Rohan Hakimi’s Post

One of the things I really like about what John Tenpenny has done with my former publication, ReNew Canada, is the November/December feature on what Canadian #engineering and #construction companies are doing in markets around the world. For our WSP in Canada submission this year, we focused on the Marches Mosses project from our colleagues at WSP in the UK, the revitalization of 2,500 acres of lowland-raised peat bog. This project is a sterling example of the role that #biodiversity plays in lessening the impacts of #climatechange, and why it is vital that we protect these invaluable assets. https://lnkd.in/gDQfY84R

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) New York Water Science Center, announced the release of the Long Island Groundwater Sustainability Project (LIGWSP), the Island-wide groundwater model, and Phase 1 study and scenario results. Phase 1 focused on the aquifer system beneath Kings, Queens, and Nassau counties and provides valuable information about how the aquifer reacts under various scenarios, including sea level rise, drought, pumping, and more. DEC anticipates more detailed analysis of the phase 1 scenario results and future phase 2 and 3 results will lead to more understanding of areas and issues of concern. DEC will use this tool to predict the outcomes of various water withdrawal management strategies. Based on current and future model scenario outcomes, DEC will work with partners to develop policies and best management practices to protect Long Island’s groundwater resources.

Exciting to see large-scale environmental engineering in action! The $4 billion Everglades Reservoir project in Florida is a prime example of how infrastructure can address ecological challenges. As someone who's worked on major construction projects and conducted environmental site assessments, I'm impressed by the scale and potential impact of this initiative. It's set to clean billions of gallons of water annually, demonstrating how thoughtful design and execution can benefit both communities and ecosystems. This project showcases the importance of integrating environmental considerations into large-scale developments - a principle I've always advocated for in my work. What are your thoughts on this ambitious undertaking? #EnvironmentalEngineering #SustainableInfrastructure #WaterManagement #ConstructionInnovation

𝗗𝘂𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘆𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘆, 𝗠𝗔. Dam condition, hazard classification, and creativity on the part of project partners teed up this removal in a fraction of the typical timeline…and it was removed in less than 2 weeks.  Of the estimated 3,000 dams in Massachusetts, some do retain relevant functions and others are more complicated candidates for removal, but hundreds (thousands?) like this one can and should (from ecological, resilience, and risk reduction perspectives) be removed in less than 6 months from start of permitting through construction, at total costs under $100,000.  Environmental regulations treat these structures as ecological detriments (have you seen many new dams built lately?).  Our hope is that projects like this will encourage regulatory authorities to start with removal as the preferred alternative for relic dams, and work with proponents on creative pathways to accelerate project delivery.  Of course, acts of congress and/or guidance documents granting permit by notifications for the simplest projects would help, too… Read the full story on the Boston Globe Website: https://lnkd.in/ed8grQ4i Photo credit: John Tlumacki / Globe Staff

North Yorkshire Council has today opened their Call for Sites process, which will inform the sites and allocations within the emerging North Yorkshire Local Plan. It is therefore a key first stage for those promoting land in the area. Worth noting this Call for Sites is separate to the current consultation on the emerging Selby Local Plan (deadline for those submissions being Friday 19 April). For the Call for Sites, the Council is welcoming submissions for all potential uses including (but not limited to); housing, employment, commercial development, retail and leisure, renewable energy, and biodiversity or other environmental enhancement schemes. It is interesting to see renewable energy and biodiversity / environmental sites being specifically listed. Submissions should be made as soon as possible, and before the end of June. All sites will be then be considered as part of the Strategic Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment process associated with the emerging North Yorkshire Local Plan. Stantec is working on sites across North Yorkshire (and the former districts) and is well placed to assist with land strategy / promotion. https://lnkd.in/dmeSfpbe

Solving climate change and biodiversity loss starts with reimagining how we build.

🚀 Exciting News for the Modeling Community! 🌍 We're thrilled to share our Free Grid Library – a valuable resource for environmental modelers, engineers, and researchers. 🎉 🌟 What’s Inside? Access a collection of pre-built grids designed for a variety of applications in environmental modeling. Whether you're working on coastal, estuarine, or riverine systems, our grids are here to save you time and effort. 🔗 Why Use the Free Grid Library? Ready-to-use grids for faster project setup. Perfect for exploring and enhancing your modeling capabilities. Free for all registered users! 💡 Start building smarter models today. Explore the library here: https://lnkd.in/g2fStKci 👥 Know someone who could benefit from this? Tag them in the comments or share this post to spread the word! #EnvironmentalModeling #FreeResources #GridLibrary #Innovation #SustainableSolutions #WaterResourcesEngineer #Abstract #Conference #ModelingExcellence #EFDC #WaterQualityModeling #CyanobacteriaResearch #EnvironmentalScience #ModelingTechniques #EEModelingSystem #WaterEcosystems #EnvironmentalEngineering #AquaticEcology #ScienceInnovation #WaterManagement #EnvironmentalModeling #FluidDynamics #EcologicalResearch #WaterResearch #Consulting #WaterResources #WaterManagement #HydrologyConsulting #EnvironmentalEngineering #SustainableWater #WaterConservation #Hydrogeology #WaterInfrastructure #WaterQuality #ClimateResilience #WaterEngineering #HydraulicEngineering #FloodRiskManagement #StormwaterManagement #WaterSupplySystems #WaterTreatment #RiverRestoration #WatershedManagement #ResilientInfrastructure #ErosionControl #EEMS #Engineer #Engineering #Research #WaterResources

In our economic system, some of the most valuable infrastructure isn’t built; it’s grown. Picture the snow-capped peaks that feed rivers, or the wetlands that filter and store water. These natural systems are as integral to our water systems as pipes and treatment plants. Yet, unlike built infrastructure, this ‘natural infrastructure’ often goes unrecognized and underfunded. As Todd Gartner, Director of Cities4Forests and Natural Infrastructure at WRI, warns, “Failing to value nature means risking its degradation and loss." Recognizing this challenge, the World Resources Institute (WRI) became a vital early partner in Blue Forest's work, helping turn environmental ideals into financially sustainable solutions. Long before 'nature-based investment' became a recognized term, WRI was showing utilities, public agencies, and communities that investing in natural infrastructure isn't just an ecological choice, it's an economic one. To dive deeper into WRI's important work, read the latest Partner Profile by McKinleigh Lair, Senior Associate of Storytelling and Communications Development: https://bit.ly/4g8NaK3

🌱🌍 Celebrating Progress: Advancing Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) in Albuquerque 🌍🌱 We’re excited to announce that several SIG-NAL staffers have completed the GSI Accelerator program in partnership with the City of Albuquerque cohort! This 12-week initiative, designed to support cities in advancing Green Stormwater Infrastructure projects, has been an invaluable springboard for driving innovation and collaboration. What we’ve achieved: ✅ Strengthened connections across city departments to align efforts for GSI implementation. ✅ Identified critical next steps, including: 💧Establishing dedicated GSI maintenance teams. 💧Exploring innovative contracting mechanisms for design, installation, and maintenance. 💧Removing barriers in project approval processes to expand GSI adoption. 💧Advancing our approach to green workforce development To apply the learning and maintain the momentum generated by the Accelerator program, the City of Albuquerque cohort conducted a site visit this Monday (12/9) to assess GSI stormwater bump-outs that need redesigning and begin plans to restore their function—a tangible step toward transforming GSI goals into action. What’s next? With new insights about creative solutions and best practices, stronger collaborations, and actionable strategies, we’re excited to advance GSI projects that enhance sustainability and resilience for our community. 🌱✨ Learn more about the GSI Accelerator program and its transformative impact here: https://lnkd.in/ecyEaT7M #GSIAccelerator #SustainableCities #GreenStormwaterInfrastructure #ClimateResilience #UrbanSustainability #CollaborationForChange #NatureBasedSolutions

Our ability to address the two greatest challenges of our time—climate change and biodiversity loss—depends on fundamentally rethinking how we design and construct infrastructure. In 2023, FIDIC - International Federation of Consulting Engineers, World Wildlife Fund and AECOM developed an award-winning ‘living playbook’ to advance global recognition of nature-positive infrastructure approaches. This playbook offers crucial insights and supports the implementation of nature-based solutions worldwide. This year, we launch the latest addition to this living playbook. This new section on procurement provides additional guidance for funders, developers, government agencies and contractors on embedding nature-positive principles into their project briefs and scopes of work, ensuring nature is prioritized from the outset of infrastructure planning and design. Max Wade will be at FIDIC’s Global Infrastructure Conference on the 10th September to discuss this new addition and explore the future of nature-positive infrastructure. Learn more about the playbook here: https://lnkd.in/ebB6_mRt Link to event: https://lnkd.in/eMP-zGNs #SustainableInfrastructure #NaturePositive #EnvironmentalSustainability