clearfield water system improvements complete

In 2014, the Clearfield Municipal Authority completed the long planned improvements to its water storage and transmission system. The $10.3 million project addressed finish water storage deficiencies and hydraulic restrictions in the transmission system serving the Clearfield service area.

The design phase involved extensive flow and pressure testing and hydraulic modeling to simulate demand conditions in the service area. The replacement of two (2) miles of 100-year old mains with a new 20-inch transmission main modified the system hydraulic gradient. This also governed the overflow elevations of two (2) new 1.5 million gallon water storage tanks. System flow and pressure is regulated by a control valve system at the Montgomery Run water treatment plant.

The project also included a 0.5 MG storage tank and pump station replacement (for the Fireman’s Business Park and the Wolf Run Industrial Park), meter system replacement, new telemetry and SCADA system and new AMI data collection system. Jim Balliet, Andy Johnson, Jim Potopa, Jeff Krause and Garret Hargenrader provided professional services for GD&F. Kevin Shifter, Jeff Williams and Rick Hile were the project personnel for Clearfield.

Clockwise from top left: Montgomery 1.5 MG Precast Concrete Tank (AWWA D-110); Wolf Run Water Booster Pump Station; Hillsdale 1.5 MG Precast Concrete Tank (AWWA D-110); Montgomery Control Valve Station.

Clearfield Water System Improvements COMPLETE

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Gwin, Dobson & Foreman hosted a retirement luncheon for Tim Boland, P.E. on January 30, 2015 at the Blairmont Club in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service as Design Operations Director and Engineering Manager.

Tim graduated from PSU-Capital Campus with a BS in Architectural Engineering Technology in 1973 and later worked for a Pittsburgh-area industrial chimney company and L.S. Fiore & Sons, General Contractor.

At GD&F, Tim supervised the CADD and engineer staff as Design Operations Director and coordinated the design work of the firm.

A master of technical detail, Tim’s projects were known their robust and functional nature. Over a 25 year period, Tim oversaw the design of $750 million of engineered construction including signature projects at the Altoona water treatment plants, Bedford County courthouse, Moundsville and Berkeley County (WV) water treatment plants, Bellefonte wastewater treatment plant, Lewistown water system improvements, Valley View Home and the current GD&F office building.

Tim served on the Board of Directors as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer while overseeing building maintenance and operations. Most importantly, Tim was a friend, mentor and colleague to an entire generation of GD&F employees. For this and many other things –

We salute Tim and wish him a long and enjoyable retirement.

Richard T. Dobson, P.E.

Richard Dobson, former President and founder, died at age 85 in Altoona. A graduate of Altoona High School, he served in the US Navy as a Seabee during

World War II. With a BSCE degree from Penn State, he was first employed by the US Bureau of Reclamation

at the Grand Coulee Dam. He began work for Lewis L. Gwin Consulting Engineers in 1954.

A sanitary engineer, Dobson was the principal designer for many public works projects in Tyrone, Bellefonte, Altoona

and Lewistown. He was instrumental in the creation of the Altoona Water Authority as an operating entity and served

as its technical representative for many years. Dobson designed one of the first acid mine drainage-to-potable

water treatment plants in the country at the Altoona Horseshoe Curve.

While President from 1971 to 1984, Richard Dobson oversaw a new office building at 2900 Fairway Drive

and the first company computer system. He had numerous interests including gardening, traveling

and model ship building.

M E M O R I A L T R I B U T E

2 GD&F PIPELINE | Summer 2015

RICHARD DOBSON AND JOHN FOREMAN

WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR ENHANCING

THE FIRM’S TECHNICAL REPUTATION

THROUGHOUT THE REGION.

John W. Foreman, P.E.

John Foreman, a company founder, died on August 6, 2014, at age 92. Over a 30 year career, he was a corporate vice-president and noted authority on mining engineering and mine reclamation.

Foreman grew up in Bakerton, PA, and served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He graduated from Penn State with a degree in Mining Engineering and started work at the firm in 1956 as head of the Mineral Industries Division. He was a consultant for hundreds of coal mining operations and mineral valuation studies. Foreman also did ground breaking work in acid mine drainage control, having pioneered a remote mine sealing method used throughout the bituminous coal region.

Assuming a leadership role in the nation’s first abandoned mine program (Operation Scarlift), John Foreman supervised hundreds of Pennsylvania mine drainage projects including the restoration of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park. He was active in community affairs and service to the First Presbyterian Church in Altoona.

(814) 943-5214 | [email protected] | gdfengineers.com 3

As an integral part of the company for many years, surveying and mapping have a long tradition that dates to the turn of the last century, when the Gwin family was prominent in the field.

In the late 1880’s, Scott Gwin and H.C. Gwin were elected as official Blair County Surveyors when the tools of the trade were theodolites and measuring chains. Their nephew, Lewis L. Gwin, used more accurate equipment such as transits, levels and metal tapes.

During that time, survey notes were reduced and calculations performed by hand or with large adding machines. The results were then plotted on tracing paper using protractors, engineer scales and T-squares. As one can imagine, this was a very painstaking and time consuming process.

Some of the more notable survey and mapping projects from that era included the Blair County Tax Maps; Cambria County-Blair County Boundary Line; US Dept. of Interior - Appalachian Trail Survey (PA) and US Army Corps of Engineers - Loyalhanna Reservoir Boundary project.

These methods were used for over 100 years until the late 1980’s. As many firms did at the time, GD&F upgraded to total station survey technology that generated digital information for our new CADD system. In recent times, GD&F has fully implemented the newest in survey and mapping technology.

Under the supervision of Jerry Brunner, PLS, the survey department uses GPS and robotic technology in a variety of applications. Crew

chiefs, Kevin Smith and Mike Hammond along with survey technicians, Troy Brunner and Brandon Miller, are trained in current global navigation satellite systems (GPS) with data suitable for our AutoCAD and MicroStation applications. GD&F laid out a 320-mile fiber optic network across Pennsylvania for Northeastern ITS, LLC in 2011 using this advanced survey technology.

Under an open-end contract with Norfolk Southern Corporation, GD&F performs construction engineering, field stakeout and real estate surveying throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Accuracy is at a premium when laying out rail lines and calls for the very best in GD&F survey equipment. For large stakeout projects, such as the $100 million Rickenbacker

Intermodal Terminal (Columbus, OH), robotic equipment is used to more efficiently produce the thousands of control points needed for

construction.

As utility owners realize that GIS is an important asset management tool, GD&F offers specialized GIS software (ArcView GIS 10.2.1) to generate maps for water and wastewater systems. Our field technicians are trained in the use of high resolution handheld GPS units to retrieve and locate system components. GD&F recently completed mapping of the Sykesville and State College water systems with this technology. We also are able to fully integrate our survey data with the GIS systems of Norfolk Southern Corporation, Pennsylvania American Water Company, among others.

Surveying And Mapping – A Long Tradition At GD&F

IN THE Spotlight

New Brochure Explains Wastewater Capabilities

Our marketing firm, Suzanne Egan Advertising, has just finished a new wastewater brochure that includes an updated and expanded discussion of our scope of services.

Check out the new section on nutrient removal which highlights many of these plants GD&F has designed in recent years including the award winning Altoona BNR upgrades projects. GD&F is one of the leading designers of biological nutrient removal facilities in the mid-Atlantic region.

These and other brochures can be viewed on our website (www.GD&Fengineers.com/resources/brochures) or available upon request (info@GD&Fengineers.com).

Wastewater Solutions

Morgantown Utility BoardEvaluation and feasibility study for new Coburn Creek dam and reservoir for 11 MGD water supply system, Monongalia County, WV

Hampshire County CommissionEngineering evaluation and report on supplemental water supply source for central Hampshire County, Romney, WV

State College Borough30-inch interceptor sewer replacement

Pennsylvania-American Water Co.Waterline replacement projects for PAWC Pittsburgh and Washington Districts (25,000 LF) and Warren, Clarion, Indiana and Kane Districts

O-I CorporationDesign of sanitary sewer and pretreatment system for the O-I Winston Salem glass container factory at Lexington, NC

Norfolk Southern RailwayConstruction engineering and stakeout for projects at Raleigh (NC), W. Brownsville (PA), Shinrock (OH), West Falls (PA) and Conway (PA)

State College Borough Water AuthorityNixon-Kocher well field pilot treatment system membrane filtration and granulated activated carbon

Harpers Ferry Water DepartmentElk Run membrane filtration water treatment facility, meter replacement and water distribution system improvements, Harpers Ferry, WV

Sykesville Borough30,000 LF 8"-12" water transmission main replacement, Jefferson Co., PA

Brookville Municipal Authority$20 million wastewater treatment facility upgrade and additions, interceptor sewer replacement and White Street and Industrial Park lift stations replacement, Jefferson Co., PA

PA Department of Conservation & Natural ResourcesOpen-end, statewide contract for hydraulic-related projects for state parks and forestry dams

NEW ProjectsEast Providence Township Municipal Authority$3 million upgrade and improvements to wastewater treatment facility new biological treatment process, Bedford Co., PA

Petersburg Borough Sewer AuthorityLogan Township sewer extension and wastewater treatment facility upgrades, Huntingdon Co., PA

Johnsonburg Municipal Authority$12 million East Clarion River source development, new membrane filtration plant, storage tank and distribution improvements, Elk Co., PA

Belle Vernon Borough Municipal AuthorityEvaluation of water supply system including options for new water treatment facility and bulk water purchase, Fayette Co., PA

A.C. Miller Precast Co.Precast concrete culvert drawings preparation, Blairsville, PA

Borough of BrookvilleMunicipal Engineer for streets, drainage and related services, Jefferson Co., PA

Sandy Township Municipal AuthoritySlab Run waterline extension, Clearfield County, PA

Jefferson Co. Commissioners/Nine Star Capital LPPhase I Exit 81 water/sewer extension project ($0.75 Million) and Phase II Infrastructure Improvements at 166 acre Jefferson County Business Park ($2.35 million)

Hyndman BoroughWills Creek flood protection levee FEMA LOMR hydraulic study and water/wastewater system consultation, Bedford County, PA

Spring Township Water AuthorityCommerce Street waterline replacement and Cerro well field development project, Centre Co., PA

Spring-Benner-Walker Joint AuthorityPump Station No. 7 renovations, Centre Co., PA

Center Township SupervisorsDesign services for a culvert and bridge replacement project as a subconsultant to Young & Associates, Indiana Co., PA


Alexandria Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Renovations and Collection System ProjectHUNTINGDON COUNTY, PAThe Alexandria Borough-Porter Township Joint Sewer Authority recently completed a $14 million wastewater system upgrade involving a 66,000 feet sewer extension, with 12 sewage grinder pumping units, 6 submersible lift stations and 15,000 feet of force main pipe. The plant upgrade included a continuously sequencing reactor, headworks, sludge handling system and control system and sludge handling buildings. Jim Balliet and Chad Reed provided design and construction phase services.

West Carroll Water System ImprovementsCAMBRIA COUNTY, PAIn 2014, the West Carroll Township Water Authority assumed operation of two (2) new membrane filtration treatment plants at their St. Benedict (left) and Bakerton (far left) sources, new 100,000 storage tank and 24,000 feet of waterline replacement. This long needed system improvement was funded by an $8 million USDA-RUS grant/loan package. Travis Long, Jim Potopa and Randy Long were involved in the design and construction phases of the project.

Village of Needmore Wastewater ProjectFULTON COUNTY, PAAfter an 8-year quest to find affordable funding, Belfast Township completed the Village of Needmore wastewater system in April 2015. Funded by USDA-RUS, the $2.6 million sewage collection and treatment system provides service for 85 customers in Needmore. GD&F project personnel included Garret Hargenrader, Joel Popma and Kevin Custer.

College Avenue Waterline ReplacementCENTRE COUNTY, PAThe State College Borough Water Authority finished a multi-year, $3 million project to replace a 100-year old pipeline with a 12-inch waterline in downtown State College. This technically complex project was designed by Matt Orner and inspected by Larry Lingenfelter.

Completed Projects


Career Highlights19 91- 2 015

Altoona Horseshoe Curve Water Treatment PlantLewistown Water System Improvements

Moundsville Water Treatment FacilityBellefonte Wastewater Treatment Facility

Bedford County Administrative Office Building And Courthouse Renovations

Gwin, Dobson & Foreman Office Building


Boland Retires After 25 Years Of Dedicated ServiceGwin, Dobson & Foreman hosted a retirement luncheon for Tim Boland, P.E. on January 30, 2015, at the Blairmont Club in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service as Design Operations Director and Engineering Manager.

Tim graduated from PSU-Capital Campus with a BS in Architectural Engineering Technology in 1973 and later worked for a Pittsburgh-area industrial chimney company and L.S. Fiore & Sons, General Contractor.

At GD&F, Tim supervised the CADD and engineer staff as Design Operations Director and coordinated the design work of the firm.

A master of technical detail, Tim’s projects were known for their robust and functional nature. Over a 25 year period, Tim oversaw the design of $750 million of engineered construction including signature projects at the Altoona water treatment plants, Bedford County courthouse, Moundsville and Berkeley County (WV) water treatment plants, Bellefonte wastewater treatment plant, Lewistown water system improvements, Valley View Home and the current GD&F office building.

Tim served on the Board of Directors as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer while overseeing building maintenance and operations. Most importantly, Tim was a friend, mentor and colleague to an entire generation of GD&F employees. For this and many other things –

We salute Tim and wish him a long and enjoyable retirement.

NEWS & NOTES

• A GD&F project continues to receive awards and accolades. The Altoona Wastewater Treatment Plants Biological Nutrient Removal Upgrade Project received the 2014 Award of Merit from the American Society of Civil Engineers (Pittsburgh Section), 2014 Engineering News-Record – Mid-Atlantic Region Award of Merit (Water/Wastewater), Altoona-Blair Co. Chamber of Commerce 2013 Technology Award and a 2014 Diamond Certificate (Wastewater) from the American Council of Engineering Companies/PA.

• The $63 Million Altoona Upgrade and Expansion Project was the feature article in the August/September 2014

issue of the PA Water Environment Association, Keystone Water Quality Manager.

The article included the technical features of the plant process and also highlighted its ability to achieve nutrient limits during seasonal low temperatures and wet weather events. The Virginia Initiative Process in conjunction with the step-feed feature of the plant were considered the critical

components. Mark Glenn was the author.

• Water OnLine, an industry trade publication, featured the College Avenue Waterline Replacement Project in its October 21, 2014 issue. Matt Orner was quoted as saying, “There are always challenges with any project you do, but this one went well. Communication and coordination were the toughest parts of this project. The retail shops and restaurants in the area still had to have water, and they still needed to receive merchandise deliveries. Pedestrian traffic was heavy. Overall, the project went great, and the coordination was well managed.”

• The West Carroll Water System Improvement Project was featured in the Fall 2014 issue of Keystone Tap, a trade publication of the PA Rural Water Association. Travis Long was the author and explained in detail the major improvements made to the West Carroll Township Water Authority system.


Jim Potopa will complete his 30th year at GD&F this October?

Mark Glenn made a presentation at the PA-AWWA 2015 Annual Conference in Hershey for the Clearfield Water Project?

Kevin Custer was recertified under the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) program?

Andy Johnson ran the 25K Hyner View Trail Challenge (near Renovo, PA) and placed 12th in his age group?

Don Verobish passed the professional engineer’s exam?

Jim Balliet will complete his 25th year at GD&F this September while Barb Wilt completed her 25th year last April?

Kurt Schenkemeyer passed his NICET Level IV written exam last November? This is the highest certification level that can be attained through NICET.

Jerry Brunner passed the New York and Maryland surveyor exams and is now registered in those states?

GD&F hosted the “Meet and Greet” event at Champs Sports Bar, State College at the 25th Annual Conference of the PA Rural Water Association? Jim Balliet and Travis Long were also presenters at the conference.

GD&F Employees contributed 1,733 pounds of goods to the Altoona Rescue Workers Food Pantry in the 2014 Engineer’s Fight to Can Hunger Food Drive?

Judy Withers passed her NICET Level II examination and was certified both as an ACI and an NECEPT technician?

Mary Alice Kauffman and Bob Beck completed their 20th year at GD&F last March?

Steve Gibson and Travis Long made a presentation at the PA Water Environment Assoc. Annual Technical Conference in Lancaster for the Brookville Sewer System Evaluation?

Jeff Krause passed the NICET examination and is now certified as a Level III Engineering Technician?

Alan Ross is manager of the Six Mile Run Cardinals T-Ball team on which his grandson plays?

Andy Arnold is now Design Operations Director, a position formerly held by Tim Boland?

Josh Gunnett, E.I.T.

Josh is a Staff Civil Engineer with GD&F. A 2011 engineering graduate of Geneva College, he worked at HRG Engineers prior to joining the firm. With a background in environmental engineering, Josh will be providing technical services in support of our water and wastewater projects. Certified as a Construction Document Technologist with training in OSHA Construction Site Safety, he will be taking the professional engineers exam this fall. Josh and his wife, Sarah, live in Martinsburg and are expecting their first child in July.

Ken Beldin, P.E., LEED AP BD+C

Ken is a Senior Civil Engineer at GD&F with specific expertise in site-civil engineering, land development planning and design, residential sub-divisions, stormwater management and best management practices. After graduating from Bishop Carroll High School, Ken earned Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Penn State in 2005. Ken previously worked as a design engineer for Bay Engineering, Inc., Annapolis, MD. He is a registered professional engineer in Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Ken is certified as a LEED Accredited Professional and a member of NSPE, ASCE and Chi Epsilon. He resides in the Buckhorn area just north of Altoona.

Troy Brunner

Troy is an Engineer and Survey Technician who began work at GD&F full time in March 2014. He worked for GD&F as a survey technician the previous 5 summers while attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown where he received his BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 2013. Troy has considerable expertise in construction stakeout, engineering surveys and property survey work. He is working in support of our office engineering and field surveying projects. Troy lives in Bellwood.

NEW employees Did You Know...

3121 Fairway DriveAltoona, PA 16602

InsidE Memorial TributePAGE 2

New ProjectsPAGE 4

News & NotesPAGE 6

COVER StoryClearfield Water System Improvements

clearfield water system improvements complete

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