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.

Expediting Energy Savings

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:26:19 -0700

CDM Smith helped the city of Jacksonville, Florida, USA, become more energy efficient and reduce its carbon footprint.

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.

Less Brine, More Benefits

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:00:00 -0700

Through design-build delivery, CDM Smith implemented a first-of-its-kind, innovative water treatment and reuse system for Marathon Oil Company that reliably and safely meets all water discharge limits-—protecting the environment and fresh water supplies, controlling treatment costs, and enabling Marathon Oil to focus on their core business of gas operations

Maximizing Energy Resources, Minimizing Costs

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:28:28 -0600

CDM Smith partnered with the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority to upgrade the Blue Plains advanced wastewater treatment plant. It will be the largest plant in the world to use Cambi technology, and the first in the United States.

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.

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.

Quenching a Desert Community's Thirst

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:15:00 -0700

North America’s largest desalination facilities apply reverse osmosis membranes to treat brackish groundwater and uses deep-well injection for inland disposal of concentrate—delivering reliable, economical drinking water to a growing desert community.

Clean Waterways for Ho Chi Minh City

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:09 -0600

The environmental improvement project includes a massive pumping station, as well as wastewater, drainage and solid waste components to clean and green the NLTN Basin—making the space attractive and safe for residents and tourists.

Landmark Capital Improvements in Puerto Rico

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:23:18 -0600

With extraordinary vision, PRASA is transforming itself into a world-class utility. Meeting this challenge requires the planning and implementation of an unprecedented $2.3 billion capital improvements program with island-wide coverage, to be completed in a record 5 years.

Supporting Military Preparedness

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:14 -0600

We partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest to design, build, operate and maintain this ongoing program at Camp Pendleton to enhance overall water and wastewater system operations and reliability.

A Reservoir in the City

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:15 -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.

Making Every Drop Count

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:44:54 -0700

The RIAL program has helped Jordan meet water use challenges with a series of projects to reuse wastewater. Addressing agricultural, industrial, and urban needs, efforts advanced Jordan toward its goal of 100-percent water reuse to protect water supply, public and environmental health and socioeconomic development.

Restoring Montenegro’s Critical Infrastructure

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:17 -0600

This complex design-build project addressed Montenegro’s water and wastewater infrastructure needs—advancing water supply, protecting the environment and sustaining economic vitality for this coastal tourist area.

New Thinking for Addressing Water Issues

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:24:06 -0600

CDM Smith was appointed lead consultant for the Eastern River Basin District on an 8-year, €10 million water management program. As part of this program, we published a river basin management plan and developed an implementation strategy for this 6,300-square-kilometer area, home to 1.6 million people.

Technology and Sustainability Meet

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:19 -0600

Implemented with design-build delivery and intelligent 3D and 4D design, the sustainable Arbennie Pritchett water reclamation facility produces high-quality reclaimed water, protects dwindling resources, and contributes to the area’s economic vitality.

Waste Not, Want Not

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:21 -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.

Wastewater Upgrades for Warsaw

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:22 -0600

The Czajka wastewater treatment plant is being expanded for improved treatment efficiency and reduction of biosolids. CDM Smith has been supporting this project, starting with the master plan for the improvement of Warsaw’s water supply and sewage disposal systems, through the preparation of an environmental impact assessment.

Flood Protection on the Rhine

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:23 -0600

When the Ministry of Environment and Conservation determined the need to rehabilitate the flood protection in the area of the Rhine arch Muendelheim, we submitted a design combining the technical specifications with the interests of adjacent communities, and boundary conditions for sensitive waste and water lines.

Cleaning Contaminated Groundwater in Place

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:25 -0600

Enhanced anaerobic bioremediation, which leverages naturally occurring bacteria, boosted by simple lactate, is the sustainable, effective remedy that Rockwell Automation was looking for to clean contaminated groundwater in Florida.

Cleaning House in a Large Contaminated Site

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:37:25 -0600

Years after converting a former chemical plant in Germany to a residential site, it was discovered that the area was highly contaminated, posing environmental and health risks for its many residents. A site rehabilitation plan will assess dangers, remediate soil and groundwater, and track progress.

Looking Deep to Remediate Perchlorate

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:27 -0600

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.

New Life for a Former Industrial Port

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:27 -0600

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.

Leaving a Clean Mark for the Steel Industry

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:19:22 -0600

CDM Smith was engaged to undertake Phase 1 and 2 environmental site assessments on nine occupied sites, slated to be purchased by MRC, which span five states and located in highly industrialized areas with the potential for offsite contamination.

Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:29 -0600

Symbolizing a gateway to revitalization, this brownfields remediation project is a critical piece of a citywide redevelopment plan in Lawrence that will return properties to beneficial reuse, including a much-heralded landscaped parking facility.

Easing Barriers for Expanded Port Capacity

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 06:40:20 -0600

The port of Abbot Point in Queensland, Australia, is supporting economic growth and upholding environmental standards to expand coal export capacity, making it one of the largest bulk coal terminals in the world.

Restoring Hope in Libby

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:30 -0600

The pristine views from Libby, Montana, make it difficult to imagine that a public health crisis has unfolded here. But it has, and serving as prime contractor, we are leading this unprecedented $80 million investigation and Superfund cleanup to boost the local economy and protect public health.

Uniting to Clean a Tarnished Legacy

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:30 -0600

The Avoca copper mines were closed after 2.5 centuries of operation, leaving significant site and water pollution. Our integrated efforts helped coordinate remediation, engage area stakeholders and study the effects on this unique location in Ireland.

Accelerating a Major Traffic Route

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:36 -0600

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.

Closing the Loop

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:36 -0600

The I-485 outer loop project will help the North Carolina Department of Transportation ease traffic and increase mobility in the Charlotte metropolitan area. We are helping increase safety and speed project time with innovative interchange design and design-build delivery.

Composing an Expanded Airport

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:38 -0600

Built in 1933, the Fryderyk Chopin Airport, Poland's largest and busiest, is constantly seeking ways to modernize and expand. For over 10 years, we have helped to provide the most efficient and effective facilities that support the airport’s continued growth.

Connecting a Congested City

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:53:04 -0700

Responding to tremendous population and employment growth, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority is leading several corridor studies to improve the city’s rail transit system, decrease traffic congestion, and increase sustainability.

Easing Transport on a Major River

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:40 -0600

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.

Flying Clean to Improve an Industry

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:41 -0600

Los Angeles World Airports launched an industry trend-setting initiative to build sustainable practices into its business model. This ambitious program will further enhance the airport’s role as a key driver in national and regional economic growth, social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Hot Lanes, Cool Travel

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:41 -0600

We partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to design, develop, implement and operate the MnPASS express lane system, which uses an innovative new tolling design to offer additional capacity of existing high occupancy vehicle lanes to single occupant vehicles.

Improving Mobility in a Growing County

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:42 -0600

The Butler Transit Authority responded to growing traffic challenges by designing an intermodal transit center to increase mobility options for its residents. Located on a brownfield site, the center creates modern solutions out of the county’s industrial history while improving sustainability.

Making a High-Speed Connection in Germany

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:34:43 -0600

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.

The Road to Community Development

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:16:36 -0600

The Route 1 transportation improvement project includes critical updates to a bustling traffic corridor north of Boston while redeveloping a brownfield site around sensitive ecosystems. This unique public-private partnership’s design-build approach maximizes economic resources and expedites project execution.