Our experience has been built from more than 15 years of assistance to municipal clients in the Pacific Northwest. We are experts in the applicable regulatory requirements for treatment and in selecting appropriate and cost-effective treatment technologies that are tailored to the pollutants of concern for the specific application. Our scientists and engineers understand the necessary balance between treatment optimization and operations and maintenance needs.

Additionally, our staff members are experts in the complementary areas of water quality, hydrologic analysis, hydraulic analysis, modeling, permitting, and construction management. Our expertise enables us to provide our clients with practical, well-rounded solutions.

Key Projects

• South Park Water Quality Improvements Preliminary Engineering Project – Seattle Public Utilities
• Ecology Embankment Technology Evaluation and Engineering Report – Washington State Department of Ecology
• Spyglass Stormwater Outfall Water Quality Retrofit Design – Clean Water Services, Oregon
• Compost Amended Vegetated Filter Strips Pilot Project – Design, installation, and long-term monitoring to provide scientifically defensible justification for use of this relatively low-cost option for treating runoff and reducing runoff volume; Washington Department of Transportation

http://www.herrerainc.com/pollution-source-control/ http://www.herrerainc.com/pollution-source-control/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2007 23:03:01 +0000 smaxwell http://localhost:8888/herrerainc-old/pollution-source-control/

Herrera provides engineering evaluation and technical support services to assist public agencies in updating their stormwater management manuals, including source control stormwater requirements, and in performing comprehensive programmatic source control inspections of public works facility operations. We have worked directly with the City of Seattle source control program business and industrial inspection group to support detection inspections of illicit discharges and connections. We service the private sector by providing inspection and auditing support for compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System stormwater permits throughout Washington and Alaska, specializing in transportation sector industries.

Key Projects

• Cities of Seattle and Tacoma and Pierce County – Source Control Manual Revisions
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination – Seattle Public Utilities
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Audits and Revisions – Confidential airline client
• Industrial Stormwater and Wastewater Permit Compliance Assessment – Confidential Client, Tacoma, Washington
• City-Wide Source Control Assessment – Seattle Public Utilities
• Stormwater Pollution Control Manual – King County
• Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan Periodic Inspections – Washington State Department of Transportation

Our staff works on cutting edge projects for which out-of-the box thinking is required. Herrera conducted a modeling study of a low-impact development subdivision in Seattle, WA at a time when modeling procedures had not yet been developed region-wide. The objectives of the modeling were to support engineering of the stormwater management facilities, including bioretention swales, porous pavement, compost amended soils, and gravel pocket parks; and to predict whether the development would meet state and local regulatory requirements. Our modeling for that project was subsequently included in the flow control modeling section of the Puget Sound Action Team Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound.

Our recent advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling studies include dam break analysis, dam enlargement design, design of on-site and regional capital facilities, and development of local and state flow control policy. Our engineers regularly use the following models: HEC-RAS, HEC-GeoRAS, HEC-HMS, XP-SWMM, WWHM2, KCRTS, HSPF, MGS Flood, StormShed, DAM BREAK, Infoworks-CS, and HY8. We also have extensive CAD and GIS capabilities and routinely integrate these technologies into our modeling studies.

Key Projects

• Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual by Puget Sound Action Team, WA – Contributing author
• High Point Revitalization – City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities
• Ozette River and Lake Ozette Modeling Study of Large Woody Debris – Makah Indian Tribe
• Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel – Seattle Public Utilities
• Rainwise Stormwater Incentives Package to encourage onsite low impact development features – Seattle Public Utilities
• South Park Conveyance Improvements – Seattle Public Utilities

We use continuous simulation hydrologic modeling techniques for small- and large-scale catchments including HSPF, XP-SWMM, Infoworks CS, MGS Flood, WWHM3, KCRTS, and HEC-HMS. We also use single-event modeling techniques as applicable, depending on local regulatory requirements. Single event models regularly used include StormShed, SBUH, and XP-SWMM (event mode).

Key Projects

• Cispus River Reach Analysis – Lewis County Department of Public Works
• Bogachiel River Reach Analysis – Washington State Department of Transportation Environmental Affairs Office
• Manitou Beach Salt Marsh Restoration Feasibility Analysis – City of Bainbridge Island
• SR 518 Widening – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Southeast Issaquah Bypass Environmental Impact Statement – City of Issaquah Public Works Department
• Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual by Puget Sound Action Team, WA – Contributing author
• Lakewood RainCatchers – Pilot project to test cost-effectiveness of rain gardens, vegetated swales, and drainage cisterns; Seattle Public Utilities Engineering
• High Point Revitalization – Low impact development design support and modeling for urban subdivision/mixed use development; City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities
• Rainwise Stormwater Incentives Package to encourage onsite low impact development features – Seattle Public Utilities

http://www.herrerainc.com/design/ http://www.herrerainc.com/design/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2007 22:58:58 +0000 smaxwell http://localhost:8888/herrerainc-old/design/

All of our designs are based on well tested engineering principles and analysis and extensive knowledge of regulations, codes, and operational considerations.

Key Projects

• Sweyolocken Pump Station Upgrade – King County
• Cedar Hills Regional Landfill Area 6 Closure Design – King County
• South and North Transfer Station Fuel System and Drainage Improvements – Seattle Public Utilities
• SR 518 SeaTac Airport to I-5/I-405 Interchange Project Hydraulic Analyses and Storm Drainage Systems Design – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Homestead Creek Residential Low Impact Development Project – Private Developer, Snohomish County, Washington

We offer engineering and environmental services for sanitary sewer projects including monitoring and modeling to support comprehensive planning. Our engineers provide a range of services from flow monitoring and modeling of sanitary sewer systems, to comprehensive planning and design of conveyance systems. Our conveyance experience includes: service area planning; system evaluation and modeling; I/I studies; and design of gravity sewers, pumping stations, force mains and related hydraulic structures.

Joining our team of engineers are planners and scientists who provide the permitting, environmental impact assessment, and mitigation expertise required for wastewater projects to meet all regulatory requirements including the Endangered Species Act.

Key Projects

• SR 900 Improvements from Newport Way NW to Interstate 90 Stormwater Conveyance Design – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Soos Creek Conveyance System Improvements Planning – King County
• Brookside Creek Stormwater Conveyance Outfall Retrofit Design – City of Shoreline
• Brightwater Wastewater Treatment Plant Siting and Conveyance Development – King County
• Eastside Interceptor Section 1 Capacity Upgrade – King County

Our staff has provided training programs on these topics for clients including WSDOT, Seattle Public Utilities, Federal Highway Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and numerous audiences including tribal entities, designers, biologists, and operations and maintenance staff. In addition, our staff members have taught courses for the University of Washington’s Wetland Certificate Program, the Northwest Environmental Training Center, and other universities and community colleges.

All of Herrera’s training services are geared towards interactive formats where the participant is actively engaged in the learning experience, rather than being a passive recipient of the information. Training we deliver is guided in part by Robert Mager’s instructional development methods, as described in his books Making Instruction Work and Preparing Instructional Objectives. We integrate the following three design elements into all course activities, presentations, and instructional methods:

• Clearly stated instructional objectives.
• Use of teaching or instructional methods that are appropriate and effective for achieving the stated objectives.
• Evaluation of measurable instructional results to ensure students have successfully met instructional objectives. (Course evaluations will be relevant to stated instructional objectives.)
• In addition to the technical expertise and experience as teachers and trainers that we bring to our clients, we also can provide videotaping and editing services and web-based training tools, if those needs arise.

Key Projects

• Highway Runoff Manual Training Program – WSDOT
• NEPA Document Review and Training Workshop – Nez Perce Tribe
• On-Call Environmental Regulatory, Compliance, and Hazardous Materials Training – WSDOT
• OSHA 8-hour Refresher Training 2002 – U.S. EPA
• Preparation of Biological Assessments: An Advanced Training Manual – WSDOT

Because of its diverse technical specialties, Herrera’s experienced team of environmental planners, scientists, and engineers is uniquely suited to provide a comprehensive approach for watershed assessment. We routinely collaborate with clients who must manage a complex set of external regulatory requirements and budget limitations, while developing and prioritizing internal policies and programs related to watershed protection and management.

We have developed watershed assessment expertise through a wide range of successful planning, implementation, and design strategies that have been applied to many projects for federal, state, and local clients. Our investigations of lake and stream hydrology, geomorphology, habitat, biology, and water quality have resulted in the development of successful management strategies for lake and stream rehabilitation, fisheries protection, sediment management, and water quality improvement. In particular, our experience working in urban and developing watersheds has required a comprehensive understanding of various influences from land cover changes to watershed hydrology and their associated impacts on aquatic habitat and ecosystem functions. The comprehensive and interdisciplinary skills of our technical staff are used to assist our clients in developing watershed-wide strategies for assessing and managing water and sediment resources.

Key Projects

• Murray/Sequalitchew Watershed: Watershed Management Plan – Fort Lewis, Washington
• Seattle Comprehensive Drainage Plan, Water Quality Program – City of Seattle, Washington
• Regional Water Quality Program, Thea Foss Watershed, Tacoma, Washington – City of Tacoma
• Gilliam Creek Basin Stormwater Management Plan – City of Tukwila, Washington
• Tributary 0056 Sedimentation Study – City of Kenmore, Washington

http://www.herrerainc.com/technical-guidance-and-policy-development/ http://www.herrerainc.com/technical-guidance-and-policy-development/#comments Mon, 08 Jan 2007 23:00:55 +0000 smaxwell http://localhost:8888/herrerainc/technical-guidance-and-policy-development/

 
 

Our staff consists of more than 100 highly qualified engineers, planners, environmental scientists, and biologists with stormwater management experience throughout the western United States. We have been closely involved with the history and evolution of stormwater management guidelines and regulations in the Pacific Northwest, providing services such as the following: preparation of technical analysis procedures and design guidelines; writing of portions of stormwater management manuals currently used by many of the major city, county and state jurisdictions in the Northwest; and technical review of proposed policies.

Herrera staff expertise includes development of stormwater management policy, comprehensive drainage planning, development of technical stormwater design guidance, technical evaluation of stormwater facility effectiveness, stormwater permitting and regulatory compliance, and training and education for stormwater management. Staff members are also experts in the complementary areas of engineering design, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, assessment of pollution sources and control measures, stormwater facility cost estimating, and construction management, all of which enable us to provide practical, well-rounded guidance. Clients include local, state, and federal agencies; Native American tribes; and private sector firms. The ability of Herrera staff members to work together across all disciplines involved in stormwater management contributes significantly to our continued success in developing innovative and cost-effective stormwater management solutions for our clients.

Key Projects

• Highway Runoff Manual technical writing, technical review, and training – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Comprehensive Drainage Plan – City of Seattle
• Water Resources Manual – Oregon Department of Transportation
• Surface Water Management Manual – City of Tacoma
• Stormwater Management Manual and Drainage Code – City of Seattle
• Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual – Pierce County
• Stormwater Management Manual for Airports in Washington – Washington State Department of Transportation

From small site developments to large transportation projects and regional planning efforts, we provide interdisciplinary, technically sound services that achieve cost-effective results for our clients. We are at the forefront of technical and regulatory developments in stormwater management, including the development of innovative and low-impact development techniques for stormwater management.

Our staff has extensive experience in many of the technical fields that are key to successful low-impact development innovation and implementation. Working with clients ranging from small land developers to large public agencies, Herrera has established a strong record of successfully integrating the following areas of expertise to low-impact development objectives:

• Evaluation of stormwater management options and costs
• Watershed assessment
• Civil engineering design
• Environmental permitting
• Public policy and code development
• Performance monitoring

Key Projects

• Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual published by the Puget Sound Action Team – Contributing author
• Homestead Creek Residential Low Impact Development – Hydrologic performance analysis documentation and design of single-family residential cluster development in rural Snohomish County, Washington, French Creek Properties, LLC
• Lakewood RainCatchers – Pilot project to test cost-effectiveness of rain gardens, vegetated swales, and drainage cisterns in a single-family residential neighborhood in Seattle to reduce combined sewer overflows to Lake Washington, Seattle Public Utilities
• Twin Creeks – Transit-oriented development in southern Oregon incorporating low-impact development techniques to create an environmentally friendly community and protect two bordering creeks, Twin Creeks Development Company
• Compost-Amended Vegetated Filter Strips – Pilot project for design, installation, and long-term monitoring to provide scientifically defensible justification for use of this relatively low-cost option for treating runoff and reducing runoff volume, Washington State Department of Transportation
• High Point Revitalization – Low-impact design support and hydraulic performance modeling for urban subdivision/mixed-use development in Seattle, Washington; Seattle Public Utilities
• Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center – Design of rainwater capture and reuse system, Seattle Parks
• Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel – Hydraulic modeling to support design of natural drainage system channel to provide water quality treatment for 680 acres in the headwaters of the south branch of Thornton Creek in Seattle, Washington; Seattle Public Utilities
• Stormwater Facility Credit Program – Incentives package developed for Seattle Public Utilities to encourage the use of onsite low-impact design measures that help protect infrastructure and the environment, as well as allowing customers flexibility to manage stormwater onsite and reduce their utility costs, Seattle Public Utilities

Our staff members’ diverse expertise in water quality, construction management, civil engineering, and stormwater monitoring enables us to tackle any issue related to erosion and sediment control on construction sites. We have assisted clients in developing technical guidance for the preparation of erosion and sediment control plans, developing guidance for the selection of erosion and sediment control measures tailored to particular site conditions, and compiling information on the full array of erosion and sediment control products and services that are available to them. Herrera’s experience in monitoring the effectiveness of erosion and sediment control measures at construction sites and monitoring water quality at construction sites provides invaluable insight into the techniques that are most successful under various site conditions. This insight strengthens our ability to anticipate erosion and sediment control problems and to develop effective design solutions for clients. Several of our staff members are certified erosion and sediment control specialists in the state of Washington.

Key Projects

• Erosion and Sediment Control Design for State Route 518 Widening – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Erosion and Sediment Control Products and Services Catalog – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Template – Washington State Department of Ecology
• Link Light Rail Construction Monitoring – Sound Transit
• Third Runway Construction Monitoring – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Construction Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control manual and code update – City of Seattle

Herrera scientists and engineers apply a multidisciplinary approach to a variety of sediment management projects. Our senior geomorphologists are renowned experts in the analysis of erosion and sediment transport in coastal waters, lakes, rivers, and streams. The Herrera sediment management group also includes water quality scientists, hazardous materials specialists, biologists, and engineers who monitor, characterize, and design controls for contaminated sediments that are affecting the surrounding environment.

Our technical experts interpret the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Water Act, and various state and local programs to address site-specific regulatory requirements. We also typically use the Washington state sediment management standards (SMS) and the Puget Sound dredged disposal analysis (PSDDA) criteria for marine sediment evaluation and rely on additional guidelines for freshwater sediment evaluation. Our senior scientists have over 25 years of applied sediment monitoring experience in the Pacific Northwest that includes the following:

• Preparation of detailed sampling and analysis plans using the Puget Sound Estuary Protocols
• Collection of sediment samples using various grab sampling and coring techniques for evaluating conditions before cleanup and after construction
• Validation and interpretation of sediment chemistry and bioassay data
• Monitoring water quality impacts during dredging operations
• Sampling and evaluation of toxic contaminants in fish and other aquatic organisms at sediment remediation sites
• Sampling and interpretation of benthic community data for site characterizations and impact analyses
• Evaluating the recolonizaton of cap materials by benthic invertebrates at various remediation sites in Puget Sound

Key Projects

• Operations, Maintenance, and Monitoring Plan Implementation for Contaminated Sediment Management at West Eagle Harbor Superfund Site, Bainbridge Island – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Beach Sediment Survey of the Puget Sound Shoreline – Thurston County Regional Planning Council
• Structural Inspection, Sediment Monitoring, and Site Remediation for Georgetown Flume – Seattle Public Utilities
• Boeing Plant No. 2 Sediment Site Characterization – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District
• Lake Ozette Sediment Study – U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
• Geomorphic Analysis of the Grays River – Bonneville Power Administration, Oregon
• Big Spring Creek Sediment Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study – Private Client
• Monitoring and Assessment for Dredged Material Management Disposal Site – Washington Department of Natural Resources
• King County Sediment Management Plan – King County, Washington

Successful monitoring programs frequently require data collection under inclement conditions and during non-business hours. At Herrera, data integrity comes first and staff members are committed to producing high-quality field results. Our stormwater monitoring team is highly responsive and mobile; staff members in Portland, Seattle, and Bellingham successfully monitor stormwater conditions throughout western Oregon and Washington. Our hazardous materials monitoring team mobilizes throughout the Pacific Northwest, assessing long-term changes in ground water contaminants at sites that are undergoing cleanup.

Herrera uses the latest monitoring technologies, including low-flow sampling, automated samplers, data sondes, multiparameter meters, underwater diver surveys and videography, and telemetered hydrologic and water quality monitoring equipment. Our monitoring programs also include inventories of plankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, aquatic macrophytes, riparian vegetation, large woody debris, and sediment contamination and transport.

Our interdisciplinary approach to large projects applies a broad range of scientific applications to environmental monitoring that sets the company apart as regional monitoring experts.

Key Projects

• Stormwater Monitoring for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System: Permit Compliance and Best Management Practices Performance Evaluation of Compost-Amended Filter Strips – Washington State Department of Transportation
• Stormwater and Hazmat Quality Monitoring of Link Light Rail Construction Site – Sound Transit, Seattle, Washington
• Water Quality Studies for Issaquah Highlands Master Plan Development – Port Blakely Communities, Inc., Washington
• Drinking Water Testing Program – Seattle Public Schools
• Engineering and Monitoring Services for Green Lake Water Quality Improvements and Alum Treatment – Seattle Parks and Recreation
• Walsh Lake Aquatic Plant Survey and Milfoil Control Project – Seattle Public Utilities
• Twin Lakes Water Quality and Aquatic Plant Assessment – Twin Lakes Home Owners Association, Federal Way, Washington
• Multiple ground water monitoring projects for petroleum and dry-cleaning chemicals at shopping malls in Washington – Various private clients
• Assessment and Long-Term Monitoring Study for Federal Building Motor Pool Ground Water Treatment System in Fairbanks, Alaska – U.S. General Services Administration, Region 10
• Long-Term Monitoring for Maintenance Shop Petroleum Cleanup – City of Sumner, Washington