guidelines (ELG) and monitoring for quality are the main parts of new stormwater management guidelines from EPA. The regs take effect Feb 2, 2010.

Dec 7, 2009 - David Todd

Public bidding is governed by State and local laws. The civil engineer in charge must rigorously follow those laws while acting in a way that will result in good bids.

Dec 2, 2009 - David Todd

The General Conditions of the Construction Contract establish maximum times for filing and acting on claims? Why should any limit be placed on these?

Nov 23, 2009 - David Todd

Construction involves risks and unknowns. These often gives rise to construction claims. The engineer's role is to solve the problem before it becomes a claim.

Nov 17, 2009 - David Todd

Claims for money or time during a construction project indicate unresolved issues. First attempts to solve issues are assigned to the engineer.

Nov 12, 2009 - David Todd

Communities obtain better flood insurance rates through the Community Rating System by managing floodplains to a higher standard. FEMA judges this through a point system.

Oct 23, 2009 - David Todd

Federally backed flood insurance is expensive for homeowners and businesses. By participating in the CRS, a community can help reduce rates for all its citizens.

Oct 18, 2009 - David Todd

The story of the failing of the St. Francis Dam, and some history behind it's building and reason for creating a reservoir - the scarceness of LA water supplies.

Oct 15, 2009 - Diane Evans

Lawsuits are unfortunately a frequent aspect in development and construction. The civil engineer will be called on to testify. Proper deposition prep is important.

Oct 2, 2009 - David Todd

In the information age, elected officials talk about "modernizing the public bidding process." But State laws define what they can and can't do.

Sep 5, 2009 - David Todd

FEMA flood maps can be changed. Some changes are simple and require only a surveyor. Other changes require detailed engineering. Property owners can benefit.

Aug 28, 2009 - David Todd

The days of releasing sediment from construction sites is gone. Temporary controls are now mandatory, and the civil engineer must understand them.

Aug 19, 2009 - David Todd

Flood Insurance Rate Maps show various flood hazard areas. Some are designated floodways-the center core of the waterway. Development is possible there, but difficult.

Aug 14, 2009 - David Todd

Bazalgette was the brilliant civil engineer whose work included a new drainage system to cure "The Great Stink" caused by the polluted river Thames in Victorian London

Jul 20, 2009 - Elaine Findlay

FEMA has created many different flood zones by regulations. Each may affect flood-prone properties in different ways and create different insurance requirements.

Jul 14, 2009 - David Todd

Control of pollution in stormwater requires knowing what contaminants are in the run-off. Then appropriate treatment and control measures can be assessed.

Jul 10, 2009 - David Todd

Mitigation of pollution in rivers and streams through treatment of stormwater is a growing trend. Civil engineers join with other professions to make this happen.

Jul 6, 2009 - David Todd

FEMA requires that a floodplain development permit be issued before development takes place in the floodplain. This allows for orderly development and damage mitigation.

Jul 2, 2009 - David Todd

Local Floodplain Administrators are responsible for managing floodplains in their jurisdiction. This includes helping citizens and businesses navigate FEMA regulations.

Jun 30, 2009 - David Todd

Private sector engineers do almost all the technical work related to flood insurance. Detailed calculations combine with surveying to accurately map flood zones.

Jun 25, 2009 - David Todd

Flood insurance is only available because of government action, but making the NFIP work requires private help as well. Insurance companies have big role.

Jun 24, 2009 - David Todd

Since flood insurance is not part of standard property insurance policies, many people are not aware that it is available. However, Congress has filled this gap.

Jun 21, 2009 - David Todd

After much debate and planning, the state of Massachusetts gave the Big Dig a green light. But little did they know the eventual financial and public relations costs.

Apr 14, 2009 - Kevin Moore

Boston is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in America, but native Bostonians agree the city once had one scar that could only be healed through the Big Dig.

Apr 14, 2009 - Kevin Moore

Engineers say the economy can improve and jobs can be created if the government acts to replace failing infrastructure, support green technologies and invest in research.

Feb 24, 2009 - Louise Harris