CDM Smith Articles Feed

How do we incorporate consideration of climate change in water supply planning?

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0600

In many locales, climate change will affect the amount or timing of available water, and thus, adds a layer of uncertainty to the traditional methods used for water supply planning. So, how do we incorporate consideration of climate change in water supply planning? Here is an expert opinion on how to acheive this.

The Aging Interstate Highway System: Our Biggest Funding Challenge

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:06:00 -0600

Few would disagree that America’s interstate highway system was one of the most important transportation investments, but current funding isn't sustainable for long-term maintenance and expansion. The interstate system is anything but “paid for” and states need new options for sustainable revenue sources if they are to preserve this valuable national asset.

Currents

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:13:00 -0700

In this issue, our specialists discuss the path to renewables, adapting our infrastructure to the changing energy landscape, and protecting the environment as we recover resources.

Do we need yet another sustainability rating system?

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:48:00 -0700

In undertaking any infrastructure project it is becoming increasingly important to consider the environmental impacts and benefits over the full life cycle of the project, not just that resulting during the construction phase. The Envision™ rating system guides users in assessing the sustainability of their project in five major categories: quality of life, leadership, resource allocation, natural world, and climate and risk.

Engaging diverse stakeholders in a public decision-making process: Is there such a thing as win-win?

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:43:00 -0700

An expert opinion on engaging diverse stakeholders in a public decision-making process: Does win-win exist?

Is there room on our roads for drivers and riders?

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:42:00 -0700

Bicyclists account for less than 1 percent of all travel in the United States. So, why should we devote space on our roads for bicyclists? Here's an expert opinion on whether or not there is room on our roadways for both automobiles and bicycles.

Currents

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 08:02:00 -0600

In this issue, our specialists discuss quantifying energy and cost savings and lowering energy use by up to 30 percent through systems management; using EPA's energy self-assessment tool can help water facilities lower costs; and taking advantage of solar energy incentives before the expire.

Currents

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0600

In our quarterly "Smart Energy. Powerful Future." web series, Currents, our specialists will provide insight on the latest news in sustainable energy around the world. In each issue we will highlight trending topics and provide useful analysis on energy efficiency, the water + energy nexus, the latest developments in technology, green building and energy conservation.

Settling the Bill: Putting Transportation Costs in Perspective

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 10:36:00 -0600

In the fifth stop of our "Funding Future Mobility" thought leadership series, Ed Regan explores how the public views transportation as a basic entitlement.

Changing Lanes: Fractured Public Opinion on Infrastructure Investment

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:36:00 -0600

In the fourth stop of our "Funding Future Mobility" thought leadership series, Ed Regan takes a look at a survey that explores the importance of U.S. infrastructure and the public’s willingness to improve it.

Putting Produced Water to Beneficial Reuse

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 12:47:00 -0600

To help WestSide Corporation achieve a high standard of water management practices and cost-effectively put their coal seam gas produced water to beneficial reuse, CDM Smith assessed injecting produced water into local aquifers as groundwater recharge and recommended conveyance system design options.

Ground Zero: Los Angeles Region Takes the Reins to Fund its Mobility

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 11:45:00 -0600

As part of the third stop in our transportation infrastructure thought leadership series, we take a slight detour to explore how the Los Angeles, California, USA urban area is taking steps to fund its own mobility.

Ground Zero: America’s Cities Need New Infrastructure and Transit Funding

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:45:00 -0600

This is the third stop in our transportation infrastructure thought leadership series. In “Ground Zero,” we discuss how U.S. cities are the hardest hit in the need for improved mobility, including the challenges of public transit funding.

Washington Briefing

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:33:00 -0600

Robin Black highlights the legislative activities occurring in Washington D.C. the week of June 4, 2012.

Washington Briefing

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:33:00 -0600

Robin Black highlights the legislative activities occurring in Washington D.C. the week of April 30, 2012.

Washington Briefing

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:33:00 -0600

Robin Black highlights the legislative activities occurring in Washington D.C. the week of April 23, 2012.

How Little We Pay: Exploring the Current Transportation Tax “Burden”

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:43:00 -0700

This is the second stop in our transportation infrastructure thought leadership series. In “How Little We Pay,” we examine the actual cost of the U.S. gas tax and show how current investments in vital mobility resources stack up against other costs.

Falling Behind: A Crisis in Transportation Infrastructure Investment

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:27:00 -0700

This is the first stop in our “Funding Future Mobility” thought leadership series. In “Falling Behind,” we examine how today’s investments are not meeting the growing needs of the U.S. transportation system, creating a gap that will continue to grow if action isn’t taken.

Introducing the Transportation Infrastructure Thought Leadership Series

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0700

In this ongoing thought leadership series—“Funding Future Mobility”—we will focus on one of the biggest challenges facing the future of the United States: preserving and enhancing the transportation systems that pump economic life and wellbeing through the country.

One-Stop Shopping on Guam

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:21:26 -0700

Delivered through design-build, the new base exchange on Guam’s Anderson Air Force Base offers convenient, one-stop shopping, sustaining the service’s mission to provide for the military community and generate earnings to supplement military morale, welfare, and recreation programs.

Food Waste to Fuel

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:06:36 -0700

Adding fat, oil and grease to anaerobic digestion at Riverside’s regional water quality control plant increases methane gas production for beneficial reuse and reduces the amount of solid waste conveyed to landfills.

Waste Not, Want Not

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:12:31 -0600

Orange County’s groundwater replenishment system produces potable water for indirect reuse from highly treated wastewater—conserving and recovering limited water resources, reducing energy consumption and supporting economic vitality.

A Reservoir in the City

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:25:12 -0600

Singapore’s Marina Barrage, a low-level dam, reliably accommodates excess precipitation, provides effective flood control, and enhances water supply and quality. The complex’s technical and architectural features support and enhance the lifestyle and economic development of Singapore’s urban center.

The Benefits of Biogas

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:12:37 -0700

Offering flexibility and optimal advantages for the Gold Bar WWTP and the surrounding community, the biogas master plan integrates boiler operation and cogeneration, as well as biomethane and vehicle fuel generation.

Beyond Bricks and Mortar

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:20:55 -0700

Harvard University’s Allston campus development is a model of environmental stewardship, and our green utility delivery system will provide all thermal, electrical and wet utilities—serving as a model of sustainable design for other institutions and communities.

Waste-to-Energy Facility Powers Hillsborough County

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:17:05 -0700

Hillsborough County’s expanded waste-to-energy facility reduces greenhouse gases, cuts landfill waste by 90 percent, and generates enough electricity to power thousands of residential homes and the adjacent wastewater treatment plant.

Cogeneration at Columbia Boulevard

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:59:06 -0700

Columbia Boulevard’s new cogeneration facilities—which provide 1.7 megawatts of power—center on two 850-kilowatt internal combustion engine generators, equipped with the latest in lean-burn technology. Since startup of the new facilities, the plant has purchased approximately 40 percent less power than in previous years.

New Life for a Former Industrial Port

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:44:46 -0700

Reclaiming unused industrial space, a new residential and commercial district is being developed on the site of a former river port in Germany. A rehabilitation and development strategy will clean soil and groundwater contamination, control costs, and meet all regulatory requirements.

Looking Deep to Remediate Perchlorate

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:40:25 -0700

CDM Smith’s patented gaseous electron donor injection technology is an innovative, versatile and environmentally friendly in situ approach to remediate perchlorate and nitrate contamination, protecting groundwater; minimizing expensive drinking water treatment technologies; and treating many other contaminants.

Heat Recovery for Safer Sidewalks

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:08:20 -0700

The system will capture heat from wastewater treatment plant effluent to heat a hot water loop system. The heated water will travel through insulated, shallow, underground pipes to melt snow on busy sidewalks—saving town resources and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors.

Powering the Winds of Change

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:36:00 -0700

Wind power is gaining ground as a renewable energy source in Poland. In Orla, we are partnering to assess environmental impacts, identify potential opportunities, and obtain the necessary permits to build a successful wind farm.

Easing Transport on a Major River

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:56:43 -0700

The Neckar River in Germany carries maritime traffic to three major trading ports, but is the only water route along the Rhine basin that cannot be navigated by large ships. To expand this river passage and accommodate larger cargo traffic, we are helping to repair locks and upgrade overall stability.

Accelerating a Major Traffic Route

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:51:35 -0700

Trains will soon be running faster through Europe’s largest terminal train station in Leipzig, Germany. One of the most challenging geotechnical construction projects of our time, we are helping to accelerate local trains and reduce travel time by optimizing public transportation to the city center.

Making a High-Speed Connection in Germany

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:44:34 -0700

The high-profile Stuttgart-Ulm rail project is connecting Southern Germany to other major European cities. This project will bring a new level of rail service to Germany, provide better access throughout Europe, and drive economic and cultural growth for the Stuttgart metropolitan area.

Biomass Replaces Coal for a Better Environment

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:00:10 -0700

The residents of Stalowa Wola, Poland, are enjoying a cleaner environment now that biomass has replaced coal to fuel their power plant. We designed and oversaw the environmental impact to retrofit this plant with more efficient, environmentally friendly technology to burn biomass, a pure and renewable fuel source.

Less Brine, More Benefits