May 1-7, 2022 is the annual recognition of Drinking Water Week. In celebration, SSM is proud to be participating in our fifteenth year as a technical partner in the Source Water Protection Technical Assistance Program (SWPTAP). The program offers a no cost opportunity for water suppliers to develop a source water protection plan with the goal of protecting their water sources utilized for drinking water.
Read MoreWhat does this program do?
Provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance (REDA) to eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses. This program helps promote American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower energy
Read MoreIt takes a lot to make and market a product. It also takes a lot to assure regulatory compliance as well as address needs such as increased capacity, routine maintenance and facility expansion. That's why manufacturers of everything from chocolate to steel turn to SSM when it comes time to secure prime locations, plan more efficient warehouses and distribution centers, conduct feasibility studies, upgrade utilities and building systems, improve traffic flow and expand operations.
Read MoreThe SSM survey and data capture team collects and manages data that allows for the best designs, the most comprehensive solutions, and highly effective, efficient results.
Read MoreIn 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.
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“Engineers are plotters of direction and measurements – on land, sea, in the air and of all physical things. And in a sense, navigators to set a course to solve earthly problems. We are concerned with the direction from which the wind blows and advise our clients so that they might avoid the dangers of unexpected storms.”
Walter E. Spotts received technical training in the field of engineering at the Keystone Institute in Reading, having completed study in 1922. From this time until 1932, he was employed by William H. Dechant and Sons, Reading. A highlight of his employment was the layout of the Susquehanna Pipe Line from Chester PA to Syracuse, New York.
From 1932 to 1961, Mr. Spotts served as Owner and President of Walter E. Spotts and Associates. During these years, the firm provided consulting engineering services for nearly 40 municipalities. In 1961, the company was incorporated into the firm of Spotts Engineering Associates, Inc. and later merged with Stevens and McCoy, Inc. in 1970.
Through the years, Mr. Spotts received many awards and honors, including the PSPE - Reading Chapter "Engineer of the Year" award in 1963 and the Crostwaite Award (1961) and Outstanding Service Award (1971) from the Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs. Mr. Spotts was a member of the Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
In addition to his engineering accomplishments, Mr. Spotts was also noted in the community for his activities as a bandleader and for his work in the Rajah Temple.
Wally Spotts (middle) with survey crew on Main Street in Kutztown PA.
SSM is working with South Heidelberg Township on the development and deployment of field inspection applications using mobile Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology.
Read MoreThis month, Katie Baltzley, Senior GIS Analyst, accompanied the South Heidelberg Public Works crew in deploying the second round of this project: the Street Sign Inspection Application.
Read MoreSSM 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.
Read MoreLess natural light coming through the windows, more time spent indoors, and freezing temperatures right outside - these are all factors that contribute to higher electrical use during the winter months. This winter, be sure to manage these electrical tips so that you can keep your home, and the people in it, not only warm - but also safe!
Read MoreThe Department of Environmental Protection (Department) announces an opportunity to apply for up to $2.2 million in grants offered through the DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program
Read MoreSupport 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.
Read MoreDuring this season of giving, we have so much to be thankful for.
Read MoreThe 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 related projects.
Read MoreMunicipal 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.
Read MoreAccording 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.
Read MoreAs the weather starts to cool, fall is the right season to start your energy-saving preparations for winter.
Read MoreWhen 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.
Read MoreOur team quickly adapted, implementing a simple solution: intentional mentoring.
Read MoreFor 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.
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