07.02.10

Elizabeth Emmons earns Masters Degree from Norwich University

Elizabeth Emmons graduated from Norwich University on June 11, 2010 with a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. She spent the past 18 months in the online program working on topics such as Water and Wastewater Treatment, Stormwater and Groundwater Hydrology, Geoenvironmental Engineering, GIS applications, and Project Management. In June, she traveled to Norwich University for a week long residency. There, she met fellow classmates, professors, and Norwich School of Graduate Studies staff. Elizabeth presented her capstone project to classmates and professors, along with participating in lectures and discussion groups. During the week, there was a hooding ceremony, where she received her Master’s hood and the award “Masters of Civil Engineers – Best 2010 Capstone Project and Presentation” for her Preliminary Engineering Report on the Combined Sewer System for the Town of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The week ended with a traditional graduation ceremony, which was attended by her husband, children, parents, brother and grandfather. Elizabeth now holds a Master’s of Civil Engineering degree with a concentration in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering!

03.23.10

Chad Whitehead attends PSMJ Project Management Boot Camp in San Antonio, Texas

Chad Whitehead traveled to San Antonio to attend a two day project management boot camp seminar with PSMJ Resources Inc. PSMJ is an organization dedicated to the professional development of A/E/C (Architect, Engineer and Construction) businesses and is supported by major professional societies, such as The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

The project management boot camp in San Antonio was lead by instructor Alan F. Bollinger, P.E. who is currently vice president of CH2M-Hill. Chad participated with 25 other Engineers, Architects and Construction Management professionals from around the country in this interactive format to advance their project management skills. They covered topics such as:

• Development of a Project Management Plan
• Communications
• Client Care
• Staffing Requirements
• Task Management
• Change and Risk Management
• Quality Control

While in San Antonio, Chad had to opportunity to visit the Alamo, also known as the Shrine of Texas Liberty, where, David Crockett, James Bowie and more than 180 other men, including Vermonter Miles DeForest Andross, died in 1836 while fighting for the freedom of Texas.

02.04.10

DUFRESNE GROUP PROVIDES FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR $23,700,000 IN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN SAINT JOHNSBURY

Working closely with officials from Rural Development and the State of Vermont Water Supply Division, Dufresne Group (DG) secured $23,700,000 in funding for substantial improvements to the roadway and utility systems in St. Johnsbury. In 2007, DG completed planning activities that identified required water system improvements. Various funding scenarios were evaluated to determine the best funding approach that provided the most value for St Johnsbury customers. After consideration of various funding alternatives, DG recommended working with Rural Development officials through their loan/grant program. A phased approach was identified based on Rural Development’s funding levels. Initially, a $5,600,000 water project at 60% grants was developed to replace many of St. Johnsbury’s aging painted steel water tanks. In addition booster pump stations were included to increase the pressure in low pressure areas and about 7,000 feet of source transmission main was refurbished using cleaning and cement lining techniques. Finally about two miles of water main was slip lined with polyethylene pipe for use as a force main to transport waste process water and alum residuals from the Water Treatment Facility to the wastewater collection system. This slip lined pipe allowed St. Johnsbury to eliminate use of their two high maintenance alum lagoons. A second local vote was held in March of 2009 for a $3,100,000 which leveraged 75% RD grant funds for about four thousand feet of water main improvements and replacement of the Airport Hill Water tank. This was the first project in Vermont using 75% grant funds under the RD American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

In addition to water system needs, St Johnsbury requires significant wastewater collection system improvements to separate combined sewers and eliminate combined sewer overflows (CSO’s). Dufresne Group identified a substantial project area that required both water and sewer improvements and recommended an approach to complete water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer in the same area. Local officials also expressed their desire to complete sidewalk, curb and roadway reconstruction at the same time. Unfortunately this type of infrastructure improvement project is not readily funded by any agency. Funding sources that provide funds for water projects do not fund sewer projects. Agencies that provide grants and low interest loans for water, sewer, and storm water improvements do not normally fund street, sidewalk, or curb reconstruction. VTrans does not provide any funding for secondary street improvements. After researching alternative programs and evaluating potential grant percentages, it appeared that ARRA funding disbursed through the Water Supply Division and/or the Facilities Engineering Division would not provide sufficient funding to hold customer rates to acceptable levels. As such, Dufresne Group completed a State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) application which enlisted the support of Vermont’s senatorial and congressional offices and these officials, working with Mike Welch, St. Johnsbury’s Town Manager were successful in obtaining 70.2% grant funding for a $15,000,000 project to complete these improvements.

02.04.10

LEAD LIMITS OF ACT 193 RESULT IN UNEXPECTED COSTS FOR MUNICIPALITIES

Vermont’s Lead in Consumer Product’s Law (Act 193) contains limits on lead in plumbing fixtures under Statute 9 V.S.A § 2479h. The language of the statute is as follows:

“Beginning January 1, 2010, no person shall sell or offer for sale in or into the state of Vermont, or use in the state of Vermont, solder or flux for plumbing containing more than 0.2 percent lead, or plumbing fixtures whose wetted surfaces contain more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead.”

Perhaps the original intent of the law was to prohibit plumbers from installing internal plumbing components and fixtures that have more than 0.25% lead. In fact, the November 24, 2009 notice from the Attorney General’s office was mailed to only plumbers and plumbing supply houses. The letter sent with the notice stated in bold print “If you sell plumbing supplies, work as a plumber, need to install plumbing in your business, or plan or construct buildings in Vermont, please read this letter.” Noticeably absent was mention of municipal officials, contractors, or engineers.

But according to the Attorney General’s Guidance issued November 18, 2009, it is his opinion that the new law applies to all items used to convey or dispense water for drinking. Pipe, fittings, valves, corporations, and curb stops are included in a list of fixtures that are subject to the new statutory limit on lead. The Attorney General’s Office confirms that these municipal water transmission and distribution system components “do not fit within the statutory definition of plumbing fixtures” but in his opinion these items are subject to this new law. The AG’s Guidance states that the law draws no distinction between plumbing fixtures located inside and outside a home or other building, and he interprets that no distinction is intended. In contrast, the VT Plumbing Code defines a plumbing fixture as “A receptacle or device that is either permanently or temporarily connected to the water distribution system of the premises.” But under the statute, the term "plumbing fixtures" means pipe, fittings, and fixtures used to convey or dispense water for human consumption.

Water systems have long been required to comply with the Vermont Water Supply Rule and federal regulations as enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA limits the level of lead in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Lead and Copper Rule. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, “lead free” means pipes and fittings that are less than 8% lead. The Lead and Copper Rule requires water systems to implement treatment to control corrosion of lead and copper containing plumbing materials based on sampling at the customer tap. It has generally been evident that in most water systems the major source of lead and copper was from the customer’s own plumbing fixtures and not from water distribution components.

Under this interpretation, as of January 1, 2010, a town water department replacing a curb stop can’t use a standard valve from their inventory but must now purchase a new low lead curb stop. Low lead curb stops and corporations are about 150% of the price of a normal curb stops and corporations which are still allowed for use in all states except Vermont and California. In fact, the brass parts inventory for most water systems becomes worthless under the Attorney General’s interpretation of this new law.

Construction contracts in progress must comply with the Attorney General’s interpretation of the new law and although conventional valves and brass could be used in 2009, these items are not allowed in 2010. This means change orders for water system construction projects and additional costs for communities.

To download a copy of this article, click here

12.16.09

Timothy Knapp passes Professional Engineering exam.

Timothy Knapp, project engineer for Dufresne Group, was delivered his passing grade today for the Professional Engineering exam which he took in October of this year. Tim will be licensed in Vermont. Congratulations, Tim!

12.16.09

Dufresne Group Hires Kelley Avona as Office Administrator in St. Johnsbury

Dufresne Group is happy to introduce our newest team member, Kelley Avona. Kelley has been hired as the Office Administrator for our St. Johnsbury, Vermont office. Kelley graduated from Lyndon State College in 2009 with a BA in Graphic Design and Illustration and will play a key role in markeing design work for Dufresne Group. Her first project will be the complete redesign of project sheets and proposal booklets. Welcome Kelley!

12.04.09

Dufresne Group Gives Back in '09

Dufresne Group is proud to have made contributions during 2009 to the following organizations:

• Springfield Santa Claus Club
• Help Fund CSE/GHT (Help fund for Caledonia & Southern Essex County)
• Springfield Family Center
• American Precision Museum
• Windsor Library
• Math Counts
• Tyler Beaulieu Fund
• Vermont Drinking Water Week
• Vermont State Science and Mathematics Foundation
• Windsor Rotary Club
• Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
• Weathersfield Veterans Memorial
• American Cancer Society
• Windsor Chamber of Commerce
• Moon Dance
• First Night St. Johnsbury

11.31.09

Christina Legge Receives Master's Degree

Christina Legge graduated from Norwich University on June 12, 2009 with a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering (with a 4.0 GPA!). She spent the past 18 months in the online program working on topics such as Water and Wastewater Treatment, Stormwater and Groundwater Hydrology, Geoenvironmental Engineering, GIS applications, and Project Management. She completed a capstone project in stormwater treatment and permitting. In June, she traveled to Norwich University for a week long residency. There, she met fellow classmates, professors, and Norwich School of Graduate Studies staff. Christina presented her capstone project to classmates and professors and participated in lectures and discussion groups. During the week, there was a hooding ceremony, where she received her Master’s hood. The week ended with a traditional graduation ceremony, which her parents attended. Christina now holds a Master’s of Civil Engineering degree with a concentration in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering!

10.12.09

Roger Ward and Bob Dufresne Return from Western US Tour of Membrane Plants

Roger Ward and Bob Dufresne from Dufresne Group along with Rob Trzepacz from Technology Sales in Berlin, Massachusetts completed a four day tour of five water treatment facilities in the western United States. Roger and RED flew to Salt Lake City, Utah in late September of 2009 and visited the West Tech Facilities in Salt Lake City. Wes Tech officials including Vince Hamilton, Brice Myers, Mark Myers, Graeme Medworth, and Jake Blattman went over much of the research and product development in some of the new lines of equipment in water and wastewater treatment and residual handling systems. After several presentations, RED and Roger toured the manufacturing facilities and electrical panel shop at Wes Tech. Several of the Alta Filter modular membrane plants in various stages of manufacturing were demonstrated and reviewed.

Roger Ward and RED Dufresne Tour Wes Tech Facility in Salt Lake City

After the tour of the West Tech facility, the group drove to northern Utah and visited a membrane water treatment facility in Franklin, Utah. This facility is 3 years old and treats flows up to 500,000 gpd using a two train Alta Filter membrane system. The facility was constructed for $1,800,000 and produces potable water from a high elevation high capacity source which was tested and found to be under the influence of surface water. The finished water has never exceeded 0.1 turbidity units without using any chemical addition for pre-treatment or coagulation. The reject water from the membrane system is collected and treated through a second set of membranes to further concentrate the waste process water for storage at the facility where it is removed by tanker truck once every six months. The facility is operated by one part-time person and is fully automated and alarmed. The facility manufactures sodium hypochlorite made from food grade salt delivered in bulk and stored in an onsite silo.

0.5 mgd Alta Filter Membrane 0.5 mgd Facility in Franklin, Utah

Several other membrane facilities were visited including a large industrial installation treating surface water obtained from the Boise River in Utah. This facility was particularly of interest in that two 1.0 mgd membrane facilities were operated side by side. The operational characteristics of both types of facilities were presented by the operator of the facility with the operator citing significant advantages for the Wes Tech membrane system.

RED and Roger visit 2.0 mgd membrane facility in Boise City, Utah

On the last day of the tour, the group visited a 10 mgd water treatment facility in Ontario Oregon. This facility included about 10 mgd of conventional coagulation, flocculation, clarification (using tube settlers) and conventional rapid rate mixed media filters. This facility was recently expanded with two 2.0 mgd clari-cell B package treatment facilities using marine grade aluminum tankage. These filters were equipped with direct contact Pyramid underdrain developed by Wes Tech. Marine Grade Aluminum Tankage.

12.0 mgd water treatment facility in Ontario Oregon

As part of the trip, Rob, Roger and RED were asked to complete some aquatic sampling in Paradise, Utah near the Big Bear River. An overabundance of Salmo Gairdneri (rainbow trout) was observed at several undisclosed locations but fortunately, the population has not been problematic in the intake systems along the river. Several dozen samples were captured and photographed. Roger and RED offered several recommendations (at no charge!) to Officials at the Sportsman’s Paradise Club for controlling these nuisance species including routine sampling and consumption.

Aquatic Sampling Mission in Paradise Utah

07.28.09

Chester, Vermont Box Culvert Bid Results

One of seven projects put out to bid by Dufresne Group this summer, the Chester Box Culvert bid (July 21, 2009) resulted in a low bid of $191,790 by Gurney Bros. Construction, Inc of North Springfield, VT. The full bid results are provided below.

Company	Location	Bid Amount
Gurney Bros. Construction, Inc.	North Springfield, VT	$191,790
Bazin Brothers Trucking, Inc.	Westminster, VT	$255,546
B.U.R. Construction, LLC	Claremont, NH	$266,431
M&M Excavating, Inc.	Chester, VT	$309,732

This project included the following work:

• Removal of an existing 2.5' x 5.5' x 85' long stone culvert and replacement with a 6' x 10' precast box culvert.
• Replacement of approximately 65 feet of 8-inch diameter water main.
• Replacement of approximately 40 feet of 8-inch diameter sewer main.
• Miscellaneous work, landscaping, grading, testing, and cleanup

07.02.09

Dufresne Group Cleans Up St. Johnsbury Water Main

The summer of 2009 brought multiple Water Distribution Upgrades to the Town of St. Johnsbury, VT. One of these projects included the cleaning and cement lining of 6700 LF of the 14” transmission water main designed by Dufresne Group.

The 14” transmission main shared distribution with a 10” cast iron main which was abandoned at the end of the project and will become a process residual line for the Water Treatment Facility. Now, the 14” main is the only transmission line from the Water Treatment Facility to the central zone in Town, scheduling shut-downs to perform work was extremely crucial in this case. Multiple Air Release/Vacuum valves were also installed along the main throughout the project.

To view the full project sheet for this project, click here

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