Issue 05/Fall 2017
A publication of Goodwyn Mills Cawood
Building Communities Resolving taste and odor issues in drinking water UAB returns to the gridiron
Rebuilding communities after natural disasters Projects under construction
GMC MANIFESTO We believe in community, collaboration and using the power of creativity and hard work to make a difference - in our hearts, homes, city, nation and world. We believe in hope, progress, beauty, and big ideas. We believe that people like us, need us. We are not just an engineering firm. We are not just architects. We are artists, designers, thinkers, doers, makers, and storytellers dedicated to doing great work, for good. We partner with passionate and likeminded individuals, businesses, organizations, and causes that have aggressive hopes and goals for tomorrow and beyond. Dreaming big is the only way to make big dreams come true, and we know that our solutions can only be as great as the people we serve. Communities are built by people, not companies. And it is that foundational concept that drives how we approach every project, big or small. Because it’s the passion and drive of individuals that feeds the growth and development of what’s next. Together, we will be smart. We will be relevant. We will be meaningful. We will be kind, supportive, enthusiastic and – at the very least – the very best we can be. We are – and will continue to be – a collaborative organization driven by the power of building better, happier, healthier, thriving communities. And we are committed to working with folks who share our vision for realizing their full potential, because we know that great engineering and architecture helps make communities better, for everyone.
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ON THE COVER Construction is underway on upgrades of the Anderson Regional Joint Water System water treatment plant in Anderson, S.C.
CONTENTS Schema is a quarterly publication of Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) designed to keep clients, business partners, employees and others informed on company news and to provide insight on industry trends and issues. Don’t miss an issue! Subscribe at www.gmcnetwork.com
4 PASSING THE SMELL TEST
8
GMC PROJECTS AMONG ENR SOUTHEAST'S BEST PROJECTS
10 THE RETURN OF UAB FOOTBALL
12
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
14
REBUILDING COMMUNITIES
17
November
7-9
THE UP & COMING: CONFERENCES & EVENTS
18
AROUND THE NETWORK
Fall 2017 3
The presence of unpleasant tastes and odors in drinking water is a serious and increasingly frequent problem for water utilities in the U.S. The repercussions extend far beyond mere inconvenience. City and county officials responsible for managing water supplies have a sworn duty to their constituents to provide safe drinking water.
TASTE
COLOR
MANGANESE
ODOR
IRON
EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
Passing the
Smell Test
Assessing and reducing taste and odor issues in drinking water By Tony Reid, PE
Fortunately, most tastes and odors found in drinking water are non-hazardous, and can be treated and/or eradicated using a combination of methods uniquely tailored to location and source. As a result, many public officials are taking action to resolve their ongoing water issues. While many inorganic and organic compounds can produce unpleasant tastes and odors in water, the primary causes of these problems are two organic compounds associated with algal blooms: 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin, which are naturally produced by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and actinobacteria. Both MIB and geosmin have a distinct, strong odor that can be characterized as earthy and musty. Typical odor threshold concentrations for MIB and geosmin are 9 ng/L and 4 ng/L, respectively, with a range of 6 to 10 ng/L. For most people, the threshold, or level at which most humans can detect these compounds, is about 10 ng/L. In addition to MIB and geosmin, when an algal bloom occurs, the rapid growth and decay of bloom-forming algae species will also produce pigments that cause water discoloration and toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Few technologies address the unique combination of taste and odor, color and emerging contaminants issues since there are many compounds associated with each issue.
Anderson Regional Joint Water System During a 2015-16 evaluation and design project for the Anderson Regional Joint Water System (ARJWS) in Anderson, S.C., GMC was tasked with developing a cost-effective solution that would significantly lower concentrations of the taste-and odor-causing compounds. Until then, the facility had attempted to treat the taste and odor issue with copperand peroxide-based algaecides as in-lake treatment, and the combination of powdered activated carbon (PAC)/chlorine dioxide (ClO2) as in-plant treatment, to no avail. GMC used a phased approach in devising a solution: • Phase I: research taste, odor and color, iron and manganese and emerging contaminants, evaluate current treatment process and develop a matrix for current issues versus treatment technologies 4 SCHEMA
Fall 2017 5
• Phase II: analyze identified technologies • Phase III: provide treatment recommendations, along with expenditures, life-cycle cost analysis and a path forward
to 700 ng/L range – meaning their removal below human detection through conventional treatment methods was nearly impossible.
Four treatment alternatives were analyzed: ozone, ozone + peroxide, ultraviolet (UV) + peroxide, and ozone + peroxide + UV. GMC’s formulaic approach ultimately resulted in a treatment strategy that holistically addressed taste and odor, color and emerging contaminants. Ultimately, ozone + peroxide treatment was found to be the most viable option, with the ability to feed ozone alone and augment with peroxide for quenching ozone residuals.
While the ARJWS WTP utilized powdered activated carbon, chlorine dioxide and a mixed oxidant solution to adsorb and oxidize objectionable compounds, these technologies were limited in their ability to remove taste and odor-causing substances at high concentrations. Therefore, the existing treatment process at the plant was not effective in removing taste and odor-causing compounds, or emerging contaminants.
What's the Problem?
In August 2015, ARJWS retained GMC to provide a holistic solution that would address taste and odor within the treatment facility, in combination with the treatment occurring in the lake. Color spikes caused by the presence of iron and manganese were also addressed.
The ARJWS Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is a conventional surface water facility with combined flocculation and sedimentation basins followed by rapid multimedia filtration. The plant is supplied by surface water from Lake Hartwell, which lies along the border of upstate South Carolina and Georgia. Treatment begins in Lake Hartwell with the algaecide application, but this was the only location outside of the facility property where treatment occurred. In June 2013, ARJWS began experiencing intermittent/seasonal taste and odor problems due to compounds found in Lake Hartwell, naturally produced by certain algae found in the lake. The most common taste and odor compounds were MIB and geosmin, which have an earthy taste and noticeable odor even at low concentrations (<10 ng/L). However, concentrations entering the plant in the summer of 2014 were in the 300 6 SCHEMA
Finding a Solution
Subsequently, four oxidation processes were considered, including ozone and three advanced oxidation processes consisting of a select combination of ozone, hydrogen peroxide and/or UV light, to achieve the treatment goal. Bench-scale testing was performed to assist in determining contact time, chemical dose, equipment dimensions, equipment headloss, energy requirements, as well as capital and operational costs. A total of four rounds of testing were performed at varying oxidant doses and MIB concentrations. All technologies were effective at removing MIB from an influent concentration of 400 ng/L to 4 ng/L, which is below the human threshold. Greater concentrations were tested and in
some events 99.7% removal of MIB was achieved with higher oxidant doses. Based upon the review of the current treatment process, the implementation of an advanced oxidation process was found to be optimal. GMC subsequently recommended that a design for an ozone + peroxide treatment process, with the ability to feed ozone alone and augment with peroxide for quenching ozone residuals, be developed and constructed. Life cycle costs were performed, assuming an average flow rate of 20 million gallons per day (MGD) to account for operation and maintenance costs. Ozone feeding was found to be the least costly over the 20-year period at an estimated capital cost of $12.5 million and an annual operations and maintenance cost of $378,000. With the implementation of ozone at 4 mg/L, a raw water concentration of 400 ng/L could be observed and an effluent concentration of 4 ng/L of MIB could be observed leaving the treatment plant. The addition of advanced oxidation process to AJRWS’ treatment process will allow for economical and efficient removal of taste and odor-causing compounds while continuing to meet existing water treatment standards. Construction of the required structural components began in January 2017, paving the way for ARJWS to treat the seasonal taste and odor issues by spring 2018. Although MIB and geosmin are difficult to remove with conventional treatment, multiple technologies are available that can remove them at varying levels – largely dependent upon factors unique to the treatment facility. For the best
approach, facilities should be evaluated for the most cost-effective solution by comparing various treatment technologies. The cost for such an approach should not be a concern, as the evaluation can be completed at a fraction of the project’s cost.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Reid specializes in biological and physiochemical treatment in engineered systems and has been the process engineer for facilities in the industrial and municipal sectors. Since joining GMC in 2006, he has managed more than $40 million in construction and worked on more than $100 million in design projects. Notable projects include the Startex-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan Water District (SJWD) WTP membrane expansion in Lyman, S.C., and the Woodruff Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements for The City of Woodruff. Notable projects currently under way include a water treatment plant and intake project in Walhalla, S.C and Laurens County, S.C., respectively. Reid is a licensed Professional Engineer in South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama and an active member of the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of South Alabama and master’s degree in environmental engineering from Clemson University.
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Clemson Football Ops and NASA SLS Test Stands among "best projects" in the Southeast
E
NR Southeast announced the winners of its 17th Annual Best Projects Awards, with two GMC projects among those recognized.
The Clemson University Allen N. Reeves Football Complex received an Award of Merit in the sports/ entertainment category, while the NASA Space Launch System Test Stands at Marshall Space Flight Center received top honors as the Best Project in the government/public buildings category. Home to the 2016 College Football Playoff National Champions, Clemson’s 145,000-square-foot football operations complex became the largest and most programmatically inclusive football-specific training facility in the nation upon completion in February 2017. The state-of-the-art building, designed by GMC and HOK, adjoins the Tigers’ indoor practice facility and outdoor practice fields, consolidating football operations into one complex. The facility serves as a home away from home for student athletes with amenities that allow them to train, study and unwind in the same place.
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Features include 1.5 acres of outdoor leisure and entertainment space, state-of-the-art hydrotherapy, training, weight equipment and technology, a steam room and recovery room and a Gatorade fuel bar. The concourse is connected to the lobby through a slide, bringing Head Coach Dabo Swinney’s focus on fun to the forefront in the design. The complex also features miniature golf, bowling, a movie theater, gaming lounge and basketball, volleyball and bocce ball courts. DPR Construction and Sherman Construction served as the general contractors for the project. The GMC/Merrick & Company Joint Venture was responsible for the design and construction of the structural test stands for NASA’s Space Launch System, which will be the most powerful rocket in history. Test Stand 4693 is a 215-foot, “two-tower” test stand comprised of 2,150 tons of steel to accommodate the 185-foot liquid hydrogen tank of the SLS core stage for stress testing. Test Stand 4697 is a 692-ton steel structure that stands approximately nine stories high. TS4697 will be used for structural loads testing on the SLS core stage liquid oxygen tank and forward skirt in Marshall’s West Test Area. The test stands were constructed under the guidance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which awarded the $45.3 million
contract to Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors. ENR Southeast assembles an independent group of judges to review, score and determine final winners of the annual competition. Entries are reviewed based on the project team’s ability to overcome challenges, the project’s construction and design quality, safety record and contribution to the industry and community. After an initial scoring of projects, the judges—via two separate panels—meet to discuss the projects and come to a consensus on awards. This year’s judges collectively reviewed nearly 90 entries before selecting the winners. All of the award-winning projects will be profiled in the Nov. 6/13 print edition of ENR Southeast in addition to being honored at the Best Projects Awards Luncheon at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampsionGate. The full list of Best Projects winners can be found on the ENR Southeast website www.enr.com/southeast. Fall 2017 9
T
he University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Football program kicked off a new era with the grand opening of the Football Operations Center and Legacy Pavilion. Fans, students, donors and community members came out in droves to join UAB Athletics for the official ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, August 18.
Several guest speakers took the podium, all of which were major players in bringing back the Blazers’ football program, including UAB President Dr. Ray Watts, City of Birmingham Mayor William Bell, City Council members Jonathan Austin and Sheila Tyson, Jefferson County Commissioner Sandra Little Brown, UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram, Head Football Coach Bill Clark, CEO and President of Legacy Community Federal Credit Union Joe McGee and Chairman of UAB Athletics Campaign Committee Hatton Smith. Ingram expressed his gratitude to those whose contributions made the new athletic facility a reality. “Whether you made a seven-figure gift, gave us a dollar or bought a t-shirt, you’ve made a difference. You’ve made a difference in our program, you’ve made a difference in our community, and you’ve made UAB the envy of every athletic program in America. When you tour through this facility you’re going to see why.”
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Attendees were given the opportunity to do just that following the ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests toured the 46,000-square-foot Football Operations Center, making their way through the weight room, locker room, training room, offices and meeting and film rooms. The facility also encompasses a kitchen and dining area, including a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fuel zoneâ&#x20AC;? to provide athletes with proper nutrition before, during and after training. The connected Legacy Pavilion features a 100-yard turf field covered by a pavilion roof but without walls. A first-of-its-kind facility on the collegiate level, the structure will allow UAB athletes to practice on a full-sized field during inclement weather, in addition to blocking out radiating heat from the sun and allowing breeze to circulate through the open sides. GMC designed the Football Operations Center and Legacy Pavilion in partnership with HOK, and provided architectural, civil engineering, landscape architecture and geotechnical services for the $22.5 million project. The Blazers made their historic return to the gridiron on Sept. 2 at Legion Field, beating Alabama A&M 38-7.
TheOF UAB Return FOOTBALL Fall 2017 11
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
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Under Construction Snapshots of a few of projects currently underway
[1]
[2]
Columbia County Gateway Boulevard Extension Columbia County, Georgia
Thompson’s Station Elementary and Middle School Thompson’s Station, Tennessee
Columbia County hired GMC to design a 1.5 mile roadway extension through undeveloped land that will begin at the current terminus of the existing Gateway Boulevard in Grovetown, Georgia and extend to Wrightsboro Road. Approximately 0.5 miles of the project will be an extension of the existing four-lane divided highway section, which will end at a roundabout. The remaining approximate one mile from the roundabout to Wrightsboro Road will be a two-lane section with a raised median. The completed roadway is planned to serve as the primary corridor for a new mixed-use development in Columbia County. GMC assisted Columbia County Economic Development (CCED) with the development of this original master plan and is currently providing support consultation to CCED as they seek prospective developers. GMC is providing civil, lighting, landscape and irrigation design, in addition to overall project management, environmental delineations, geotechnical investigations, traffic studies and construction administration for the Gateway Boulevard extension project.
Thompson’s Station Elementary and Middle School is the second K-8 school designed by GMC for Williamson County Schools. Located just south of Nashville in Thompson’s Station, the new school will open its doors for the 2018-19 academic year and will help accommodate the district’s rapid growth. The footprint marries an elementary and middle school with a connecting spine between two major classroom wings and an auxiliary wing. There are 68 classrooms and four special needs classrooms, along with art, speech, computer, resource, band, music, science and flex classrooms. The center spine houses a media center, art labs and flexible classroom spaces for teacher training, testing and collaborative learning. Two grand staircases connect the two-story academic wings and the atrium space, which serves as the prefunction area for the auxiliary wing. The auxiliary wing encompasses an auditorium, middle and elementary gyms, separate cafeterias with a shared kitchen, and separate media centers with a shared circulation desk and can be accessed separately from the main building for use after hours.
[3]
[4]
MidCreeks Mitigation Bank Barbour County, Alabama
Horse Creek Wastewater Pollution Control Facility Aiken, South Carolina
Land management practices related to timber farming and agriculture had significantly impacted wetland and stream functions of the 730-acre MidCreeks Mitigation Bank. Straight lining of the streams degraded the system and decreased stability along stream banks, increasing erosion. Sediment and associated agricultural pollutants were being transported downstream and negatively affecting water quality. An excessive number of ditches had been installed to decrease the amount of time the property was covered by water for higher pine plantation yield. Transitioning the former bottomland hardwood system to row crops and pine stands had eliminated native wildlife and species diversity. GMC Environmental and Headwaters, a GMC subsidiary, are restoring the wetlands and reestablishing stable streams on the site, thereby eliminating associated pollutants and enhancing downstream water quality. The restoration of 414.59 acres of bottomland hardwood forest and the restoration, enhancement and preservation of approximately 38,229 linear feet of streams are invaluable to water quality, wetland and stream function and wildlife habitat and species diversity. To date, 225.58 acres of wetlands have been restored, including clearing pine trees, plugging ditches to restore hydrology and planting more than 90,000 native bottomland hardwood trees. Riparian buffer restoration has been conducted on 6,357 linear feet of stream, and most recently, 3,400 linear feet of in-stream channel was restored.
Construction has commenced on upgrades to the Horse Creek Pollution Control Facility, operated by the Aiken County Public Service Authority. Improvements to the aging 1970s facility were needed for the facility to comply with new discharge limits into the Savannah River. GMC completed a study of upgrade options which provided a primary design capacity of 26 million gallons per day (MGD) with a peak of 65 MGD and a secondary capacity of 20 MGD with a peak of 40 MGD, utilizing a 20-million-gallon offline equalization basin. The design includes modifications to Pump Station #1, along with a new parallel 42-inch force main, as well as modifications to the headworks and primary clarifiers. Upgrades to the biological process consist of three new oxidation ditches with designated areas for nutrient removal (nitrogen). Pump Station #3 includes one vertical turbine aerated sewage pump and five of the return activated sludge which are being replaced. The reuse water system will be improved to reduce surges and water hammer. Electrical improvements will be made throughout the facility, including a new 3 megawatt generator and multiple medium voltage switches and unit substations. Site and process lighting will also be updated to enhance energy efficiency. Brasfield & Gorrie is the construction manager for the project.
Fall 2017 13
Rebuilding Communities: Aiding with disaster recovery
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Every year, millions of people are affected by natural disasters, and 2017 has certainly been no exception. As of Oct. 6, there have been 15 weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each across the U.S. this year. The recovery process following events of this magnitude can be overwhelming, often leaving those affected wondering where to begin. As communities come together, however, they are able to restore more than just infrastructure – they are able to restore hope and rebuild communities that are more resilient than ever before. Tornadoes Ravage Albany On Jan. 2, severe storms, tornadoes and straight-line winds swept through Georgia, causing massive damage throughout Albany and Dougherty County. Less than three weeks later, the area was devastated by an EF3 tornado that ripped a 71mile path through five Georgia counties. The EF3 was one of 79 tornadoes confirmed during an outbreak that tore through the Southeast on Jan. 21-23, making it the second largest January outbreak on record and one of this year’s billiondollar disasters. Only 26 tornadoes in the U.S. since 1995 have had a maximum width larger than the 1.25 mile-wide Albany tornado. According to an initial damage survey by the National Weather Service, 90 to 100 percent of trees in the tornado’s path were uprooted or snapped, not to mention the countless homes and buildings that were damaged or destroyed. Per the request of Gov. Nathan Deal, the president declared major disasters in the State of Georgia as a result of the two storm events, authorizing federal agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to the impacted areas. Under the Stafford Act, which governs FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, states and local governments overwhelmed by adverse events such as major disasters are eligible to receive federal assistance. Public Assistance applicants must follow specific guidelines to ensure the recovery work performed is eligible for reimbursement, as failure to do so could jeopardize this funding. In February, the City of Albany and Dougherty County retained GMC to assist with recovery efforts to ensure compliance with FEMA guidelines, as well as applicable federal, state and local regulations. Robert Ramsey leads GMC’s Albany office and has been spearheading the disaster recovery work. “There are really three major steps in the process. First is cleanup, where you get all of the debris out of the way and assess the damage. Second is cost recovery, which entails getting back the money lost as a result of the storm or event, and last is rebuilding.”
To be eligible for FEMA grant funding for debris removal operations, the process must be effectively monitored and documented from collection to disposal. GMC hired 45 local unemployed individuals and trained them on how to oversee the process in accordance with Public Assistance guidelines. These monitors are responsible for verifying that debris being removed is located on public property and is a result of the storm, validating hazardous trees that need to be removed, estimating debris quantities, differentiating debris types, ensuring all debris is removed from trucks at debris management sites (DMS), filling out load tickets, reporting noncompliance and safety issues and documenting all monitoring activities. Monitors take GPS-coordinated photos of debris that is being removed and placed into trucks to transport to a debris management site. Every truck must be certified to determine how many cubic yards of material it can hold. A monitor at the DMS then quantifies the load based on the truck’s capacity (i.e., the truck is filled to 60 percent capacity, or carrying x-number of cubic yards) and ensures all debris is removed from the truck at the site. Debris is stored at the DMS until a reduction contractor comes in to take it to another location for reuse, recycling or final disposal. In Albany’s case, debris was ground up and reused as fuel wood by companies such as Georgia Pacific and Procter & Gamble. “As an engineering firm, we have a due diligence to protect the environment,” Ramsey said. “Taking wood that’s been destroyed by a disaster and making good use of it, that’s good for the environment.” After wrapping up debris removal in mid-July, the team transitioned into cost recovery for the City. According to the Stafford Act, FEMA will reimburse 75 percent of eligible expenditures for specific activities related to disaster recovery. Documentation is required for all reclaimable expenses, which GMC has been working to compile with city officials. This may include first responders conducting emergency response and rescue operations, trucks and equipment used for debris removal, public works, clearing off Fall 2017 15
roads and utilities to restore power, among other activities. For
Because of St. Marys’ coastal geography, debris removal
debris removal, sufficient documentation must be provided
presented unique challenges. Specific regulations had to be
to show the path from collection to final disposal, in addition
followed to remove sunken and damaged boats from the
to debris types, quantities and claimed costs. Through these
waterways and marsh. GMC’s Environmental team helped
cost recovery efforts, the City of Albany will be eligible for an
navigate the permitting and approval processes through the
estimated $20 million in federal assistance.
Coast Guard and Corps of Engineers to ensure vessels were removed properly and to obtain permits necessary for recovery
Irma Strikes St. Marys While recovery efforts continued in Albany, a series of new threats was emerging in the Atlantic. After causing catastrophic damage throughout the Caribbean and Florida, Hurricane Irma swept through parts of Georgia, including the coastal city of St. Marys. The storm ravaged the city’s waterfront, damaging and destroying docks, tossing boats onto the shore, sinking several others and inundating downtown with approximately 16 feet of water. The gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia’s largest barrier island, St. Marys relies heavily on tourism to support its local economy. Without access to the docks and with many of the boats used to transport tourists to
work. This included permitting to repair and stabilize the Gilman Dock to provide a temporary docking solution to resume boating activity, including ferry service to Cumberland Island. “Being able to help the City get to a point where they could regain their source of revenue is rewarding,” Ramsey said. “We’re here to create value for the citizens and leaders of St. Marys and to return a sense of normalcy as quickly as possible.” The team is working with the City on cost recovery efforts to make sure they receive 100 percent of what they are eligible for from FEMA to continue rebuilding. In addition to full restoration of public docking and boating facilities, long term plans include resilience measures to mitigate damage from future natural disasters.
the attraction damaged or at the bottom of the river, tourism would be at a standstill.
Rebuilding Stronger
City leaders wasted no time, immediately initiating cleanup
Cleanup and recovery efforts are the first steps to restoring
and recovery efforts. GMC was retained by the City to assist with disaster recovery alongside FEMA, the Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
these cities to their pre-disaster conditions. More importantly, for the millions of people affected these are the first steps to returning to life as they know it. Rebuilding presents opportunities to create more resilient communities. By being
“Robert and his team understood the critical impact of
proactive, city and community leaders can provide citizens
this storm on our water-based economy and have worked
with peace of mind knowing that measures are being taken to
vigorously to help us get back on our feet as quickly as
better protect them and their loved ones from future impacts
possible,” City of St. Marys Mayor John Morrissey said.
of this caliber.
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October
18-20 October
22-25 October
25-26 October
26 November
6-9 November
7-9 November
CONFERENCES & EVENTS
Georgia Airports Association Annual Conference & Expo Savannah, Georgia
Alabama Association of Regional Councils Annual Training Conference Point Clear, Alabama
Mid-States Education (K-12) Benchmarking Consortium Franklin, Tennessee
Alabama Recreational Trails Leadership Workshop Birmingham, Alabama
Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Conference Columbus, Georgia
EPA Southeast Brownfields Workshop Atlanta, Georgia
Veterans Day
14-15
Montgomery, Alabama
Thanksgiving
November
23 Georgia School Boards Association and Georgia School Superintendents Association Annual Conference
December
1-2
Atlanta, Georgia
Can Do Good Competition Entry Deadline!
December
7
www.gmcnetwork.com/designbuildeat
Alabama Association of School Boards Annual Convention
December
7-9
Birmingham, Alabama
Can Do Good Competition Facebook Voting!
Dec - Jan
14-12
www.facebook.com/candogood
Christmas
December
25
......... .......... ........... ...... ....................... .
November
19-21
.
11
Alabama Community College Association Annual Conference
November
.. ............ ......... ................ ......... ..... ................ ... ........... ........
The Up & Coming
Georgia Association of Water Professionals Fall Conference Athens, Georgia
Fall 2017 17
Around the Network College and Career Ready More than 800 high school seniors participated in the Elmore County College + Career Day at the Wetumpka Civic Center on Sept. 5. Throughout the morning, students from public and private schools across the county, as well as homeschool students, had the opportunity to network with colleges, military recruiters and business representatives from various industries. The annual event exposes students to different professions and the multiple pathways available to them after high school. Members of the GMC team met hundreds of students and shared with them about the numerous career opportunities available in the architecture, engineering and environmental fields. Students also saw firsthand some of the technology revolutionizing the industry as they watched 3D printing in action, along with 3D architectural models the team has developed for recent projects.
Total Eclipse at the Park The Greenville Drive hosted a game of epic proportions on Aug. 21, throwing out the first pitch as the solar eclipse began passing over South Carolina. Everyone who entered the gates of the newly-renovated Fluor Field received a pair of glasses to safely view the natural phenomenon. The game against West Virginia was delayed as totality hit at approximately 2:38 p.m., with fans joining the players on the field to get a glimpse of the historic event. GMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greenville team, which was part of the design team for the recent stadium updates, was among the crowd celebrating in the stands. Enhancements to the Driveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home field include a new rooftop space overlooking Fluor Field and an additional 100 seats above the iconic Green Monster. Ballpark Digest recently named Fluor Field the Best Ballpark Renovation (MiLB) for 2017.
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Take Me Out to the Ballgame GMC Nashville spent an evening cheering on the Nashville Sounds at First Tennessee Park. With several team members joining the Tennessee office over the last few months, a night at the ballpark proved to be an ideal setting to hang out with coworkers and their families. Some of the newest members include Brantley Beeler, Project Manager; Stacey Bennett, Business Development/ Marketing; Keeja Browder, Interior Designer; James Felts, Inspector; Andrew Hostetler, Architectural Associate; Amanda LeBeau, Architect; Charles Mashburn, Architectural Associate; Nathan McFarland, Engineering CADD Tech; Allie Newman, Office Administrator; Alex Palko, Engineer; Craig Sutton, Construction Administrator and Alan Troy, Architecture Senior Tech.
NASAO Lands in Alabama
A Wild Day at the Birmingham Zoo
The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) held its 86th annual convention and tradeshow at The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort in Point Clear, Alabama on Sept. 10-12. This is the first time in more than 30 years the national conference has been held in Alabama. NASAO represents the men and women in state government aviation agencies who serve the public interest in all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. State aviation leaders, FAA officials, directors of transportation, airport managers, airport planners & engineers, corporate executives and airport consultants came together to examine issues facing the states and the industry. The conference covered topics such as reauthorization, NextGen, unmanned aerial systems, economic forecast, aviation outlook and other matters impacting aviation across America. GMC sponsored the annual convention, which was hosted by the Alabama Department of Transportation.
The Birmingham office spent an afternoon at The Birmingham Zoo enjoying the newly-opened Henley Park Event Lawn. The new event space is the first phase of a three-phase, $18 million project GMC has been working on to revamp the attraction. It was a perfect day to celebrate with fellow employees and their families. Phase two includes the Zoo's new front entrance, which will provide enhanced features allowing members to enter the Zoo with ease, self-service kiosks, concierge services and a 2,500 square-foot gift shop expansion, as well as other amenities. The final phase, the Asian Passage exhibit, will be home to the Zooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sumatran orangutans, Komodo dragon, red pandas, whitehanded gibbons, Malayan tiger and other Asian species.
Fall 2017 19
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GMC OFFICES
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