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.”

Electrical Safety Tips for the Winter

When outside temperatures go low, electric bills often go high. Winter is the time of year when electric usage is often at its highest.

Electric use increases for many reasons: less natural light coming through the windows, freezing temperature causing heat to turn up, more time being spent indoors, more devices being used!

In addition to the extra electrical use, the winter season poses many unique electrical hazards. More portable heaters come out, more electrical outlets are loaded, and higher winds and variations in precipitation bring about many risks for dangerous accidents to occur.

Refresh yourself on these 7 electrical tips so that your family stays warm, and safe, this winter season.

7 Electrical Safety Tips for the Winter

1. Use space heaters safely - and on their own outlet.

   As a rule of thumb, keep your portable space heaters a minimum of four feet from furniture, drapes or clothing. Refrain from using an extension cord or power strip to plug space heaters into an outlet. Space heaters require a high electric current that is not ideal for use with these strips and extension cords. Because of this, your strip could melt, burn or start a fire. The safest way for you to power your space heater is to use a wall outlet with no other item plugged into that outlet. Don’t forget that you should never leave your space heaters unattended. Turn them off when you leave the room and always when you leave home and go to bed. Lastly, always monitor your heaters to ensure that they do not overheat.

2. Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors that are installed and functional.

   It’s a good idea to have carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. First Alert also recommends in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and in common areas such as living rooms. Because heating fuels are used more frequently in winter months - gas, coal, or wood- the opportunity increases for carbon monoxide poisoning to occur in your home. Always test your detectors to make sure they are working properly and are within their working lifespan. And, don’t forget to change your batteries every six months.

3. Check and prepare to use your generators.

   It’s always good practice to make sure that your generators are ready to work before you actually need to use them. If you have a portable generator, make sure it is operating and functional, and you have a plan of action should you need it. You will want to keep your generator as far away from the home as possible to prevent carbon monoxide emissions from entering your home. It’s also a good idea to have a dedicated circuit for your portable generator. This way, you do not overload your generator.

4. Do not overload your circuits or wattage. Plus - make sure your outlets and power strips are not creating a hazard.

   It may be darker in your home, but you should still follow the recommended wattage for your light fixtures. Similarly, be mindful of how you are loading your circuits. It’s best to try to maintain only one high wattage item per outlet. Following this rule will help you to prevent overloading your outlets with too much wattage for it to handle. Many outlets get extra use during the winter months due to added heating devices, electrical entertainment devices, and even holiday lights and decorations. Be mindful of how much wattage you are using in your outlets.

   Make sure that your cords and power strips are not creating a fire hazard. Running cords under carpets or behind furniture can increase the risk of fraying, which can quickly lead to a fire in the home.

5. Do routine checks of your electrical infrastructure, and be observant of red flags.

   Make a habit out of investigating your outlets and any accessible electrical components. Electrical issues are very dangerous if not addressed, and especially when considering harsh winter elements. Be sure to call a qualified electrician if you notice any loose connections, scorching on outlets, or old electrical outlets. These are all hazards that should be taken care of immediately, and by a professional. You should also be aware if you notice any flickering lights, frayed wiring, or crackling sounds.

   It’s also a good idea to have an experienced electrician inspect and test your ground fault circuit inceptors (GFCI) outlets. These are a safety system that prevent electrocution. Having an electrician make sure they are functional will keep your family safe through the winter months, and all year long.

6. Be cautious with electric blankets and other warming devices.

   Electric blankets are a great tool for keeping warm. But if used improperly, they pose their own set of risks in the home. It is not recommended to sleep with an electric blanket, or to keep it on for extended periods of time or when you leave the room. And, always be diligent about disposing of electrical blankets that have become over-used or are damaged in any way.

7. Trust your professionals.

   Always remember that electrical safety checks and repairs should be trusted to professional electricians. Avoid doing electrical work on your own in your home as it can be very dangerous. Experienced electricians should be called for any projects relating to electrical safety inspection, rewiring, installation, and more.

DEP announces DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program

The Department of Environmental Protection announced an opportunity to apply for grants offered through the DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program, one of the funding programs under the Driving PA Forward Initiative. This funding is available for light-duty zero emission vehicle supply equipment projects that will improve air quality and protect public health and the environment in this Commonwealth by reducing emissions through expanded use of DC fast charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructures.

Eligible Projects: those that will install DC fast charging or hydrogen fueling equipment in community hubs, transportation corridors and destinations, as defined in the Program Guidelines. Funding is available for public and private entities including school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, State and local agencies, tribal governments, nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and sole proprietorships which are incorporated or registered in the State, air quality or transportation organizations and metropolitan or rural planning organizations.

The Program Guidelines and Application Instructions are available on the Department's Driving PA Forward webpage at https://dep.pa.gov/DrivingPAForward/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Andrew Shambach | andrew.shambach@ssmgroup.com

Energy Efficiency Investment Fund Supports Projects in Delaware

Support from the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund is available to perform energy assessments, to take widely-recognized (prescriptive) improvement steps, and to implement custom, site-specific improvements.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) provides grants through the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) to help commercial and industrial customers replace aging, inefficient equipment and systems with energy efficient alternatives.

Energy Efficiency Investment Fund Grants

• Energy Assessment Grants support single purpose (targeted) energy audits and comprehensive energy audits designed to help facilities receive technical evaluations for appropriate, cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, specific to each building’s needs.

• Prescriptive Improvement Grants include two types of applications: prescriptive lighting and heating, which includes natural gas heating and water heating equipment.

• Custom Improvements Grants apply to more complex or one-of-a-kind measures that go beyond the equipment funded by Prescriptive Improvement Grants. Custom incentives mitigate a significant portion of the project costs for high efficiency equipment. They are based on incremental cost, calculated energy and demand savings of retrofit projects, cost effectiveness, and are limited by total project cost.

• Combined Heat and Power Grants include five types of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems: microturbines, reciprocating engines, gas turbines, steam turbines, and fuel cells. Systems must meet the minimum 60% annual system efficiency requirement, and produce 1.0 MMbtu/hour of useful thermal output. The CHP pathway is ideal for facilities with high annual hours of operation and a high thermal load.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Website: https://de.gov/eeif

Application Portal: https://eeif.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp

ESupplier website for Payment: https://esupplier.erp.delaware.gov/

Does this information speak to you?
Let’s get you started on acquiring your funding. Give us a call.

Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP | Director Energy and Sustainability Services | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com

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. 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.

READ MORE on VISTA.TODAY

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.

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Spottlight on Thankfulness

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During this season of giving, we have so much to be thankful for. From our clients that trust us to take on their challenges to our communities that rely on us to provide solutions - we are thankful.

But our gratitude extends even further. We are thankful for our people, that get the job done. We are thankful for our founders, that paved the way. And we are thankful for the opportunities, that allow us to make the world a better place.

Today we’re putting the Spottlight on our teams. Because our teams are the people that make everything we do happen. Our teams are the ones that apply both expertise and experience. But also passion and dedication. We are thankful for our teams because they are what separate SSM from other engineering, surveying, and environmental service firms. Our teams defy boundaries, set new standards, exceed expectations, and redefine success. They evaluate, collaborate, and innovate. So when it comes to being grateful - our teams make it easy.

Our Expertise:

• Energy and Sustainability Services

• Civil and Municipal Engineering

• Land Development

• Environmental and Field Services

• Survey and Data Capture

• Water and Wastewater Engineering

• Structural Engineering

• Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Giving Thanks

During this season of giving, we have so much to be thankful for. From our clients that trust us to take on their challenges to our communities that rely on us to provide solutions - we are thankful.

But our gratitude extends even further. We are thankful for our people, that get the job done. We are thankful for our founders, that paved the way. And we are thankful for the opportunities, that allow us to make the world a better place.

Today we’re putting the spotlight on our teams. Because our teams are the people that make everything we do happen. Our teams are the ones that apply both expertise and experience. But also passion and dedication.

We are thankful for our teams because they are what separate SSM from other engineering, surveying, and environmental service firms.

Our teams defy boundaries, set new standards, exceed expectations, and redefine success. They evaluate, collaborate, and innovate. So when it comes to being grateful - our teams make it easy.

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy Expertise

• Energy and Sustainability Services

• Civil and Municipal Engineering

• Land Development

• Environmental and Field Services

• Survey and Data Capture

• Water and Wastewater Engineering

• Structural Engineering

• Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Energy and Sustainability Services at SSM

We are thankful for our Energy team that maintains a singular focus: reducing energy consumption in buildings, institutions, and facilities.

Our energy client list includes the City of Philadelphia, the State of Delaware, the County of Delaware, Chester County, 10 school districts, and more than 80 municipalities in the region.

Our team recognizes that local governments are setting ambitious energy efficiency and renewable energy goals while emphasizing resilience and equity. These goals cannot be accomplished without expertise and commitment to best practices.

Our team holds incredible value in the energy sector - exemplified by a history of helping to write energy management policies, sustainability plans, and renewable energy ordinances. Plus, extensive experience in policy review and support, engineering and financial analysis, computer modeling, GIS management, community education, and strategic energy planning.

We are thankful for our Energy and Sustainability team that combines understanding, experience, and basic principles of energy management to empower community leaders and community members across the region.

Civil and Municipal Engineering at SSM

We are thankful for our municipal engineering team. Not so much for the range of services they provide, but the attitude with which they provide them. Above all else- our team cares about you.

For more than 85 years, SSM has worked with local communities, industries, health care and government clients to enhance the quality of life for the people touched by our work.

As a recognized leader in Municipal Engineering and Consulting, we’ve assisted our clients in the planning, growth, and well-being of their communities. Our team of engineers, planners, geologists, surveyors and landscape architects integrates technologies with engineering judgment and experience to meet clients’ needs.

We are most thankful for our municipal engineering team’s measure of success. Our team strives every day and on every assignment to protect the client’s interests and respond to the client’s needs. Our team wants clients to experience success - their definition of success, not ours. When that means going the extra mile, they do it. When that means being available, they’re available. When that means anticipating a need, they anticipate it.

We are thankful for the many years of experience that our municipal team brings to the table. We’re also thankful for their developed proven standard approaches. But most of all, we’re thankful for their balance of both things - balancing experience with an attitude of flexibility and service.

Thank you to our Civil and Municipal Engineering team that brings community visions to life every single day.

 Land Development at SSM

We are grateful for the opportunity to announce that our Land Development team is not only back together, but better than ever.

We take great pride in creating teams of people that meet the needs of our communities. Not only in the care they bring to their work, but in the services that they provide. Over this year, we have welcomed back 3 special boomerangs to SSM. This is a special opportunity for us, and our clients, as they solidify our expertise in land development services.

Karen, Craig, and Scott together share over 35 years of land development experience including all phases of the land planning process - from conceptual design and master planning to construction phase and project management. They also carry industry expertise across commercial, industrial, educational and residential markets from residential and campus master plans to bakery and manufacturing facilities.

At SSM we have always believed that great people create great work. But more so, we know that our people are more than just the work they produce. They are the heart, the passion, and the joy that makes SSM home.

Over the years we’ve learned that welcoming boomerang employees adds value to our organization. We are thrilled to welcome back Karen, Craig, and Scott as they allow us to not only expand our expertise, but also to strengthen our capacity, and extend our mission.

Thank you to our Land Development team for the expertise they bring on board for our current clients, and our future clients.

Environmental and Field Services at SSM

We are thankful for our Environmental and Field Services team that does exactly as the testimonial says: demonstrate every single day that they are first rate.

Our Field Services team is the team that you always want on your sidelines. They get things done. But, not just done - done safely, done correctly, and done with our clients and communities first in mind.

We take pride in our reputation for responding quickly to emergencies and also in our ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and facilitate communication at every level.  Cookie cutter approaches don’t work for a client base as diverse as ours. So, our team listens. They understand. And they solve problems.

Thank you to our Environmental and Field Services team for bringing their experience, expertise, and solutions to every challenge.

 Survey and Data Capture at SSM

We are thankful for our Survey team that has the trucks loaded and on the road before the sun comes up most mornings.

Since 1932, SSM has prided itself on being at the forefront of surveying expertise. Since then, we have consistently refined our practice while also maintaining our values: to provide surveying services with accuracy, expertise, and care.

The SSM Survey team collects and manages data that allows for the best designs, the most comprehensive solutions, and highly effective, efficient results. They are experts in both pioneering and leveraging technology.

Our surveyors see the word differently: through the lens of advanced technology and through the eyes of precision and accuracy.

Thank you to our Survey team for defying standard surveying boundaries to always go above and beyond four our clients and their projects.

 Water and Wastewater Engineering at SSM

We are thankful for our Water and Wastewater teams that make the world a better place now and for future generations.

In 1967, Lewis J. McCoy, PE opened an individual engineering practice. The story goes that he started the firm because, “everyone deserves clean water” and he focused the firm on water and wastewater services to local governments. Just 5 years later, the Clean Water Act was amended into law. SSM was ready.

Our Water and Wastewater team works every single day to keep Lewis McCoy’s mission alive. They work around the clock from emergency response to design and from financial and grant assistance to public education.

Our Water and Wastewater team is equipped with extensive services and unmatched expertise. When it comes to managing and protecting water and wastewater resources, our team is the one that everyone turns to.

They offer extraordinary experience in the planning, design, and construction management of wastewater and water systems, piping systems, pumping stations, and treatment plants. Our GIS and CAD resources are powerful tools identifying sources of potential contamination, using hydrogeologic modeling to visualize the impact of a proposed well, or identifying trends and hot spots for Act 537 planning. We understand utilities' needs and priorities. We offer solutions for today, for tomorrow, and for the future.

Our team engineers solutions - whether using engineering expertise, applying advanced technology, or integrating specialized resources.

Thank you to our Water and Wastewater team for being ready. Ready to meet the needs of our communities, ready to attend to emergencies, and ready to create a better world.

 Structural Engineering at SSM

We are thankful for our Structural Engineering team for keeping the structures around us safe, strong, and standing.

Whether it’s navigating an issue, or preventing one, our Structural team is always on your side. They are leaders in their field, and masters in their expertise.

But what’s really special about our Structural team is the way in which they take care of all of the things that not every one thinks about. From top to bottom - roof to foundation - they’ve got you covered.

Because our purpose, is to help you stick to yours. And when our engineers get involved, you get to focus on the core of your business instead of everything else. That’s what our team is here for - because what we do best is what you don’t.

Thank you to our Structural Engineering team for worrying about the big stuff, but also the little stuff.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at SSM

We are thankful for our Mechanical and Electrical Engineering team. From ground up solutions to retrofit and reuse, our team and technology ensures the results our clients envision.

We’re thankful for their aptitude for modern engineering strategies and up-to-date refined practices. But we’re also thankful for their traditional techniques that all provide a foundation for excellent solutions. Add our penchant for innovative thinking to the picture, and you’ll find SSM to be the best single-source solution for any facilities engineering challenge. No matter how many facets.

Thank you to our Mechanical and Electrical Engineering teams for knowing challenges inside and out. For understanding intricacies. For addressing every unique consideration. And for solving problems, no matter what.

New Grant Program Announced by Susquehanna River Basin Commission

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) has recently announced a new grant program aimed at improving water availability and quality in the Susquehanna River Basin, particularly during droughts. These “Consumptive Use Mitigation Grants” are based on the SRBC’s 2020 Consumptive Use Mitigation Policy, which refers to water that is used but not returned to the basin. The purpose of the program is to improve the resiliency of the Basin’s water resources, and hopes to award $4-6 million for the following types of projects:

• Environmental and water quality improvement projects - These types of projects include natural waterway (wetlands, streams, floodplains) restoration, projects which may increase groundwater recharge, stormwater management improvement, or projects which will decrease pollutant loading in streams or groundwater.

• Demand modification projects - An example of this type of project is altering the processes or increasing the efficiency at a local industrial facility that helps the facility reduce water usage, or allows it to reuse or recycle water used.

• Projects that modify current operations or implement new practices which increase instream flows or improve flow resilience - This type of project would ideally deal with reservoir conservation releases, aquifer storage and recovery, or coordinated use of groundwater and surface water.

• Water storage and release projects that can enhance supply and reliability during drought - Recently, the Commission assisted in a study to determine the feasibility of acquiring and using an abandoned limestone quarry for conservation releases. This type of project is eligible for these grand funds under this category.

There is a requirement for a minimum 10% cash match for the total requested grant funds; however, grant funds can be used to cover a variety of the project costs, including land acquisition.

SRBC held an informational webinar on November 16, which will be repeated on Wednesday, December 8. Proposals are currently being accepted and are due before January 28, 2022. Grants will be announced April 2022, with grant agreements executed June 2022.

More information on who may apply, acceptable project types, and other details may be found at https://www.srbc.net/our-work/grants/consumptive-use-mitigation-grant.html.

Our clients in the Susquehanna River Basin have a great opportunity to receive funding for projects which improve water quality and resiliency in their local watershed. SSM is excited to assist with the project planning, grant applications, and project implementation. Interested in applying? Give us a call!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ashton Prifer | ashton.prifer@ssmgroup.com

Spottlight on Energy Awareness

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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.

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A Sustainable Budget

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.

Here’s what you should budget for first: Energy Audits. This assessment on one or all of your buildings looks at the primary energy use systems like heating, air conditioning, lighting and ventilation. Additionally, the assessment explores the operational practices that can be modified at low or no cost to better manage energy consumption, not to mention save you money.

Whether it’s small operational changes or larger capital expenses, a result of the audit is that you know where your best opportunities are now and in coming years. Some utility companies are even offering better than ever incentives. We want to help you take advantage of them. Just wondering, what could you do more of with 10%, or even 20% in your operating budget? Would it be worth the energy assessment if you could gain back costs you had to cut, or green light initiatives you have yet to be able to start? The answer is easy.

Budgeting for an energy assessment now also opens the door for clear and articulate strategic plans for years to come. Energy audits outline your greatest opportunities for future savings as well as the feasibility of your long-term goals.

Start with step one, budget for your initial energy assessment. Then, give us a call and we’ll help you find your opportunities. We’re here to help.

Small Changes Mean Big Savings

According to the US EPA, energy efficiency has a positive impact on the environment from lowering green house gas emissions and pollutants to decreasing water usage. But saving energy is also great for decreasing costs associated with operations. There are many steps, big and small, your organization can take to become more energy efficient.

• Use less energy. Did you know that your operations may use less energy if you stagger the way you turn on your lights and equipment? When is the last time your calibrated your systems so that the schedule of energy use is aligned to the actual use of the building? If you don’t know where the biggest energy expenditures happen in your facilities, an energy assessment is a simple first step to answer that question.

• Invest in smart energy technologies (thermostats, lights, plugs). Utilize auto-adjusting temperature settings to lower the thermostat when there are no people in the building and automate lights when rooms are not occupied.

• Explore rebate programs. Utilities often offer incentives or rebate programs related to improved energy efficiency. In some cases, you might even be paying fees that allow those rebates to happen. Make sure you’re getting your use out of these opportunities! The programs reward reductions per kilowatt hour usage.

  • PECO Trade Ally

  • PJM Interconnection Programming

• Consider ways to secure energy prices. Solar power is often a cost-effective decision as it drastically decreases your electric bills, even if your solar system doesn’t produce 100% of your consumed energy. Plus, it can help prevent paying for rising energy costs. Switching to solar is also beneficial to the environment and your local utility companies. Your switch can offer less stress on utilities’ infrastructure and contribute to less carbon emissions produced by the generation of electricity via power plants. (Plus: they usually reward you for it!)

• Leverage financing and incentive opportunities. At SSM, we have a team of staff members that are familiar with incentives available on the state and federal level as well as grant and low-interest financing opportunities. We can provide services to you that help you complete the required documentation and coordination to receive these incentives.

• Solar Array Funding

• Low-Interest Financing

• Grant Programs

• Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement

• Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)

We pride ourselves on supporting investments in all sides of the energy market, including both where energy comes from and how it’s used in the buildings.

Carolyn Rodino named Manager, Water Resources

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.

Winter is Coming

As the weather starts to cool, fall is the right season to start your energy-saving preparations for winter.

1. Switch the direction of your ceiling fan to clockwise to better distribute warm air.

2. Let the sun shine in. Trim the branches that might be blocking your windows in order to take advantage of the natural warmth the sun provides.

3. Use insulating shades at night to keep the warmth inside.

4. Check for drafts around windows and doors. Check weather stripping and replace or caulk inside and out, where necessary. All of these help to keep heat from escaping.

5. Make the switch to LED bulbs. These bulbs require much less energy- 75% less- to create the same amount of brightness as traditional incandescent bulbs; and they last longer.

Case Study: County Government Gets a Triple Win with 3 Practical, Actionable Energy Projects

When a County government with more than half a million residents and 49 geographically diverse municipalities received a $3.7-million federal Energy Efficiency + Conservation Block Grant, they turned to multiple contractors for renewable energy installations, transit programs, and other support.

Master Facilities Plan

Provided a master energy plan for 2 of the county’s 3 primary campus operations. The plan included in-depth demonstration projects that focused on HVAC re-tuning, refining of BAS-controlled lighting schedules, justifying central plant HVAC deferred maintenance projects, maximizing fleet management efficiency, reducing laundry facility energy use, and conducting an employee Energy Conservation + Awareness Program. These projects alone will produce energy savings of up to 20% ($480,000), even though the County recently participated in a large scale capital ESCO project, and sets the County on a cost-effective and energy-efficient trajectory for the years ahead.

Energy Efficiency Grant Program

Created, implemented and managed a $700,000 municipal energy efficiency grant program that produced annual energy savings >$150,000 in 33 small municipalities. Nearly two-thirds of the projects were interior/exterior lighting upgrades with average paybacks of 2 years without grant funds. Annual CO2 savings total over 1.5 million pounds. The program illustrated the multiple benefits of energy efficiency projects for municipalities with budgetary constraints. Services included municipal energy consultations, grant program creation/management, contractor support, and federal Davis-Bacon/Buy American enforcement.

Multiple Energy Management Toolbox

Created a practical, actionable Municipal Energy Management Toolbox containing targeted and proven actions that small local municipal governments can take to reduce energy use and create more sustainable communities. The Toolbox contains a menu of 50 building, transportation, infrastructure, water treatment/processing, and renewable energy initiatives tailored to this County, with clear guidance for implementation — including case studies, sample policies, model programs from other local governments across the country, and code reviews/recommendations.

SERVICES PROVIDED:

• Master Facilities / Fleet Energy Plan

• M + V / Energy Tracking

• HVAC / BAS Re-tuning

• Municipal Energy Efficiency Grant Program Creation/ Management

• Municipal Energy Management Toolbox

RESULTS:

This client was provided with a strong foundation of energy efficiency and conservation — a critical, cost-effective, and often overlooked aspect of any smart energy vision.

Spottlight on a Great Place to Work

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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.

From Sporadic to Intentional Mentoring

At SSM we believe in building relationships and nurturing growth. It wasn’t long after the COVID-19 crisis began that SSM team leaders identified a mutual concern: How do we continue to mentor our young engineers?

Sporadic mentoring- it’s those moments in the office when you have a unique project or a complex solution. All it took was a quick yell out the office door to our new team members. Invite them in to “take a look at this” and a learning experience was born.

When SSM offices made the switch to remote work, these opportunities for learning didn’t come with us. Our strategic office placements and deliberate seating arrangements weren’t as effective when we all began to work at home.

We recognized that for this new work environment to be sustainable over the long-term, it was an undeniable priority: these opportunities for sporadic mentoring, needed to become intentional.

Our team quickly adapted, implementing a simple solution: intentional mentoring. In other words intentionally inviting our less-experienced team members to virtual meetings. Allowing these team members to be a fly on the wall - or, a fly on the call. This meant taking deliberate steps to create these very important sporadic moments. So now, instead of yelling down the hallway, we’re texting and dialing someone into a virtual meeting. But the result is the same– learning.

As we continue to work in a hybrid environment, we are strategic about how we mentor our team members to become experts in the field. Every day our teams find new ways to be innovative in getting the job done and creative ways to share the solutions with their peer network.

Welcome Home

For years we have admired the natural beauty of the boomerang. Thrown in the right direction, nurtured with the correct velocity, and trusted to fly, the boomerang will always return. It’s for that reason that we have always opened our arms to welcome our own boomerangs back to their home.

We call them the Boomerang Club. They’ve got a custom SSM boomerang decorating their offices, and currently they make up 18% of our SSM team. They once followed the path of the boomerang: left to fly in a new direction and then returned home to SSM. To those employees, we’re glad you’re home.

We know that sometimes great employees leave. While the reasons why may vary, it’s a part of being in business. We also know that sometimes they come back. Over the years we’ve learned that welcoming boomerang employees adds value to our organization- extending our mission, expanding our expertise, strengthening our capacity, and solidifying our culture.

From a business perspective, rehiring a previous employee reduces the expenses associated with traditional recruiting and onboarding. But more importantly, while they were away they gained new skills and are bringing that learning and experiences with them. As a result, greater opportunities for SSM and our clients.

At SSM, our people are more than just the work they produce. They are the heart, the passion, and the joy that makes SSM home.

Katie worked at SSM from May 2015 to June 2020 and returned to SSM in May 2021.

Welcome Back

Katie Baltzley is a GIS Analyst in our Water Resources Department. Katie graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor’s in Geography and minor in Meteorology. 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. 

“I knew returning to SSM was the right choice for me because they’ve got heart. I know, it sounds cheesy. But after working with another company, you realize just how much SSM truly values their work and their people. Each and every project gets the attention it deserves. Personal and professional growth is never stifled. And the people… I can’t say enough good things about all of the amazing people. When I returned, it felt like coming home.”

— Katie Baltzley

Five Things you Should Know about 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.

 We believe our work is important; our clients’ visions are important; and the passion to make good work happen- is the most important strength that we bring to every table.

 We keep our schools and community buildings safe from environmental hazards. We support growing and expanding businesses and hospitals. We help municipalities prepare and protect their infrastructure and resources. We keep water fresh and we keep air clean. We bring old buildings back to life with cutting-edge technology and leading-edge designs. We evaluate; we collaborate; we innovate. 

With offices in Reading, Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, and West Chester, we want our communities to know that, we don’t believe in just getting the job done. We’re here to help. Because our purpose is to help you stick to yours.

Five Things you Should Know about SSM:

1.  Our purpose is to help you stick to yours.

2.  Because what we do best, is what you don’t.

3. And when we provide seamless, timely solutions - our clients get to focus on the core of their business.

4. So we invest our four core values into everything we do. Pride, Quality, Teamwork, Integrity

5. Because at SSM, we’re in the business of problem solving. Challenge, Service, Solution. We’ve got you covered.

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.

Welcome Scott T. Miller, RLA, Manager Land Development Services

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.