Marika Selzler, named Tune-Up Specialist for City of Philadelphia
Marika Selzler, EIT, ENV SP, CEM has been approved as a Tune-Up Specialist by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability.
Marika Selzler, EIT, ENV SP, CEM has been approved as a Tune-Up Specialist by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability.
The City of Philadelphia’s newly implemented Building Energy Performance Policy (BEEP) requires a “tune-up specialist” lead all tune-up assessments and sign-off on all tune-up reports submitted to the City’s Office of Sustainability (OOS). Individuals must be a Professional Engineer (PE) license or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification and have at least 7 years of combined educational and professional experience with commercial building operations and/or building energy management.
Marika is a member of the Energy and Sustainability Services Team. With a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, she brings a broad range of experience to the team including energy benchmarking, load profiling, and long-term trend analysis of commercial facilities, industrial plants, and vehicle fleets; BAS-based continuous commissioning and Analytics-as-a-Service of commercial buildings; calculating and evaluating emissions of existing systems, buildings, campuses, and fleets, and improvements from conservation, efficiency, and fuel-switching projects; supervising preparation of energy audits and reports.
TUNE-UP SPECIALISTS:
Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP Director, Energy and Sustainability Services
Benjamin Pressman, PE BESM Project Mechanical Engineer
Marika Selzler, EIT, ENV AP, CEM Energy Analyst
Spring 2022 Joint Technical Conference - April 6, 2022
Legislative and Regulatory Update
Presented by: Serena DiMagno, Senior Environmental Consultant
serena.dimagno@ssmgroup.com
Legislative and Regulatory Update
AWWA PA Section - Southeast District & Eastern Section - Water Works Operators Association of PA
Wednesday - April 6 | Exton Hotel & Conference Center
Spottlight on Groundwater
Did you know: National Groundwater Awareness Week is an annual observance sponsored by the National Groundwater Association (NGWA). This year, it was celebrated March 6-12, 2022.
Did you know: National Groundwater Awareness Week is an annual observance sponsored by the National Groundwater Association (NGWA). This year, it was celebrated March 6-12, 2022.
IN THIS ISSUE
Spottlight on Mobile GIS Applications
SSM provides professional GIS services to municipalities; from mapping support for infrastructure projects, to focused GIS and data capture projects. SSM’s GIS Asset Management approach helps municipalities to transform sewer infrastructure data into an easy-to-use operations asset management system capturing vital infrastructure data points with survey-grade accuracy. The data is verified and compiled into a geo-spatial database.
SSM provides professional GIS services to municipalities; from mapping support for infrastructure projects, to focused GIS and data capture projects. SSM’s GIS Asset Management approach helps municipalities to transform sewer infrastructure data into an easy-to-use operations asset management system capturing vital infrastructure data points with survey-grade accuracy. The data is verified and compiled into a geo-spatial database.
GIS Database Development
GIS Training
ArcGIS Online Implementation
Mobile Application Design
Field Data Collection
Survey Grade GPS Collection
Customizable Inspection Forms
Field Inspection Reports
Document Management
IN THIS ISSUE
Marika Selzler, EIT, ENV SP Earns Certified Energy Manager Designation
Marika Selzler, EIT, ENV SP has earned the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). Marika is a member of the Energy and Sustainability Services Team at SSM.
MARIKA SELZLER, EIT, ENV SP, CEM
Marika Selzler, EIT, ENV SP has earned the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). Marika is a member of the Energy and Sustainability Services Team at SSM. With a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, she brings a broad range of experience to the team including energy benchmarking, load profiling, and long-term trend analysis of commercial facilities, industrial plants, and vehicle fleets; BAS-based continuous commissioning and Analytics-as-a-Service of commercial buildings; calculating and evaluating emissions of existing systems, buildings, campuses, and fleets, and improvements from conservation, efficiency, and fuel-switching projects; supervising preparation of energy audits and reports.
About the Certification: The CEM program helps educate and qualify individuals involved in optimizing the use of energy in buildings and systems. By obtaining the CEM certification, candidates gain industry and peer recognition by demonstrating their understanding of energy-efficiency principles, practices, and technologies. The program also helps the energy industry by raising the professional standards, both technical and ethical, of those engaged in energy efficiency and energy management. The CEM accreditation is one of the most globally respected in the field of energy management. To qualify for CEM designation — the internationally accepted symbol of professional competence within the energy management field — candidates must meet strict educational and professional criteria, attend an AEE-sponsored CEM training seminar, and pass a rigorous 17-part exam administered by AEE.
Andrew J. Wengerd, PE, CFPS, LEED AP Named Manager, Mechanical Engineering
Andrew Wengerd has transitioned into the role of Department Manager.
ANDREW WENGERD, PE, CFPS< LEED AP
Andrew Wengerd has transitioned into the role of Department Manager. In this role he will be responsible for daily operations of the Mechanical Engineering department and execution of the department’s strategic assignments. His experience includes design of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems for industrial, commercial, educational, and semiconductor facilities. He has experience in design and project management for a variety of projects as well as experience in system start up and testing services. He has prepared reports analyzing existing systems and evaluating new systems and products. These reports contain calculations, analysis, recommendations, cost estimates, and energy estimates. In addition to HVAC design, Mr. Wengerd also has several years’ experience in the fire protection field. He has performed several sprinkler system layouts, hydraulic calculations, and fire pump selections. He has also experience evaluating city water supplies for capabilities in supplying new and existing buildings.
Spottlight on Winter Tips
From simple tips like the most environmentally-friendly way to clean up a snowstorm, to the most energy-efficient way to heat your home - we’ve collected several resources for you for this month’s Spottlight.
Welcoming Winter
Shovels: out, hibernation mode: on. Sweater weather: here. As we embark on another annual winter season, we recommend you make time for a few proactive steps that could save you a lot this season. From simple tips like the most environmentally-friendly way to clean up a snowstorm, to the most energy-efficient way to heat your home - we’ve collected several resources for you for this month’s Spottlight. Because after all, less time you have to worry about keeping your family safe and warm means more time to enjoy making snowmen and snowballs. (Or cozying up with a blanket and a book).
Profiles in Leadership
SCOTT T. MILLER, RLA
CAROLYN RODINO, PMP
Scott T. Miller, RLA | Manager, Land Development Services
Teamwork. Quality. Pride. These are values that Scott T. Miller demonstrates every day as he helps clients to achieve their goals and make their projects a reality. As Manager, Land Development Services, Scott is responsible for managing all phases of each project’s land development process. His team’s multi-disciplinary expertise and broad knowledge of municipal and regulatory development procedures provide lasting value to clients. Scott has over 35 years of land planning experience in Berks County and the surrounding region. He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with BS in Landscape Architecture and is a Registered Landscape Architect in Pennsylvania.
“Experience and teamwork are both key to performing with excellence. When all members of our team combine their individual skills, we give clients a level of experience that goes beyond what any one of us could manage alone.”
Carolyn Rodino, PMP | Manager, Water Resources
With a focus on protecting, developing, and managing water resources for future generations, Carolyn Rodino, Manager, Water Resources is passionate about supporting the firm’s mission, “Our work touches everyday life”. As a leader, she has a gift for providing encouragement and assistance to her team, preparing them for leadership roles in the future. Her ability to unite, inspire, and organize individuals into a successful project team results in projects and ideas moving forward. Her technical experience includes watershed and regulatory assistance to drinking water systems, and development of source water protection plans for water systems across Pennsylvania.
To young leaders, she advises “Make a difference in your community by volunteering! Working as a volunteer lets you practice leadership skills that you can polish for your work career.”
Paul Spiegel, PE LEED AP O+M Recognized with Green Building United's 2021 Groundbreaker Award
Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP O+M, Director of Energy and Sustainability Services was one of five projects and community leaders awarded a 2021 Groundbreaker Award from Green Building United, the region’s leading organization on green building advocacy and education.
Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP O+M, Director of Energy and Sustainability Services was one of five projects and community leaders awarded a 2021 Groundbreaker Award from Green Building United, the region’s leading organization on green building advocacy and education. The annual Groundbreaker Awards celebrates green building leadership, innovation, and impact in greater Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, and Delaware.
Spiegel was honored to receive recognition for his Community Leadership. Paul is committed to the idea that people and organizations can be motivated to action when they are well educated in and guided through the process, and understand the cost effective benefits of clean and renewable energy.
He commented, “I believe that motivation for change – and ultimately action toward energy efficiency - comes from education and understanding of the cost effective benefits of clean and renewable energy.”
Working with building owners and managers throughout the region, community leaders in over 100 local municipalities and over 75 local schools, he has advanced the adoption of energy related strategies, including energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy. In addition to his training programs, webinars, and in-person speaking engagements that have reached thousands of people in the Philadelphia region, Paul is an active member in various community groups and professional societies as a passionate advocate for energy and environmental policies that will move our region toward a clean energy economy. Mr. Spiegel has more than 35 years of experience in building design, construction, and evaluation in the Philadelphia metropolitan region. He co-founded Practical Energy Solutions (PES) in 2006, when he saw opportunities to provide practical guidance to building owners to improve their energy performance. He has developed and supervised energy strategic master plans and comprehensive energy assessments for more than 250 educational, municipal and commercial facilities. He served as an adjunct professor of Engineering at Temple University from 2004 until 2019, and is a very active member in various community groups and professional societies. Mr. Spiegel’s passion for moving our region toward a clean energy economy comes from his strong belief in contributing to improved living conditions in our local communities in a cost effective and sustainable manner, and his commitment to sound environmental practice.
“We’re continually impressed by the Groundbreaker Award project submissions and seeing how they are pushing the industry forward. This year's awardees include a collaborative large-scale solar project, an innovative school building renovation, and leaders who have had measurable impact on their teams, industries, and the region,” said LeAnne Harvey, Policy and Program Director of Green Building United. “As businesses, cities, and countries work to reduce carbon emissions from the built environment, recognizing projects and leaders is a vital way to uphold best practices toward a carbon neutral world.”
Green Building United, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to promoting sustainable building in Greater Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley and Delaware. Through education and advocacy, Green Building United aims to create a sustainable, healthy, and resilient built environment for all. Green Building United offers its members and partners a wide variety of resources, tools, and events to help them stay informed of the latest green building news and trends. For more information, visit www.greenbuildingunited.org and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About the Firm
Since the founding of Practical Energy Solutions in 2006, the team has had a singular focus: reducing energy consumption in buildings, institutions, and commercial facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Now a division of Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM), our primary services focus on identifying and implementing energy conservation and efficiency measures. This includes energy assessments of existing and new buildings, ROI and feasibility studies, renewable and alternative energy services, project funding support, energy-efficient engineering design, energy consulting, public education, and strategic energy planning. The synergy of the Practical Energy Solutions team alongside the rest of the Spotts, Stevens and McCoy firm is a feat unmatched by most other firms in our region. Our team works both with and alongside SSM’s additional divisions: Facilities Engineering, Civil and Municipal Engineering, Water and Wastewater Engineering, and Survey and Data Capture. The culmination of all of these areas of expertise makes SSM the best single-source solution for any engineering challenge, no matter how many facets. With company-wide commitments to integrity, cutting-edge technology, environmental responsibility, and client relationships – SSM is proud to say we engineer solutions for a better world. SSM is headquartered in Reading with satellite locations in Lehigh Valley, Lancaster, and West Chester.
Spottlight on Energy Awareness
Municipal governments as well as industries and corporations engage every year in strategic planning and writing budgets. Our recommendation is to make sure energy efficiency is a top priority on your budget for the next year.
Wondering how to impact the bottom line while also engaging your community and stakeholders in making the world a better place? The answer: start including energy efficiency in your budget. The best time to start? Now.
Municipal governments as well as industries and corporations engage every year in strategic planning and writing budgets. Our recommendation is to make sure energy efficiency is a top priority on your budget for the next year.
IN THIS ISSUE
Carolyn Rodino named Manager, Water Resources
Carolyn Rodino has been promoted to the role of Manager, Water Resources. In this role she will be responsible for daily operations of the department and execution of the department’s strategic assignments. Her experience includes watershed and regulatory assistance to drinking water systems, and assistance with development of source water protection plans for water systems across Pennsylvania.
CAROLYN RODINO
Carolyn Rodino has been promoted to the role of Manager, Water Resources. In this role she will be responsible for daily operations of the department and execution of the department’s strategic assignments.
Her experience includes watershed and regulatory assistance to drinking water systems, and assistance with development of source water protection plans for water systems across Pennsylvania. As an advocate of clean drinking water, Lyn participates on the Planning Committee for the Schuylkill Action Network and serves on the Education and Source Water Protection Committees for the Berks County Water & Sewer Association.
She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, College of Human Development/Business and has completed the American Water Works Association, Utility Risk and Resiliency Certificate Program.
Spottlight on a Great Place to Work
We are more than a typical engineering firm. If we were just an engineering firm, we’d assess, we’d solve, and then we’d cross it off of our list. But we’re not just an engineering firm; we’re so much more. We’re a firm that believes our people are your people. We’re a firm that believes in innovation; built on a solid foundation. We’re an engineering firm that believes in improving the quality of life for clients, employees, and all of the people touched by the work we do.
Turning the Spottlight on SSM
We are more than a typical engineering firm. If we were just an engineering firm, we’d assess, we’d solve, and then we’d cross it off of our list. But we’re not just an engineering firm; we’re so much more. We’re a firm that believes our people are your people. We’re a firm that believes in innovation; built on a solid foundation. We’re an engineering firm that believes in improving the quality of life for clients, employees, and all of the people touched by the work we do.
Welcome Scott T. Miller, RLA, Manager Land Development Services
SSM welcomes Scott T. Miller, RLA to the Civil Engineering Division as Manager, Land Development Services.
In this role he is responsible for managing all phases of land planning process including, landscape architecture and site design from conceptual design and master planning through production of construction documents and presentations to governmental review agencies for industrial, commercial, institutional and public sector clients.
SCOTT T. MILLER, RLA
Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) a family-owned, regional engineering, environmental and surveying firm welcomes Scott T. Miller, RLA to the Civil Engineering Division as Manager, Land Development Services. In this role he is responsible for managing all phases of land planning process including, landscape architecture and site design from conceptual design and master planning through production of construction documents and presentations to governmental review agencies for industrial, commercial, institutional and public sector clients.
Miller has over 35 years of land planning and landscape architecture experience including zoning and expert witness expertise, and management of land development projects including site layout, storm water management, grading, landscaping, erosion and sediment control, NPDES permitting, site construction inspection, feasibility studies, cost estimates, and project approval coordination.
He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with BS in Landscape Architecture and is a Registered Landscape Architect in Pennsylvania. Miller is a member of the Wyomissing Borough Planning Commission and a member of the Greater Reading Chamber’s Façade Committee.
Spottlight on Back to School
Back to school is a special time. It reminds us of why we do the things that we do. 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.
We believe in making the world a better place today and for future generations by helping clients plan, design, build, operate, and protect their infrastructure, assets, and resources. We believe in constantly growing, in constantly learning so that we can continue to make the world a better place. Why? Because we believe in giving future generations the opportunity to change the world.
Making the World a Better Place
It’s the time of year again where children, parents, and teachers are engulfed in Back to School. This time of year is reserved for that special feeling of entering a new classroom, opening new school supplies, and having that “ready to learn” feeling. But at SSM we believe that learning and education are tools that not only transcend this time of year, but also transcend the school-aged years.
After all, Nelson Mandela wasn’t wrong when he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” It’s the powerful weapon our team uses everyday.
It is our refined expertise and knowledge that prove the value in learning that we hold. It is our determination to finding solutions for even the most difficult challenges and our passion for finding answers for all unanswered questions. These are what give us the confidence to say we make the world a better place.
It’s our willingness and our enthusiasm to step up to a challenge, our commitment to asking the right questions, and our zeal for learning about each and every client’s needs. These are the arsenal with which we change the world.
Back to school is a special time. It reminds us of why we do the things that we do. 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.
We believe in making the world a better place today and for future generations by helping clients plan, design, build, operate, and protect their infrastructure, assets, and resources. We believe in constantly growing, in constantly learning so that we can continue to make the world a better place. Why? Because we believe in giving future generations the opportunity to change the world.
Trending Topics and Technologies for the Water and Wastewater Industry
Berks County Water and Sewer Association Virtual Conference
The Berk County Water and Sewer Association 2021 Virtual Conference and Trade Show.
SSM Speaker Profiles and Presentations
Case Study: Evaluation of Screening Removal Systems - presented by Brian Hassinger, PE
Legislative and Regulatory Update - presented by Serena DiMagno
Energy and Sustainability for W/WW Operations - presented by Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP
Utility Management and Operations for the Future - presented by Ralph Johnson, PE
Implementing Emergency Response Plans - presented by Ralph Johnson, PE
Case Study: GIS Workflow for MS4
Utilize GIS workflows for asset management, including maintenance and inspections.
Optimize Asset Management with GIS
Utilize GIS workflows for asset management, including maintenance and inspections. Featuring a case study highlighting an outfall inspection process using GIS tools.
Presented by Katie Baltzley, GIS Analyst
Spottlight on the Sun
We’re all about making the world a better place. The summer sun reminds us to enjoy the remarkable nature of the sun outside.
A Sunny State of Mind
There’s plenty to marvel about when it comes to the sun from its enormous size, able to hold 1 million Earths to its near perfect sphere that continues to be a science spectacle. Did you know that the sun rotates on its axis about once every 26 days? It is 93 million miles away from the Earth; but it only takes eight minutes for its light to reach us.
Perhaps one of our favorite extraordinary facts about the sun is its generous offering of energy. The amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth’s surface in just an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world's energy consumption for a full year. As June comes to an end and we’re all enjoying long sunny days we explore the power and strength of the sun.
IN THIS ISSUE
PennTec 2021: Annual Technical Conference
In the wake of COVID-19 response, now is the time to explore best practices and review what we’ve learned in the wastewater industry. The session will explore potential exposures and how we manage the impact.
Ralph E. Johnson, PE, Vice President Environmental Services presents: COVID and Sanitary Sewers
In the wake of COVID-19 response, now is the time to explore best practices and review what we’ve learned in the wastewater industry. The session will explore potential exposures and how we manage the impact.
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?
What we’ll discuss
Collection of expert’s best thinking on the topic.
Resource document to help you navigate your decisions
Best Practices in our field.
During this session we’ll explore the historical impact of waterborne diseases and wastewater and the scientific studies being conducted currently to not only detect COVID-19 in wastewater but to possibly use its presence to track and predict potential outbreak locations. We will explore potential wastewater exposure sources and steps to take for protection including engineering controls, administrative controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment.
Key points of discussion
The scientifically documented history of disease in sewage contaminated water dates back to 1854 in England
In the United States both state and local governments have primary authority for maintaining the quality and safety of recreational waters (both freshwater and marine).
The United States is one of a few countries to have a national surveillance system for waterborne disease outbreaks.
Source of contamination can be of fecal or nonfecal origin.
No single indicator organism or small set of indicators can successfully identify or predict the presence of all threats.
Since there are still unknowns about COVID-19 being assessed we need to assure we’re using best practice available to us at this time.
Protective practices include Engineering and Administrative Controls, Safe Work Practices and Personal Protective Equipment.
There are steps we can take now to manage the future, and there are resources we can reference to stay up to date with the latest information.
In addition to understanding the impact of waterborne diseases we’ll discuss the necessary updates to Emergency Response Plans and staffing plans to facilitate smooth crisis management should a key member of the team become sick. The program will include focus on key items, initiatives, and programming to have in place in advance.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Ralph E. Johnson, PE | Vice President, Environmental Engineering | Mr. Johnson is the director of the water and wastewater engineering and operations services, 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, Mr. Johnson brings more than 35 years of experience in the industry which 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.
Welcome Katie Baltzley, GIS Analyst
Katie specializes in developing integrated GIS data management strategies to support a variety of environmental, municipal, and industrial projects.
KATIE BALTZLEY | GIS ANALYST
Welcome back to Katie Baltzley, GIS Analyst in SSM’s Water Resources group. Katie graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor’s in Geography and minor in Meteorology. She has been a GIS professional for 6 years.
Katie specializes in developing integrated GIS data management strategies to support a variety of environmental, municipal, and industrial projects. She creates workflows that tie mobile field technologies with web-based office applications to streamline full cycle operations management.
Spottlight on Public Works
Each year in May we join in celebrating Public Works Week. We celebrate the projects that serve communities and make them a better place, and we celebrate the people that make those projects happen. It is public works teams that believe in the future of their communities and the value of the work ahead. That know that it is not just work ahead, but great work ahead. It is work that improves our infrastructure, provides for our neighbors, and offers longstanding safety for our communities.
Since SSM’s inception almost 90 years ago, we have been a company that strives to make the world a better place. That’s why we have worked with public works employees, officials and administrators to design, manage, oversee, and engineer solutions. We are honored to have worked alongside public works professionals for many years, and to continue to join them in reaching goals, attaining success, and embarking on the work ahead.
In celebration of Agriculture, we highlight the collective efforts of the local farmers and the Schuylkill Action Network (SAN) to improve water quality in Berks County.