News
Espey Consultants, Inc. (EC) is pleased to announce that Mr. George Oswald, P.E., D.WRE has accepted a position as Senior Engineer in the EC Austin office. George graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1971 and led the City of Austin’s drainage management program for over 16 years. He has also worked as a consultant for eight years providing services to municipalities in Texas and surrounding states. George retired from the City of Austin in March 2008, where he managed the Watershed Engineering Division for the Watershed Protection and Development Review Department. His expertise in the advancement of the City’s drainage utility and grant acquisition programs will complement EC’s capabilities to provide services to cities interested in developing drainage utility funding programs and CIP drainage infrastructure facility implementation plans.
Chicago Sixth Technical Committee - Espey Appointed
Dr. William H. Espey, Jr., P.E., D.WRE, President of Espey Consultants, Inc., has been selected as Chairman for the Sixth Technical Committee for Review of Hydrology and Flow Measurements for the Chicago District, United States Army Corps of Engineers. Dr. Espey has chaired the First through Fifth Technical Committees to conduct assessments and evaluations of the accounting procedures and methodology used in the determination of diversion from Lake Michigan and to ascertain whether or not the methods were in accordance with the “best current engineering practice and scientific knowledge,” as stipulated by the 1980 modifications of the 1967 Supreme Court decree.
Tom King, P.E. - Houston Manager and Richard Spurlock, P.E. - Managing Engineer
Tom King, P.E. has accepted a full time position with Espey Consultants, Inc. in Houston. Tom has Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. Tom will be providing leadership for EC’s Houston office and will be assisting in the growth in the land development and water resources markets. Tom’s experience has been in land development, water resources, 404 related issues, wetland design, water reuse, and wastewater in the Houston area.
Richard Spurlock, P.E. joins EC as a Managing Engineer in the Houston office. Richard has a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston and 30 years of experience in land development, municipal utility districts, water and wastewater systems, drainage and GIS.
EC Signs Major Contract with USACE
Espey Consultants, Inc. (EC) was awarded a contract with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), for five million dollars over a five-year period, effective March 30, 2007. This Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract includes general design support services and multidisciplinary planning, primarily within the limits of the New Orleans District. EC was selected in association with Pyburn & Odom, Burns Cooley Dennis, Inc., Brown Cunningham & Gannuch, Inc. and Perez, APC. EC, as prime contractor, will provide the following services: project management, civil engineering, hydraulics, hydrology, cost engineering, computer programming, and CADD. Engineering/environmental, surveying, and mapping services will be provided, not only to the USACE New Orleans District, but also to the Hurricane Protection and the Project Restoration Offices.
Stephen Jenkins, P.E., Senior Project Manager
Espey Consultants, Inc. (EC) is pleased to announce the addition of Stephen Jenkins, P.E. to EC's Dallas office. Stephen comes to EC with 30 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Lamar University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Texas. His professional experience has been in both rapidly growing and mature communities. As Director of Public Works for the City of Carrollton, Mr. Jenkins managed a diverse workforce in a redeveloping community. As Director of Engineering for the City of San Marcos, he was involved in the community's rapid development and expansion of infrastructure.
Josha Crowley Earns Diplomate Credential
Josha Crowley, P.E., was recently named a diplomate water resources engineer (D.WRE) of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE), a subsidiary of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). In support of ASCE’s policy to broaden and deepen the body of knowledge for practicing engineers, AAWRE’s certification was developed to improve the practice, elevate the standards and advance the profession of water resources engineers, and it represents strong professional ethics and a commitment to life-long learning and continuing professional development. Since the start of AAWRE’s specialty certification program, nearly 350 members worldwide have qualified for the credential.
COA Watershed Rotation List 2006-2008
In September of 2006, Espey Consultants, Inc. ranked #1 out of 33 firms submitting for the City of Austin’s Watershed Engineering Rotation List. Dr. William Espey, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Brian Reis, P.E., CFM, and Travis Wilson, P.E., CFM received the highest rating as Project Principal, Project Manager, and Project Engineer, respectively. Forthcoming assignments are expected to include water quality protection, flood mitigation, and stream erosion stabilization/restoration. Other assignments may include planning studies, environmental assessments, and land-use analysis using GIS technology. Projects completed under previous contracts include the Rosedale Storm Drain Project, Williamson Creek Restudy, November 2004 Flood Reconnaissance on Waller Creek, St. Edwards Regional Stormwater Detention and Water Quality Pond, Shoal Creek Restudy, and others.
Lake Granbury Water Quality
To promote water quality of Lake Granbury for future users, the Brazos River Authority (BRA) solicited an evaluation for new canal design criteria for Lake Granbury. Espey Consultants, Inc., as a subconsultant to Brown and Gay, was selected by the BRA to evaluate and provide design details for additional canal construction in Lake Granbury. This study will provide canal design details to minimize impacts to the lake’s water quality. Factors to be evaluated include: width, depth, length, orientation, prevailing winds, runoff collection, re-aeration, dissolved oxygen concentrations, vegetative growth, water rights implications, lake level changes, and bacteria levels. The project is scheduled to be completed in less than one year.
Cameron County Drainage District #3
In March of 2007, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) voted to award a flood protection planning grant for Cameron County Drainage District #3 (CCDD#3) in the amount of $275,000. After assisting in the submittal of the application, EC was selected by CCDD#3 to prepare the Flood Protection Plan. The planning effort includes the service area of the district, which includes the City of San Benito, City of Harlingen, City of Los Indios, and Cameron County. EC is currently working with an adjacent district (CCDD#5) on developing a similar type of plan that was also funded by the TWDB.
Espey Awarded Outstanding Civilian Service Medal
In Washington, D.C., at a formal Department of the Army ceremony on February 12, 2007, Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock and Assistant Secretary of the Army, John Paul Woodley, Jr., presented Dr. W.H. Espey, P.E., D.WRE with the Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. Dr. Espey was awarded this medal for his commitment and contribution as a member of the ASCE External Review Panel (ERP). The ERP provided an independent and objective review of the work of the Hurricane Katrina Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force (IPET). As stated in this award, Dr. Espey’s hard work enabled the direct application of that knowledge in order to rapidly repair and reconstruct the critical civil works structures along the Gulf Coast. Dr. Espey also challenged the IPET by asking difficult questions that kept them focused on the important issues raised by the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Dr. Espey’s technical expertise performance improved the quality of the performance evaluation of the New Orleans Hurricane and Flood Protection System.
Keith Moody, P.E., CFM Promoted to Vice President
Espey Consultants, Inc. (EC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Keith Moody, P.E., CFM to Vice-President and Partner. Mr. Moody has been with EC since 2001 and co-manages the Civil Design Department in the Austin office. Mr. Moody is a graduate from Texas A&M University and has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He is responsible for business development, production management, and project formulation strategy in the areas of Land Development and Water Resources. Recent projects include: The Hollows Development, Austin’s SWC Pump Station, Benders Lake Estates, and Highpoint Lake Estates.
EC Launches Laredo Office
Espey Consultants, Inc. launched their new office in Laredo, Texas in December 2006. This initiative is being directed through the leadership of Wayne Hunter, P.E., Tom Mountz, P.E., CFM, and Gerardo Ocanas, Ph.D., P.E., who have been providing services in the stormwater, wastewater, risk management, and water supply areas for both private and public clientele in the Laredo area for approximately ten years. This new presence is anticipated to provide more efficiency in allowing EC to continue offering its services to existing as well as future clients. The Laredo office is located at 707 E. Calton Rd., Suite #202-141. For more information or to discuss project opportunities please contact Mr. Mountz or Mr. Hunter.
Troy R. Ulmann, P.E. Joins Espey Consultants
Espey Consultants, Inc. (EC) is pleased to announce that Troy R. Ulmann, P.E., joined our firm as a Managing Engineer overseeing EC’s land development department in Austin, Texas. Mr. Ulmann is a graduate of the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He is also a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas with over 30 years of experience in project planning and engineering design for projects throughout central Texas. Mr. Ulmann’s expertise includes design coordination and permitting with governing jurisdictions, residential subdivisions, commercial site plans, stormwater management, sewage collection plans, and construction management services.
Espey - Lifetime of Achievements
The Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) of ASCE selected William Espey, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., for the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Espey received the award at the World Water and Environmental Resources Congress in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 22, 2006. Dr. Espey has over 45 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering. His primary technical expertise is in the field of water resources.
EC Creating Land Use Strategy for Universal City
EC is currently working with TIP Strategies, Inc., a leading economic development consulting firm, to develop a land use strategy for Universal City, Texas. Particular emphasis was given to the Pat Booker Road corridor–a major arterial connecting Randolph Air Force Base to the I-35/Loop 1604 area. EC provided GIS mapping services, an analysis of existing land use patterns, and a future land use plan aimed at facilitating the development and redevelopment of retail and mixed use nodes. The plan and analysis provided the city with the impetus to rework its zoning ordinance and direct economic development efforts.
Instream Flows Planning Project
Espey Consultants, Inc. teamed with BIO-WEST, Inc., was recently awarded the Instream Flows Planning Project by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA). This is a multi-year environmental flow project beginning summer 2006. The project team will review existing methodology for river ecological studies, recommend methods suitable for the San Antonio River, and provide additional advisory services upon request. The project will cover a broad range of disciplines including streamflow hydrology, geomorphology, hydraulics, water quality, sediment transport, riparian vegetation, and aquatic biology.
Saddle Creek Forest
Saddle Creek Forest Subdivision is a Bluegreen Corporation development and is the winner of the Editor’s Choice Award for Rural Lifestyle Magazine. The development is a 1,100-acre private single family residential community hidden among a dense forest of oak trees just north of the Houston metroplex. The development offers a mix of amenities with stables, riding trails, sports courts, and several small lakes. In a teaming agreement with Vogt Engineering, Espey Consultants was selected to provide infrastructure planning and design for Saddle Creek Forest Sections 4 and 5 including water, sewer, and drainage. EC also prepared a drainage study to determine base flood elevations and remap the 100-year floodplain limits for the regulatory floodplain through the development. Construction is in progress for sections 1 through 3. Construction for Sections 4 and 5 is scheduled to begin in late 2006.
Dr. Espey Appointed to New Orleans Hurricane Protection System External Review Panel
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced on October 19, 2005, that he had directed Secretary of the Army Francis J. Harvey to convene an independent panel of national experts, under the direction of the National Academies of Science, to evaluate the performance of hurricane protection systems in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. The federal response includes an Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force (IPET), organized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; a National Research Council (NRC) independent review panel; and an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) External Review Panel. The IPET will include a broad range of interagency participation, private sectors, and academic expertise. The IPET is to obtain the facts by collecting, analyzing, testing, and modeling data and information on the performance of the New Orleans Hurrican Protection System during Hurricane Katrina.
The ASCE has convened an external review panel to validate the products developed by the IPET and to report all findings directly to the NRC. Larry H. Roth, Deputy Executive Director in consultation with the leadership of ASCE and Environmental Water Resources Institute, stated that "Dr. W,H, Espey, Jr. was selected to lead the effort of the Internal Urban Drainage Review because of his national reputation and expertise in hydrology, drainage, and flood control."
