Spottlight on Changing Seasons
For businesses, organizations, facilities, municipalities, and everywhere in between- the change of seasons means preparations, challenges, and opportunities. From falling leaves, changes in temperature, and shorter days, to preparing facilities for the Winter - whatever the item on your list, now is a great time to get started.
Pumpkin spice is here! Even if you’re not a pumpkin fan, it’s unavoidable that the Fall season has arrived, The leaves are beginning to crunch when you walk on the sidewalk, and the breeze is beginning to blow a bit cooler than it did before.
For some the beginning of a new season means redecorating the mantle, preparing plans for holidays and special events, and maybe reorganizing the closet to prepare for temperature changes. For others it means the start of a new sports season or new recreational activities.
But for businesses, organizations, facilities, municipalities, and everywhere in between- the change of seasons means preparations, challenges, and opportunities. From falling leaves, changes in temperature, and shorter days, to preparing facilities for the Winter - whatever the item on your list, now is a great time to get started.
And a New Year is Just Around the Corner
Just as winter may feel a world away, for many municipalities, the end of the MS4 permit term may also feel like it’s a long way off. However, we encourage municipal leaders to begin the process sooner, rather than later. As budgets are being developed, consider your stormwater management plans. Identify the priority projects in relation to your fiscal year.
SSM is always here to help! Whether you need guidance on your MS4 requirements, or you want to jumpstart some of your priority projects- give us a call!
IN THIS ISSUE:
SSM Welcomes Sr. Electrical Engineer, Seth Nace, PE, LC, LEED AP
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy welcomes Seth A. Nace, PE, LC, LEED AP to the team as a Senior Electrical Engineer in the Facilities Engineering Department.
Seth A. Nace, PE, LC, LEED AP
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, a family-owned and managed, regional engineering firm based in Reading PA welcomes Seth A. Nace, PE, LC, LEED AP to the team as a Senior Electrical Engineer in the Facilities Engineering Department.
Mr. Nace has more than 23 years of electrical engineering and project management experience including design of high, medium, and low voltage power distribution systems and substations, motor control, lighting and lighting controls, and auxiliary systems including photovoltaic, emergency/standby power generation systems, uninterruptible power systems (UPS), fire alarm, security and access control, signaling and suppression systems, and telecommunication systems for various facilities. In addition, he has performed specialized studies and investigations of existing conditions and systems resulting in building assessment, evaluations, and recommendations reports, as well as cost opinions for code compliance, economic cost evaluations, and scheduling.
Nace has performed electrical studies, including short circuit, time current coordination, and arc flash with the development of arc flash labels. His project work has included the analysis, design, and specification during project development from conceptual and preliminary through final design and all construction phase services such as review of shop drawings, change orders, responding to contractor requests for information, field inspections, and commissioning of systems.
He holds a BS degree in Architectural Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and is a Registered Professional in Pennsylvania, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia. Additional credentials include National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP) Certification, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Certification, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional.
Spottlight on Water Quality
August is Water Quality Month. And so this month we challenge you to take a little bit of extra time to think about that refreshing glass of water. Or, that clean shower stream. Or, the water bodies you might enjoy for recreation.
Enjoy your water this month! It’s been sourced with you in mind.
A refreshing glass of water. On the surface, it's filled with nothing but H20. Thinking deeper, you'll see that a lot more has gone into it. Such as protecting the purity of reservoirs, aquifers, wellheads, and springs. Rehabilitating abandoned wells. Using hydrogeologic modeling to calculate the impact of proposed development on source water and surrounding terrain. Using GIS to manage complex and voluminous environmental databases. Tailoring solutions for municipalities and water suppliers, and getting clean water to communities, buildings and faucets. Into every refreshing glass of water goes a lot of deep thinking.
At SSM, we believe in protecting, developing, and managing water resources for future generations. Our Water Resources team takes great pride in making water happen, protecting water resources, and providing the greatest care to our supply sources every single day.
August is Water Quality Month. And so this month we challenge you to take a little bit of extra time to think about that refreshing glass of water. Or, that clean shower stream. Or, the water bodies you might enjoy for recreation.
Enjoy your water this month! It’s been sourced with you in mind.
IN THIS ISSUE
FREE Guide to Opening Your Doors
This resource is perfect for facilities and operations managers who are preparing to bring employees back on site.
We are giving away the FREE Guide to Opening Doors
This resources is perfect for facilities and operations managers who are preparing to bring employees back on site.
Our team of expert engineers thoroughly considered each element of buildings and operations.
Fill out the form and we’ll send it to you!
Spottlight on Energy and Sustainability
It’s this mission that drives the services and goals of the new division: transforming buildings into comfortable, efficient, healthy spaces to live and work.
Now introducing . . .
Energy and Sustainability Services
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) is thrilled to announce an expansion to our regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm. SSM created a new Energy and Sustainability Services division, to be led by its new director, Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP. Spiegel formerly served as President of Practical Energy Solutions (PES), the West Chester-based energy consulting firm. This expansion extends the scope of the three existing divisions under the SSM umbrella: Facility Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
Every day at SSM we look for new ways to grow our footprint, expand our services, increase our capacity, and escalate our opportunities to make an impact on the world. We believe in improving the quality of life for our clients, our employees, and for all of the people touched by the work that we do. It’s this mission that drives the services and goals of the new division: transforming buildings into comfortable, efficient, healthy spaces to live and work.
IN THIS ISSUE
Berks County Water & Sewer Association: Do you have your Assets in the Cloud?
Berks County Water & Sewer Association Virtual Conference: Do you have your Assets in the Cloud
Are your organization’s asset formatted in a secure method so you are prepared to react to new work place requirements as a result of an emergency? Has your infrastructure been planned and designed to modify how work was performed when your staff can no longer work from traditional brick and mortar offices? SSM will share how their advanced planning paid off for them and share ideas for your implementation. What are the Issues with planning and implementing Capital Construction projects as a pandemic hit? Do you postpone, cancel or just charge ahead?
presented by Al Guiseppe, PG
Director Water Resources
al.guiseppe@ssmgroup.com
Berks County Water & Sewer Association: Covid and Sanitary Sewers
We know now that COVID-19 does not survive in public water but it thrives in waste water. What are the exposures and what can you do to manage these pandemic and future ones.
Berks County Water & Sewer Association Virtual Conference: Covid and Sanitary Sewers
We know now that COVID-19 does not survive in public water but it thrives in wastewater. What are the exposures and what can you do to manage these pandemic and future ones.
presented by Ralph Johnson, PE,
Vice President Environmental Engineering
ralph.johnson@ssmgroup.com
Berks County Water & Sewer Association: Case Study of Construction during COVID-19
Case Study of Construction during COVID-19: The challenges and solutions of the City of Reading wastewater treatment plant project and the WBWA raw water line project.
Berks County Water & Sewer Association Virtual Conference: Case Study of Construction during COVID-19
Case Study of Construction during COVID-19: The challenges and solutions of the City of Reading wastewater treatment plant project and the WBWA raw water line project.
presented by Ralph Johnson, PE
Vice President Environmental Engineering
ralph.john@ssmgroup.com
Berks County Water & Sewer Association: Crisis Management Toolbox
Emergency Response Plan Updates, Critical Pandemic Preparedness Plan elements, Exit and re-entry planning - critical positions, maintaining the facility, Protecting the Operators: What needs to change? What if they get sick?
Berks County Water & Sewer Association Virtual Conference: Crisis Management Toolbox
Emergency Response Plan Updates, Critical Pandemic Preparedness Plan elements, Exit and re-entry planning - critical positions, maintaining the facility, Protecting the Operators: What needs to change? What if they get sick?
presented by Ralph Johnson, PE, Vice President Environmental Engineering
ralph.johnson@ssmgroup.com
Berks County Water & Sewer Association: Legislative and Regulation Update
EPA and DEP Legislative and Regulatory Update
Berks County Water & Sewer Association Virtual Conference: Legislative and Regulation Update
EPA and DEP Legislative and Regulatory Update
presented by Serena DiMagno
Senior Environmental Consultant
serena.dimagno@ssmgroup.com
Welcome Aboard Austyn Diaz
Welcome Aboard Austyn Diaz!
SSM is excited to welcome Austyn Diaz to the firm as a GIS Specialist in our Water Resources Department. Austyn is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Geography/ GIS Technologies.
Spotts Stevens and McCoy Announces Expansion to Firm
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) announced today an expansion to the firm: creation of a new Energy and Sustainability Services division, to be led by its new director, Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP.
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) is thrilled to announce an expansion to our regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm. SSM created a new Energy and Sustainability Services division, to be led by its new director, Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP. Spiegel formerly served as President of Practical Energy Solutions (PES), the West Chester-based energy consulting firm. This expansion extends the scope of the three existing divisions under the SSM umbrella: Facility Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
PES and SSM have worked together for years, serving similar clients in complementary ways, and even more recently, sharing an office building. But it is the synergy and overlap of values and services that made this an opportune time to expand and introduce this new division.
We are a firm that believes in improving the quality of life for our clients, our employees, and for all of the people touched by the work that we do. It’s this mission that drives the services and goals of the new division: transforming buildings into comfortable, efficient, healthy spaces to live and work.
“Environmental responsibility and creating a sustainable future have always been initiatives that guide the work that we do. It’s only right to bring on a team that will stand with us in leaving the world a better place”, says Eileen Kaley, SSM Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.
Several other members of the professional staff of PES will also be joining the team under the division, establishing a deep-seeded expertise in providing clients practical and creative energy management, consulting, education, and technical advisement.
Brian Kelly, SSM’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “This is incredibly exciting news for all of our clients, and especially for the communities that we serve. Combining our expertise is going to change the game for the services we offer and bring a new depth to the solutions we provide.”
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Inc. is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental and surveying firm headquartered in Wyomissing PA with satellite offices in Lancaster, West Chester and Lehigh Valley. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses that include commercial, industrial, manufacturing and telecommunications as well as healthcare and higher education institutions. For more information about the firm go to: www.ssmgroup.com.
Spotts Stevens and McCoy Names Eileen Kaley as Chief Strategy Officer
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) announced today that Eileen Kaley has been named Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the firm.
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) a family-owned regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm headquartered in Reading PA and serving local and global clients announced today that Eileen Kaley has been named Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the firm.
In this newly created leadership role, Kaley reports to President & CEO Brian Kelly and will oversee execution of the firm’s strategic initiatives. She will play a key role in developing SSM’s business and growth strategies, identifying market transitions and driving the business strategy to meet the evolving expectations and business needs of the firm’s client base. As the CSO, she will utilize her deep understanding of SSM’s vision for 2020 and beyond as the foundation for prioritizing key decisions that will shape the firm’s future and sustainable competitive advantage.
“I’m confident in Eileen’s ability to drive the overall strategic direction for SSM as we position ourselves for the future.” Kelly commented, “She has a proven track record of strong leadership and achievement. She is strategic in her thinking and has been a major catalyst behind SSM’s success.”
Previously the firm’s Director of Marketing and Organizational Development, Kaley brings more than 25 years of experience in developing and implementing initiatives to the role. Her background includes operational roles in marketing and human resources. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a BA in Communications.
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Inc. is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental and surveying firm headquartered in Wyomissing PA with satellite offices in Lancaster, West Chester and Lehigh Valley. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses that include commercial, industrial, manufacturing and telecommunications as well as healthcare and higher education institutions. For more information about the firm go to: www.ssmgroup.com.
Crisis Preparedness
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) has qualified, experienced and certified water and wastewater management, operations and maintenance personnel to assist and/or backup your personnel should you experience staffing challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.
During any crisis, but particularly during our current crisis, we all need to be prepared for the worst case scenario. While many businesses are facing mandatory and recommended closures, those in the municipal industry must remain functional. One area of health and environmental concern is water and wastewater treatment operations. Please reach out to us if you are in need.
Communications and Business Continuity During Coronavirus Pandemic
As a firm, we have taken and continue to take appropriate steps that will allow our employees to continue to provide great service amid this growing concern.
At Spotts, Stevens and McCoy it is a priority for us to maintain the health, safety, and overall wellness of our clients, client communities, as well as our staff and teams. It is also a priority of ours to maintain and ensure the continuity of our business operations and client commitments.
Our corporate team continues to monitor the progress and recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local authorities. As a firm, we have taken and continue to take appropriate steps that will allow our employees to continue to provide great service amid this growing concern.
We are dedicated to upholding our project commitments, while also fostering the health and safety of the many communities that we are proud and honored to work with. Please continue to be in touch with us regarding any restrictions, safety procedures, or specifics that we should be made aware of as we continue our working relationship. We are proud of our abilities and opportunities to be flexible through virtual meetings, digital file sharing, and any other forms of collaborating together that you may find most comfortable.
We care deeply about providing a space for our employees to do what they do best and allowing them to feel safe doing it. We have encouraged all of our employees to follow the recommendations by WHO and CDC regarding ways to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases in the workplace. Additionally, our firm is and has been established with a cloud-based infrastructure that will further allow our teams to make producing results simple and effective. Employees continue to be reminded of what we can do together to help keep our teams safe and healthy.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to navigate this health crisis together.
SSM Opens West Chester Office
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) is excited to announce their expansion to Chester County, Pennsylvania. The new regional office opened January 1, 2020 and is located at 101 East Evans Street in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) is excited to announce their expansion to Chester County, Pennsylvania. The new regional office opened January 1, 2020 and is located at 101 East Evans Street in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The firm will be sharing space in the offices of Practical Energy Solutions. The office will house dedicated and mobile staff to serve a growing base of Chester County clients.
“We’ve teamed with Practical Energy on several projects as our services complement one another,” said Executive Vice President, Patrick McCoy, a long-time resident of West Chester. “We’re anticipating the shared space will lead to expanded collaborative opportunities for the team, and allow us to develop long term client and employee relationships in southeastern Pennsylvania.”
Based in Reading, PA, the firm has additional offices in Lehigh Valley and Lancaster and offers engineering, surveying and environmental services expertise to industry and numerous local, regional and county government entities.
“We are elated to expand our presence in the Chester County area to better serve our clients in the region,” said Brian Kelly, President and CEO. “We are looking forward to becoming an integral part of the community, and developing mutually beneficial relationships with the local municipalities and businesses.”
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy is a family-owned regional engineering, environmental, and surveying firm serving local and global clients. We engineer solutions for a better world. Our work touches everyday life; from the water you drink, to the air you breathe, to the buildings and communities where you live, work and play. SSM provides services to various types of local, regional and national businesses which include commercial, industrial, manufacturing, telecommunications, as well as healthcare and higher education facilities.
Give Back Club Donates $10,000 to Community Initiatives
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy recently made donations totaling $10,000 as part of their 2019 Give Back initiative.
Members of the SSM Give Back Club (left to right: Chelsea Carl, Lyn O’Hare, Mike Donlan, Sydney Jernigan, Michelle Hohl, PE, Michele Eidle, and Kim Ernst) display checks representing the firm’s $10,000 donations.
Michele Eidle, SSM employee and Operation 143 volunteer accepted the donation during a Company Team Huddle in November.
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy recently made donations totaling $10,000 to organizations within in the firm’s geographic footprint as part of their 2019 Give Back initiative.
A group of SSM volunteers interviewed and surveyed their co-workers to develop an action plan for the giving. As a result the firm donated $5,000 to Operation143. The organization feeds students in nearby communities by providing backpacks full of food for the weekend. SSM’s donation will provide supplies for one weekend’s backpack event. The firm is hosting a food drive in their offices during the month of December to provide additional supplies.
SSM supported the Opportunity House mission, “changing lives by educating, housing, feeding and empowering people to stand on their own feet” with a $2,500 donation. The firm also supported the Tunnel to Towers Foundation with a $2,500 donation. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001 and honors our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.
Brian Kelly, President and CEO commented, “We are excited to continue our tradition for the SSM family to give back and support the communities where we live, work and play.”
SSM Welcomes New VP, Ralph Johnson, PE to the Firm
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, a family-owned and managed, regional engineering firm based in Reading PA, welcomes Ralph Johnson, PE to the team as the Vice President Water and Wastewater Engineering and Operations.
Ralph Johnson, PE | Vice President, Water and Wastewater Engineering and Operations
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, a family-owned and managed, regional engineering firm based in Reading PA, welcomes Ralph Johnson, PE to the team as the Vice President Water and Wastewater Engineering and Operations.
Ralph will direct the water and wastewater engineering and operations services for the firm including all aspects of water and wastewater engineering, municipal and authority representation, water and wastewater treatment operations, treatment plant design, construction phase engineering, water resources and regulatory compliance assistance. Previously with the City of Reading as the Public Works Director and City Engineer, Johnson brings more than 35 years of experience in the industry to the firm. His experience includes Consent Decree Compliance, Dam Safety Issues, MS4 regulatory compliance, emergency response planning, capital improvement project planning and implementation, grant writing, bridge inspection and maintenance, and wastewater plant upgrades and construction.
He holds an AS in Chemical Engineering Technology from the Pennsylvania State University and a BA in Business Management and Administration from Alvernia College. Johnson is a licensed engineer in Pennsylvania, a certified PA DEP Wastewater Systems Operator and a certified PA DEP Water Systems Operator. Ralph is active in various industry associations including American Public Works Association, Berks County Public Works Association, PA American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation, Eastern PA Water Pollution Control Operators Association, Central PA Water Quality Association, and Western PA Water Pollution Control Association and has been recognized by these agencies with numerous individual and facilities awards over the course of his career.
Fall Joint Conference: Legislative and Regulatory Update
PA Section AWWA Southcentral & Northcentral District and WWOAP Central Section
Legislative and Regulatory Update
Presented by Serena DiMagno, Sr. Environmental Consultant
serena.dimagno@ssmgroup.com
Fall Joint Conference: Data Capture Technology for Water/Wastewater Facility Management
Data Capture technology is quickly becoming a way for water and wastewater treatment plants to efficiently collect information, analyze the results, and optimize performance.
PA Section AWWA Southcentral & Northcentral District and WWOAP Central Section
Data Capture Technology for Water/Wastewater Facility Management
Data Capture technology is quickly becoming a way for water and wastewater treatment plants to efficiently collect information, analyze the results, and optimize performance. There are several methods of capturing this information, eliminating complacency, and documenting equipment and project status in water and wastewater operations. This presentation describes Data Capture projects for Water and Wastewater systems, including ways to look at and manage data, what can be done with the data collected, and visual examples of various projects using drones, 3-D Models, and GIS.
Presented by Steve Smith, Sr. Project Manager, Survey and Data Capture
steve.smith@ssmgroup.com
Mr. Smith has over 30 years of experience in the surveying field and has been responsible for all aspects of Boundary and Topographical surveying, Aerial Mapping, Utility and Route surveys, ALTA/ASCM survey and all phases of construction stakeout. His technical skills include robotic instrumentation, High Definition Scanning, UAS Drone Flight operations, AUTOCAD and Microsoft operating systems.
Many institutions such as higher education, k-12, museums, and not-for-profit organizations were early adopters of strategic sustainability and energy conservation initiatives, and continue to provide leadership.