As a city leader you are responsible for many things;
managing budgets, people, community needs, city assets, and the list goes on. What
if there were a system in place for managing one of your largest assets, the
city streets?
A pavement management program provides a systematic method
of inspecting and rating the pavement condition of your roads; including the
analysis of various maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. As part of the
program, we use pavement forensics to identify the pavement structure and
condition underneath the visible surface of the pavement. We look at the depths
and condition of the pavement layers, signs of bonding or de-bonding, and
distresses that may not be visible from the surface. Data collected from the
pavement cores during forensics, provides a better understanding of the roadway
sections and allows us to determine cost-effective and appropriate pavement
rehabilitation techniques. The program is designed to help you get the most out
of your available resources.
The collected data is used to evaluate funding needs and, in
some cases, implement new funding tools such as franchise fees. We conduct
analysis on various budget scenarios to help you forecast the funding required
to maintain your network of roadways. The inspection results are useful for
talking with residents and City Council Members regarding necessary road
improvements and are vital in justifying the funding needed to maintain city
streets as part of your Capital Improvement Plans.
A thorough pavement management plan can save you from expensive, and sometimes unnecessary, repairs. The data can help you to narrow down the areas that require preventive maintenance and rehabilitation. An effective program will emphasize maintaining streets that are in good condition to extend their service life, as preventive maintenance is less costly than rehabilitation.
However, when streets have deteriorated and demand more extensive repair, your pavement management program allows you to plan for those projects and minimize the risks of having to make extensive changes to the project. By successfully implementing a pavement management program, you can improve the overall performance and life of your roads, saving the city and taxpayers time and money.
Sheue Torng Lee started her career at MnDOT in the MnROAD section after graduation, where she was involved in research data analysis as well as helping MnROAD in developing technical report documents. Sheue works in pavement/asset management and pavement preventative maintenance, emphasizing in pavement design and forensics.
When beginning the development of a wind farm, it’s not just the physical design of a property you should consider, but the environmental factors as well.
Consider the eagles before development
As environmental scientists, our role is to inform our clients about the risks to natural resources and wildlife; in particular, avian life. Using information about the natural environment, we can provide recommendations to our clients for ideal locations to construct potential wind turbines. Wind energy infrastructure can pose a great risk to birds and eagles and our research helps protect them from turbine injuries and/or fatalities. If an eagle is killed or injured by a windmill, the wind farm owner may be in violation of a federal law and face a penalty.
Wind farm eagle surveys
WSB has recently
been collecting data about the presence of golden and bald eagles at a wind
farm project in Montana. In recent surveys, golden eagles have been observed at
the 6,000-acre site and are potentially at-risk from the wind farm development.
Golden and bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Act created
in 1940 (and expanded to include goldens in 1962). When protected species are
found to be present on a development site, an extensive two-year study, data
analysis and risk calculations must be considered prior to development.
WSB understands
and adheres to the recommendations and guidance of the region 6 USFWS and the
2013 Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance when conducting site assessments for
eagle use at potential wind farm locations.
Two-year data collection
This past
September, we began a two-year process of raptor point count surveys to study
eagle land and air usage at the wind farm site. Our environmental scientists
visit Montana monthly to collect data regarding eagle activity at the site
location. Field work during these evaluations includes visual eagle activity
surveys, eagle nest surveys, and eagle prey abundance observation that can be used
to identify the impacts of a wind farm on avian life.
We compile and
record information about the weather conditions, species sitings, eagle flight
paths, eagle behavior, and age class. Our scientists are not only measuring
avian activity but also noting whether eagle prey, such as antelope and prairie
dogs, are present. We then analyze, compile, and summarize the data for our clients.
At the end of the two-year study, all data will be analyzed forecasting the
potential risk to eagles from wind farm development. If risk levels are high,
the client can apply for an eagle take permit through the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and develop an Eagle Conservation Plan for the
site.
Eagle
safety is our top priority
Not all wind farms require an extensive two-year study as each potential site is different. If protected species, such as eagles, or species of concern aren’t present or observed at the site, the above approach may not be required. When risk levels for harming avian and raptor life are low, the process of wind farm development and construction can be streamlined.
This renewable energy source poses less risk to birds and wildlife than other energy sources, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions before development begins. Our environmental scientists evaluate conservation risks and make evidence-based recommendations for research, best management practices and siting locations that protect avian species with a low amount of risk. The goal for wind farm development is to help our clients develop renewable energy resources while reducing impacts to wildlife.
Environmental Scientist, Jordan Wein explains how tracking the activity of raptors can support wind farm development and minimize the risk to raptors and other birds.
Solar production in Minnesota has seen dramatic increases in the past few years and continues to grow across the state. With this rapid growth comes challenges about how to regulate the installation of panels at a local level. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Minnesota has already invested $1.9 billion on solar and additional growth is projected at 834 megawatts over the next five years. The installations of solar “farms”, vast arrays of solar panels, can be seen throughout the state and can generate up to a megawatt of electricity each. Development of these sites often requires large, vacant parcels which may also support natural habitats such as wetlands.
The development application process for these solar farms can be challenging for municipalities, especially those who act as the local government unit (LGU) for the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). Developers must work collaboratively with LGUs to demonstrate a sequencing process that shows how their projects are avoiding, minimizing, and if necessary, replacing unavoidable wetland impacts. Under the WCA rule, the installation of posts and pilings from solar panels has traditionally not been considered a wetland impact if they do not significantly alter the wetland function and value. But, as the solar industry grows, LGUs have had questions about whether the installation of solar panels may lead to loss in wetland quality over time which would be a violation of WCA. A strong measure of wetland quality comes from the diversity of the plants within the wetland, factors like shading from panels and disturbances from construction may lead to conversion of the wetland vegetative community, and subsequently, the wetland quality. Loss of wetlands and wetland quality has overlapping effects on drinking water, lake and stream health, native wildlife, soil heath, and pollinators, all of which are important to our Minnesota ecosystems.
So why does this affect you? Many municipalities act as the
LGU responsible for implementing WCA. LGUs, alongside other regulating
agencies, have been struggling to make impact determinations for sites that
install panels in wetlands because there is little data available that
addresses the future outcomes of these natural areas. There is a growing need
for baseline data about how the quality of wetland vegetation changes
throughout the solar development process. If data were available, LGUs could
use these as a basis for making determinations.
Having baseline data about wetland vegetative quality under
solar panels is beneficial to both regulators and developers. Regulators will
have a scientific basis for making wetland impact determinations within their
jurisdiction and developers will see more consistency across municipalities
during the permitting process. We may see that wetland quality improves under
solar panels in certain circumstances through the planting of native vegetation
upon completion of development. In other scenarios, wetland quality may
decrease if the existing wetland was of higher quality prior to development.
WSB has started an exciting initiative to collect this baseline data at various solar sites in Minnesota. In 2019, environmental scientists at WSB surveyed wetland vegetation under existing or planned solar panels at four solar farms in varying stages of development. Additional data collection at these sites is planned for the summer of 2020. WSB is in the process of developing a Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) grant application to expand this research in 2021 to more sites across the state and to include other metrics that may influence vegetation such as fixed-tilt or tracker panel types. Support of this research from municipalities will be important for the LCCMR application process and we encourage you to join us in the process through letters of support, in-kind hours, monetary support, or providing access to solar farms within your area. It is an exciting time in the renewable energy industry and WSB is committed to helping advance the clean energy market in a way that is sustainable to our Minnesota environment that we all cherish.
Roxy is an environmental scientist and certified wetland delineator. She has a master’s degree in ecology and is a Certified Associate Ecologist. She has completed numerous wetland delineations and has experience with wetland monitoring, ecological restoration design, environmental site assessments, field research, biological surveys, ArcGIS mapping, and GPS Trimble.
Road reconstruction projects
affect residents of all cities, from large metropolitan areas to small rural centers.
While residents are very familiar with the sight of bright orange cones and
excavating machines that are shown for a few months in the summer, few know the
full amount of work that goes into improving roads and public utilities the
rest of the year. Here is a season by season breakdown of how a road
reconstruction project comes to life:
Summer/Fall
The summer/fall season is when work on a specific project typically begins for the upcoming construction season, with the start of preliminary design. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, preliminary design can begin months or even years earlier than this time frame.
The preliminary design begins by collecting extensive information on the existing conditions of the public infrastructure in the project area. This can be done through a topographic survey of the area, taking geotechnical readings on the materials in the area, and even reviewing asset management systems or old plan sets for the project area.
Based on the information gathered, the project team (typically consisting of transportation and municipal engineers) can identify improvements needed within the project area. The team then provides a preliminary overview of proposed improvements to the project owners, private utility companies such as gas or electric that could be impacted, residents, business owners and other stakeholders in the project area. At this point, public engagement becomes critical to connect with the owners, companies, and residents to solicit feedback on the proposed improvements and gather additional information on existing conditions. This feedback can be achieved through neighborhood meetings, showcasing visualizations, and conducting community surveys.
After gathering
feedback, the project team presents the proposed infrastructure improvements along
with estimates on costs and schedule to the project owners, and, if the project
is still supported, begins final design.
Fall/Winter
The fall/winter season is dedicated to final design of the project. The team (supported by site & landscape designers, water resource engineers and wastewater engineers) completes final design documents that specialists in infrastructure construction techniques will use build the project. These documents will complete the city’s vision for the project while ensuring it is properly engineered and safe for residents. The design includes not only the pavement that residents drive on, but also all of the public utilities in the project area, such as storm sewer, sanitary sewer and watermain.
During this time, the project will also be reviewed by permitting agencies that have jurisdiction over certain aspects of the project. These agencies, such as a county or state transportation agency, may have jurisdiction over neighboring roads. Other agencies, like a state departments of natural resources, may review the project for environmental regulations within the project area.
Once the plans and specifications are complete, the project team will share the finished design documents with the project owner. The project is then authorized to be bid for construction.
Winter/Spring
The spring season is
used to bid the project and prepare for construction. After the project is authorized
to be bid, a notice goes out to contractors notifying them of the project and
providing them access to the plans and specifications. If a contractor is
interested in constructing the project, they submit a set of documents to the
project owner. These documents include insurance information, proof of bonds,
and their bid of how much they believe it will cost to construct the project.
At an arranged time, a contractor will be selected from those that submitted a
bid.
Once a contractor has been selected, project management and construction administration begins. Preliminary construction meetings are held with the project owners, the project team, and other stakeholders, to prepare for the upcoming construction of the project.
Spring/Summer
After the preliminary and final designs are complete, construction -the most visible stage of a project – can begin during the spring/summer season. During this time, the project team monitors contractor progress on the project, and ensures that the construction is being done according to the plans and specifications that were prepared in the fall/winter. This monitoring consists of a variety of activities that include construction material testing, environmental compliance, and more.
Because the winter season is often the longest in the Midwest, the time frame for construction is extremely short. To protect the final product, some projects require contractors to wait until after winter to finish minor paving and restoration work during the following spring/summer season.
Once all of the work is complete and accepted by the project owner, the contract is finalized and closed out. Usually a maintenance period is required of the contractor, during which time they are responsible to address any workmanship or materials defects which are identified following close out.
At this point, the project is considered complete. The project owner is responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair of the infrastructure through their Public Works Department. The new seasonal cycle begins with the next project that was prioritized or identified within that community’s Capital Improvement Plan or similar planning document. Learn about how WSB can assist your community with any or all of these project cycles by visiting https://www.wsbeng.com/expertise/community/ or clicking on any of the linked services above.
Brandon is a Graduate Engineer with WSB and serves as the assistant city engineer for the City of Sunfish Lake, MN. He is experienced with reviewing developer and residential land development plans and management of cities’ Municipal State Aid Systems (MSAS) through the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
As infrastructure ages, you will need to prioritize which items to fix first. You need to determine which items to do this year and which items can wait for future plans. How do you know when it is time to put a lift station at the top of the list? Below are 5 signs that your lift station is nearing the end of their usable life cycle.
1. Clogged Pumps – Have your maintenance crews been spending an inordinate amount of time and resources addressing clogged pumps? Rags, sanitary products, and many other items find their way into your city’s sanitary sewer, but cannot be passed by the old style impellers. It might be time to upgrade your pumps to modern non-clog impellers to address this maintenance nightmare.
2. Increased Pump Runtimes – Over time, pumps lose their efficiency causing them to generate less flow at lower velocities. This can cause solids to settle in the forcemain and exacerbate the pump inefficiencies. Compare your electricity bills over time. If the number of kilowatt hours used has gone up, it might be time to dig into the issue.
3. Electrical & Communication Failures – Old starters, leaking mechanical seals, electrical service changes: these items can cause tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses. If your SCADA system isn’t communicating these failures to maintenance staff, you might find out from an angry resident with sewage backup in their basement. Electrical and communication upgrades will help your staff maintain real-time status updates and put your mind at ease.
4. Degraded Concrete, Piping & Equipment – Sanitary sewage can generate corrosive hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas that chews up the lift station concrete, pump rails, piping, hatches, and valves. Ensuring proper pump cycles and providing mixing to break up gas producing materials in the lift station can help reduce gas generation, but it may also be necessary to coat the concrete with a corrosion resistant barrier and replace lift station equipment with more robust materials. Have the field crew take photos for you to review.
5. Safety – Are your lift station hatches equipped with fall protection? Are your workers using tripods with harnesses for lift station access, or are they relying on deteriorated manhole steps? Review the safety features of your lift stations and make sure your crew has the right equipment to do their job safely. Lift stations are a very hazardous environment, but simple safety features and protocols can make all the difference.
If you are experiencing any of these issues or want more information, we can help.
So, your comprehensive plan is done – and everyone is breathing a big sigh of relief. Now what?
A community’s comprehensive plan includes recommendations on
land use, housing, and other areas that are described and enforced by that
city’s zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance. Without updating the zoning
ordinance many planning goals may not be attainable. Zoning is important to
promote and manage growth and to help residents and businesses manage
expectations about what they and their neighbors can do with their property. Simply
put, you can’t attain the development goals established in a comprehensive plan
without a zoning ordinance.
A sense of relief and accomplishment at the end of the comprehensive
planning process is understandable; it can take years to update a comprehensive
plan. As a former local government planner, I have been asked many times if a
plan will just “sit on the shelf.” This often stems from a lack of ability to
build the plan. Zoning means different things to different stakeholders. For
developers, zoning is a building tool. For residents, it is a tool used for
protection from the unknown. For local government, it is a tool to promote the
prosperity, health, and welfare of the whole community. For planners, zoning is
a tool to achieve the plan goals. Turning a comprehensive plan into a reality
can be largely based on the zoning ordinance. An update to the zoning ordinance
should be incorporated when updating a comprehensive plan.
Here are four reasons to update your zoning ordinance:
An update leads to increased buy-in from elected officials and community stakeholders. Planning is a visionary process. If stakeholders know that the zoning comes next, they may be more likely to participate and stay involved. The zoning ordinance puts plans into action.
It helps ensure the zoning work will be completed and budgeted for in advance of planning fatigue that can overwhelm the late phases of updating the comprehensive plan.
The comprehensive plan visioning may be stronger with the knowledge that zoning should occur immediately following completion. The comp plan will be more targeted to the conditions of the community and supported by stakeholders and elected officials. In other words, visions are rightsized to the community.
The plan visions may be sooner realized. Oftentimes planning fatigue and competition for staff time and resources result in zoning updates being pushed off for months or years, potentially resulting in legal challenges or extended project timelines.
And beyond just planning for the zoning update, here are six
reasons to update your zoning ordinance:
Legal protection. Zoning decisions that have no basis in the comprehensive plan are more successfully challenged in court. There must be a rational basis for zoning decisions and requirements. Additionally, cities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area must comply with the Metropolitan Land Planning Act which imposes certain mandatory zoning and regulatory requirements and requires that zoning directives harmonize with and not contradict the comprehensive plan.
To reflect federal and state law pertaining to land use and zoning. For example, how we regulate non-conformities has changed in Minnesota, with local authority over non-conformities weakening. Also, legal decisions regarding signage impact how local government reviews sign applications.
To incorporate plain language and resolve internal conflicts that are the result of decades of incremental updates. The use of plain and clear language to define uses and terms strengthens the legal standing of ordinance interpretations.
To address confusing concepts that have led to inconsistent application of code. Modern zoning codes use graphics to illustrate concepts such as setbacks, lot coverage, and floor area ratio.
To adapt to societal changes that conflict with narrow use categories and single-use zoning, such as allowing home offices, businesses, accessory units, and accessory structures within homes and on single-family lots.
To incorporate best practices in land use and development that focus on how a building fits into its context and ways to mitigate use conflicts rather than narrowly legislate use of private property.
Although, there are many factors that determine how quickly
a comprehensive plan can become a reality, zoning is certainly not a factor to
discard.
In the past few years, there has been a push to utilize
renewable energy resources. In Minnesota and other states, there has been
legislation to require some of this renewable energy to come from solar. According
to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Minnesota ranks 13th
in the nation for megawatt production, producing 1,140 MW of energy from solar.
This push for solar has resulted in the development of small-scale and
community solar gardens which construct panels across a variety of landscapes,
including low-lying wetland areas.
In Minnesota, there are rules and regulations for impacts to
wetlands that include regulations surrounding the placement of a structure in a
wetland. These rules are outlined in the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). The WCA
allows the construction of some panels in wetland areas depending on the type
of impact, but regulation of these impacts is highly variable throughout the
state due to lack of specific language regarding whether solar panels truly
cause wetland impacts. There are opinions that suggest that the installation of
solar panels within wetlands affect the quality of the wetland vegetation under
the panels over time. In addition to these regulations, the Board of Water and
Soil Resources (BWSR) also has standards that encourage developers of solar
fields to plant vegetation that benefits pollinators.
Currently, there isn’t any research that explores the direct
impact of solar panels on wetland vegetation. From small community solar
gardens to large utility scale solar gardens, the energy generated can benefit
communities, but what is the impact on the underlying vegetation? If solar
panels are placed in a degraded wetland such as a farm field, would the
installation of panels and native seed mixes improve the quality of wetland
vegetation?
Where is the research?
The lack of research explaining direct impacts that solar
installations have on vegetation is a challenge for scientists and engineers.
Through communication with regulators and developers, we have discovered there
is room for growth and study in this area, and it is a topic that needs
continued exploration. This data gap has led us to develop our own vegetation studies
at community solar gardens. This data is imperative if we are to continue to
rely on solar energy resources. Without current guidelines that outline negative
or positive effects, we are unsure of the long-term overall environmental
impacts to vegetation quality under solar panels, which in turn affects the
quality of natural habitat and functional benefits provided by the landscape.
How do energy companies know if they are impacting the environment that
surrounds solar gardens? Pursuing funding for extensive research has been challenging
for those who are curious about the effects of installation of solar technology
on surrounding vegetation. Even after preliminary research, many questions remain
surrounding the shading of solar panels and vegetation, direct impacts, and
long-term effects.
What does this mean for the future?
SEIA projects that Minnesota’s solar energy consumption will grow by 845 megawatts within the next five years. Financial support to continue this research is necessary and will allow scientists to uncover data at solar sites that does not yet exist. With this data, we can better understand the environment, impact of projects on vegetation, and develop tools to distinguish impacts. Developers looking for land will better understand the risks involved when building a solar garden on or near a wetland. As need and desire for renewable energy increases, more energy companies will implement solar. However, if we are not aware of the impacts solar gardens have, how will we know if there is an additional cost to the environment? Knowing areas to avoid allows companies to be certain of regulations, save time and money, and limit impacts to surrounding wetlands. We are continuing to complete research to better understand the impacts and benefits of solar arrays on underlying vegetation.
Roxy is an environmental scientist and certified wetland delineator. She has a master’s degree in ecology and is a Certified Associate Ecologist . She has completed numerous wetland delineations and has experience with wetland monitoring, ecological restoration design, environmental site assessments, field research, biological surveys, ArcGIS mapping, and GPS Trimble.
You encounter many opportunities to pursue grants throughout the year. Grants can be a great way to fund community needs. However, preparing applications comes with expense – staff time and effort or consultant fees. Not to mention, there’s no guarantee you’ll be awarded anything. Is it worth the effort? Below are some things to consider when making a decision.
1. Know the program requirements
Does your project or need fit the eligibility requirements? Try talking to the grant administrator to see how well your project fits within the program requirements.
If a local funding match is required, make sure your community has the funds available.
If the grant is for construction, does the project need to be let or constructed by a certain date? If so, be sure your community meet that requirement.
2. Know the real level of effort
Calculate the cost: consider staff hours or consultant fees needed to prepare the application.
Can your community meet all of the application requirements, including the due date?
3. Identify the grant team
Assign a grant champion – the person who will see the application through from start to finish.
Identify who will provide the technical portions of the application. For example: engineering layout; cost estimates; benefit/cost analysis; etc.
4. Obtain necessary approvals and endorsements
Is your community leadership on-board with pursuing the grant?
If the application will benefit from outside support from stakeholders or elected officials, be sure to request those items early.
5. Identify unstated factors that may influence success
Has your community recently been awarded money from this funding source? Oftentimes, grant administrators award money based on historic awards in an effort to ensure everyone has an opportunity.
Identify any outside factors that may influence selection.
Thinking about the items above will help you make an informed decision – balancing the level of effort required compared to the likelihood of success.
Need help deciding whether or not to go after a grant or wondering if any grants might fit a project? We can help.
Mary is a Sr. Transportation Planner at WSB with over 17 years of progressively complex transportation planning and project management experience, gained from working on a variety of transportation projects for modes including roads/bridge, transit, and trails.
As your public works team begins to prepare for winter, they will undoubtedly be using road salt to accomplish the important task of removing ice from Minnesota’s roads and sidewalks to keep residents safe as they walk and drive. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, an estimated 365,000 tons of road salt are used each year in the Twin Cities metropolitan area alone. However, overuse of road salt can lead to chloride pollution which harms lakes and rivers and the aquatic species that live there – and in some instances, even pollutes our drinking water. Once road salts are dissolved in the aquatic environment, it is nearly impossible to remediate the pollution.
What exactly are chlorides?
Chloride salts are salts that contain chlorine (Cl). Chloride salts are used to de-ice our streets and soften our water. They are also a pollutant that can damage the environment as well as man-made structures if accumulated in large amounts.
How can chloride be harmful?
When salt is applied to roads, the ice melts and dissolves the salt which creates chloride runoff into lakes, rivers and aquifers. Similarly, the brine discharge from in-home water softeners is discharged to municipal wastewater treatment plants and ultimately reaches the environment. This chloride becomes very difficult – if not impossible – to remove from our water. Chloride can disrupt ecosystems, threaten aquatic species and wildlife, and make potable water undrinkable. In fact, it only takes one teaspoon of road salt to contaminate roughly six gallons of drinking water.
Chlorides are also corrosive, causing damage to vehicles, bridges and other infrastructure. This leads to more maintenance and ultimately more costs for residents and municipalities.
How can cities help curb chloride pollution?
Prevention Road salt is one of the largest contributors to chloride pollution in Minnesota, but it is essential in keeping the public safe during icy winters. Earlier this year, Minnesota created a statewide chloride management plan for managing salt use and protecting our water resources in a strategic way. Municipalities are encouraged to review the plan to learn more. In the meantime, you can reduce chloride pollution by doing the following:
Make sure road salt is stored and transported securely.
Use a sprayed salt brine on pavement prior to snow and rainfalls to reduce your need for road salt.
If it’s below 15 degrees, your typical road salt loses effectiveness. Consider other options like sand or other de-icers.
Only apply road salt where needed and leave space between granules. Your average coffee cup holds enough salt for 10 sidewalk squares or a 20-foot driveway.
Be deliberate about slowing down and capturing runoff stormwater from roads and urban areas.
Educate the public on the risks of chloride pollution and offer alternative materials such as sand for use in de-icing.
Provide information to the public on the local drinking water quality and the consequences of in-home softening systems.
Need help curbing your road salt usage or more information about chlorides in your water? Contact WSB.
Ashley’s experience includes water and wastewater process design, construction management, and contract execution for both municipal and industrial wastewater and water clients. Her work includes sanitary force mains, interceptors, and lift stations, water treatment and water distribution, WWTP and collection system rehabilitation, sanitary sewer odor control, biogas utilization, and sludge and biosolids handling.
Minnesota winter is fast approaching; recent experience and climatologists tell us that our temperatures are warming, but also more moisture in the atmosphere promises more winter precipitation. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, and more snow. Are you prepared for what winter has in store for you and your facilities? The public has come to expect early and effective response to winter storms, and that puts pressure on operations staff to meet expectations regarding mobility and safety.
Effective snow and ice control starts with proper planning well in advance of the first snowfall. Indeed, with facility budgeting it often means planning 18 months or more in advance. Having a formal plan will help address the bad weather when it comes, and just as important, it will help justify budget requests needed to meet the increasing demands in the realm of snow and ice control. Most importantly, planning ahead will make you more effective in providing a safe environment for students. Safety is paramount; running out of material, short staffing, obsolete equipment, forgotten maintenance activities, and the inevitable “accidents” that result are preventable.
A good snow and ice control plan looks at much more than when and where to plow snow. It establishes criteria for measuring success–and gets the buy in from policy makers and officials on those criteria. It explores equipment, staffing, contractor, material needs. The snow and ice control program establishes the need and creates a justification for budgeting for the proper tools, equipment and staff to get the job done as everyone expects.
Ensure you are properly prepared for the coming weather. If you don’t have a formal snow and ice control program, or you’d like to make the one you have a more useful planning and communication tool, it’s not too late to ask for help.
Klay has worked in the public sector for over 34 years serving four different communities. He has experience in capital improvement planning, infrastructure planning, comprehensive planning, site master planning, facility expansion projects, and interagency partnership agreements.
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