BRANCH MEETING: NOVEMBER 2013

LOS OSOS WASTEWATER PROJECT

The Los Osos sewer project has been a local controversy since the 1970’s.  More than 30 years after the regulatory mandate to build a community sewer, the project is finally on a path to success.  Construction has been underway for more than a year and the largest portion of the $173 million project, the collection system pipelines, are nearing completion.  The completed project will convert about 5,000 homes and businesses from septic systems to a community wastewater system.  The project includes 49 miles of pipelines and 21 pump stations.  The water recycling facility will have a capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day, and all of the wastewater will be treated to Title 22 tertiary standards and reused within the community.  The project is scheduled to be ready for connections in about 2 years.

John Waddell is San Luis Obispo County's project manager for the Los Osos sewer project. He has been with County for 13 years and has been working on the Los Osos project since 2006. Prior to his involvement in the sewer project, his experience includes design and construction of various public works utility and transportation projects. John is a graduate of Cal Poly with a degree in environmental engineering. 

LOCATION:

Sea Pines Golf Resort

1945 Solano Street, Los Osos, CA 93402

DATE & TIME:

Thursday, November 21, 2013

12:00 p.m.

MENU:

Sandwich buffet with choice of turkey, ham or roast beef, and all the toppings.  Served with fresh green salad, homemade potato salad and drinks.

RESERVATIONS:

Please sign up by 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 15^th, at the Branch web site (www.ASCESLO.org). Please attend the luncheon if you sign-up – some restaurants will charge the Branch for every seat we reserve, regardless of the actual attendance. If you have specific dietary restrictions or have questions, please contact Ryan Hayes, ASCE Secretary at rhayes@rickengineering.com or (805) 544-0707. The cost is $20 for members and guests and $10 for students.

PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

The year has flown past and the holidays are upon us. I don’t know about you, but my perception of how quickly time passes seems to increase each year. And so I find it increasingly important to reflect on the past year and to think about what to do moving forward.

In light of that, we recently asked our Branch Members (you!) to help by completing a membership survey. Over 50 responses came in. A few take away points:

- Branch meetings, networking, professional development and technical tours/seminars opportunities all equally motivate local engineers to be members.

- Members are primarily interested in technical site visits and professional development activities; though many are also interested in K-12 outreach, Cal Poly mentorship, YMF, etc.

- Members would like more networking opportunities (especially happy hours).

- Most members have not visited our new Branch blog yet. (Please take a moment to explore it today: http://asceslo.blogspot.com/).

- Oh, and fun fact, a majority of members identified themselves as practicing water resources and/or construction. (Way to go water!)

After seeing the results, our Branch Board considered current activities and ways to improve our Branch. We discussed increasing our networking and fostering connectivity between members. We brainstormed potential joint events that would help form relationships between Cal Poly SCE, the new Younger Member Forum and our Branch members. And we focused on the importance of providing technical opportunities – whether through tours, seminars, or other events. Of course, we also plan to continue our usual annual activities: Branch meetings, K-12 outreach, Cal Poly resume review/ mentoring opportunities, etc. We look forward to forming these ideas into actions, and hope that you will join us.

Thank you all for taking the time to provide feedback! Your thoughts and interests are always welcomed and encouraged.

Carolyn K. Berg
ASCE SLO Branch President

MEETING RECAP - OCTOBER 2013

San Clemente Dam Removal and River Re-route

Presented by Jeffery Szytel and Dylan Wade of Water Systems Consulting

Hosted at Pappy McGregor's, San Luis Obispo

10/17/2013

October’s meeting featured Jeff Szytel and Dylan Wade of Water Systems Consulting, Inc. (WSC) speaking about WSC’s role in the San Clemente Dam Removal and River Re-route project.  The 106-foot high concrete arch dam was built in 1921.  Located approximately 18.5 miles from the ocean, the reservoir had become over 90% filled with sediment, and the dam was deemed seismically unsafe by the California Division of Safety of Dams.  By removing the dam and restoring the river, safety issues will be permanently resolved, and native species are expected to repopulate.  Known as the largest dam removal and river restoration project in the history of California, this $83 million, multi-stakeholder, design-build project currently underway is being managed (project management and construction management) by WSC.  Mr. Szytel and Mr. Wade spoke about the project design, funding and multi-stakeholder process, construction considerations, restoration goals and approaches, and the lasting benefits to the Carmel River.  Thanks to Mr. Szytel and Mr. Wade!

(L to R)

Jeff Szytel and Dylan Wade, Water Systems Consulting (WSC)