WaterJAM 2023
CREATING BETTER WATER SOLUTIONS, TOGETHER.
From Virginia’s cities and suburbs to communities beyond, we thrive on designing and building resilient, sustainable infrastructure to ensure a bright future for the Old Dominion. Our water, wastewater, and stormwater experts lead the way in solutions that help ready the commonwealth for tomorrow’s challenges, today.
At WaterJAM 2023, Gannett Fleming will bring fresh perspectives and new ideas for your consideration. Our presenters will discuss topics ranging from the benefits of pipe bursting in pipeline replacement and rehabilitation to the first combination of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and advanced oxidation processes (AOP) in a Virginia drinking water facility. Our forward-thinking team members are eager to share their experiences with you as we work toward more reliable and resilient water and wastewater infrastructure, together.
Read on to learn more about the six technical sessions our team will deliver at WaterJAM.
See you in Virginia Beach!
Sept. 11-14, 2023
Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th St.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Organizers: Virginia Water Environment Association and the Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association
Markets
Check Out Our Six "JAM" Sessions!
The Effect of Piping Stream Channels on Dissolved Oxygen Concentration and Ecological Health
TUESDAY, SEPT. 12 • 2 P.M.
Mehdi Ketabchy, ENV SP
Associate Water Resource Designer
Connect on LinkedIn
Email Mehdi
Piping streams to accommodate roads and buildings alters the streams’ exposure to sunlight, air, and soil, subsequently impairing their ecological health. This session explores gaps in understanding the effects of urbanization on streams and watershed restoration efforts, particularly stream daylighting’s effects on water quality and aquatic habitat benefits.
Either Manage Your Assets or Your Assets Will Manage You
TUESDAY, SEPT. 12 • 2 P.M.
Todd Williams, PE, ENV SP
Senior Project Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Email Todd
Providing water and sanitary sewer services to over 79,000 customers requires a robust asset management program. Virginia American Water (VAW) staff were overwhelmed by the utility’s reactive asset management program, which included selecting distribution system renewal projects, performing emergency repairs, and managing project designs, all while operating within budget and on schedule. Attendees will learn how VAW transformed its asset management program from reactive to proactive by understanding peer utilities’ best practices, involving the contracting community, and working closely with the Virginia Department of Health. This session will be co-presented by Steven Chen, Senior Project Engineer, Virginia American Water.
A One-Two Punch: UV Meets AOP for a First in Virginia Water Treatment
Tuesday, Sept. 12 • 4:30 p.m.
Jessica Hou, PE, BCEE, PMP, ENV SP
Vice President and Principal Project Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Email Jessica
At the Virginia American Water Hopewell Water Treatment Plan (WTP), the project team delivered the first application of UV paired with AOP at a Virginia drinking water facility. The WTP project addresses regulatory compliance, service reliability, taste and odor, and safety in one collaborative, design-build solution. This session will be co-presented by Kristina McGee, PE, DBIA, Director of Engineering, Virginia and Maryland American Water.
Bursting with Potential: How to Use Pipe Bursting as a Smart, Efficient Approach to Pipeline Replacement and Rehabilitation
Wednesday, Sept. 13 • 11 a.m.
Mike Trail, CCM
Construction Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Email Mike
Budget constraints and government-mandated deadlines are critical issues for water and sewer rehabilitation programs nationwide. Some utilities address these challenges by turning to pipe bursting, which can shorten timelines and maximize budgets. Join this session to learn about the challenges and benefits of pipe bursting and hear lessons learned from the field to help improve designs.
Not a Black Box: An Engaged Approach to Developing a Transmission Main Capital Improvement Program
Thursday, Sept. 14 • 9:30 a.m.
Erin Laux, EIT, ENV SP
Senior Designer
Email Erin
The City of Norfolk leveraged existing data and input from its highly engaged engineering and operations team to develop a long-term water transmission infrastructure plan. The plan ranks the city’s drinking water transmission mains to guide five years of capital improvement projects, providing a reliable tool for delivering water to its residents. This session, co-presented by Forrest Robertson, Civil Engineer IV, City of Norfolk, will describe the plan’s process and provide both the consultant and owner perspective.
Little Good Came From a Lot of Good Intentions
Thursday, Sept. 14 • 11 a.m.
Sutherlyn Brinn, ENV SP
Associate Designer
Email Sutherlyn
The Ferebee and Park Sanitary Sewer 1950 Replacement Program involved a robust stakeholder engagement plan. This presentation will explore how good intentions to accommodate stakeholders affected the project and resulted in design adjustments and costly change orders. Attendees will learn how to avoid stakeholder-related challenges and mitigate unforeseen consequences, and hear about lessons learned during construction.
- Sept. 12 | 2 P.M.
The Effect of Piping Stream Channels on Dissolved Oxygen Concentration and Ecological Health
TUESDAY, SEPT. 12 • 2 P.M.
Mehdi Ketabchy, ENV SP
Associate Water Resource Designer
Connect on LinkedIn
Email MehdiPiping streams to accommodate roads and buildings alters the streams’ exposure to sunlight, air, and soil, subsequently impairing their ecological health. This session explores gaps in understanding the effects of urbanization on streams and watershed restoration efforts, particularly stream daylighting’s effects on water quality and aquatic habitat benefits.
- Sept. 12 | 2 P.M.
Either Manage Your Assets or Your Assets Will Manage You
TUESDAY, SEPT. 12 • 2 P.M.
Todd Williams, PE, ENV SP
Senior Project Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Email ToddProviding water and sanitary sewer services to over 79,000 customers requires a robust asset management program. Virginia American Water (VAW) staff were overwhelmed by the utility’s reactive asset management program, which included selecting distribution system renewal projects, performing emergency repairs, and managing project designs, all while operating within budget and on schedule. Attendees will learn how VAW transformed its asset management program from reactive to proactive by understanding peer utilities’ best practices, involving the contracting community, and working closely with the Virginia Department of Health. This session will be co-presented by Steven Chen, Senior Project Engineer, Virginia American Water.
- Sept. 12 | 4:30 P.M.
A One-Two Punch: UV Meets AOP for a First in Virginia Water Treatment
Tuesday, Sept. 12 • 4:30 p.m.
Jessica Hou, PE, BCEE, PMP, ENV SP
Vice President and Principal Project Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Email JessicaAt the Virginia American Water Hopewell Water Treatment Plan (WTP), the project team delivered the first application of UV paired with AOP at a Virginia drinking water facility. The WTP project addresses regulatory compliance, service reliability, taste and odor, and safety in one collaborative, design-build solution. This session will be co-presented by Kristina McGee, PE, DBIA, Director of Engineering, Virginia and Maryland American Water.
- Sept. 13 | 11 A.M.
Bursting with Potential: How to Use Pipe Bursting as a Smart, Efficient Approach to Pipeline Replacement and Rehabilitation
Wednesday, Sept. 13 • 11 a.m.
Mike Trail, CCM
Construction Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Email MikeBudget constraints and government-mandated deadlines are critical issues for water and sewer rehabilitation programs nationwide. Some utilities address these challenges by turning to pipe bursting, which can shorten timelines and maximize budgets. Join this session to learn about the challenges and benefits of pipe bursting and hear lessons learned from the field to help improve designs.
- Sept. 14 | 9:30 A.M.
Not a Black Box: An Engaged Approach to Developing a Transmission Main Capital Improvement Program
Thursday, Sept. 14 • 9:30 a.m.
Erin Laux, EIT, ENV SP
Senior Designer
Email ErinThe City of Norfolk leveraged existing data and input from its highly engaged engineering and operations team to develop a long-term water transmission infrastructure plan. The plan ranks the city’s drinking water transmission mains to guide five years of capital improvement projects, providing a reliable tool for delivering water to its residents. This session, co-presented by Forrest Robertson, Civil Engineer IV, City of Norfolk, will describe the plan’s process and provide both the consultant and owner perspective.
- Sept. 14 | 11 A.M.
Little Good Came From a Lot of Good Intentions
Thursday, Sept. 14 • 11 a.m.
Sutherlyn Brinn, ENV SP
Associate Designer
Email SutherlynThe Ferebee and Park Sanitary Sewer 1950 Replacement Program involved a robust stakeholder engagement plan. This presentation will explore how good intentions to accommodate stakeholders affected the project and resulted in design adjustments and costly change orders. Attendees will learn how to avoid stakeholder-related challenges and mitigate unforeseen consequences, and hear about lessons learned during construction.
