Story #50 - Hershey's
Story #50 is a “sweet” project profile.
Story #50 is a “sweet” project profile.
It 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. By taking the lead on the facilities engineering side, we enable manufacturers to focus more on their core business.
Production lines, filling lines, blending and mixing operations, conveyor systems, drying ovens and other equipment related to the food industry often require engineering solutions to hygienic handling problems, air contamination, and waste treatment and disposal. SSM has designed product conveying systems; exhaust systems to handle nuisance dust, toxic fumes, and fugitive particulates; and other processes and equipment.
1994 | Hershey Chocolate U.S.A. - Luden's Plant
Underground Storage Tank Services at Industrial Complex | SSM provided services to include preparation of specifications for closure activities, bid phase services on site inspection soil sampling, soil remediation and closure report preparation regarding the closure of one regulated diesel fuel UST and one regulated gasoline UST.
Looking for another “sweet” bite? Read our project profile about Godiva Chocolatier! Read about it here.
Story #49 - Huddles through the Years
Story #49 is a collection of memories of Company Huddles through the years.
Story #49 is a collection of memories of Company Huddles through the years.
Once a month our team gathers together for a company-wide huddle. Because we are a multi-discipline firm and we operate out of four office locations and remote work, we think that creating opportunities to be together and build community with one another is important.
We utilize company huddles as an opportunity to check-in, talk about some projects, provide company updates, share what we’re all working on, identify new opportunities, and a whole lot more.
Throughout the years our huddle has taken many new turns. We’ve embraced competitions, hosted award ceremonies, enjoyed many laughs, done a few presentations, and even learned some new technology. Recently, we’ve transitioned our huddles to a virtual format, ensuring that our togetherness can continue to happen anywhere. Our virtual huddles have allowed for all of our employees to stay in the loop, and to share news. The best part is, that going virtual hasn’t taken away from our goal to be together. Instead, we’ve prioritized finding new ways to make community building happen, not matter the format.
Story #48 - Workwear News
Story #48 is an early example of SSM’s approach to the work environment.
Story #48 is an early example of SSM’s approach to the work environment.
In October of 1998, Patrick McCoy and Ed Hostetter, were photographed at work for a Reading Eagle article about workplace attire.
The article focused on the changes in workplace attire including moving from neckties into a more casual approach to workwear.
The article references SSM’s full-time casual-dress policy. We were proud to be one of the early organizations in our region to adopt this approach to employee dress. We’ve always been about thinking outside the box, and making work a place where employees are comfortable and happy to do the things they do best.
Story #47 - Telford Wellhead Protection
Story #47 is about SSM’s development of one of the first recognized Wellhead Protection Programs.
Story #47 is about SSM’s development of one of the first recognized Wellhead Protection Programs.
1994 | Wellhead Protection Program
SSM’s water resources group worked with Telford Borough Authority to develop a Wellhead Protection Program. This program was one of the first group of three projects to be recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as being in full compliance with Pennsylvania Wellhead Protection Program requirements.
The program received the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for a Regional Wellhead Protection Program in Berks County.
SSM assisted with creating the steering committee, making public presentations, technical input, and program management. The refinements include a water-level and water quality network. A series of water-level data loggers were installed and as an early warning system for drought management. A wellhead protection GIS tool was also developed to track and manage data associated with the groundwater protection zones.
Story #46 - Egg Shaped Digester
Story #46 is about SSM’s design of the first cylindrical-shaped digester in Pennsylvania.
Story #46 is about SSM’s design of the first cylindrical-shaped digester in Pennsylvania.
1996 | Egg-Shaped Digester
SSM was responsible for the planning, engineering design, and construction management of a 1.5 mgd wastewater treatment system in the Borough of Kutztown utilizing an innovative treatment technology called the egg-shaped digester system. The digester’s unique egg-like shape allows for sludge to be mixed more completely and with less energy than a conventional cylindrical-shaped digester. The digester was the first such unit in Pennsylvania. It received an Engineering Excellence Award from the Pennsylvania Consulting Engineers Council.
Story #45 - Fleur De Lait
Story #45 is a historical project profile in which SSM provided wastewater consulting services.
Story #45 is a historical project profile in which SSM provided wastewater consulting services.
1997 | Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permitting
SSM environmental engineers provided wastewater consulting services to Fleur De Lait Ltd. related to developing a strategy to meet the discharge criteria set forth in the industrial discharge permit, taking into account 12 existing Rotating Biological Contactors approaching end of life. We utilized a design-build approach to allow design to keep pace with construction and allowing the project to be completed in a fast, economical manner.
Story #44 - Clean Water Act
Story #44 includes some of SSM’s contributions to clean water in honor of the anniversary of the Clean Water Act.
Story #44 includes some of SSM’s contributions to clean water in honor of the anniversary of the Clean Water Act.
In 1967, Lewis J. McCoy, PE opened an individual engineering practice in Wyomissing, PA after 10 years of experience in sanitary engineering. 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. 5 years later, the Clean Water Act was amended into law- establishing the basic structure for regulating pollutant discharges. We were ready.
From helping to limit point sources of pollution by assisting industrial and manufacturing clients in minimizing point source pollution to design of new sewage treatment plants to protecting watersheds and reducing stormwater runoff - we are proud of the contributions we’ve made to assist our clients to improve the health of our waters.
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act, we’re sharing the story of some of our historical work supporting clean water, and clean communities. Check out some of the projects that stick out to us over our 90 years in business.
1997 | Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permitting SSM environmental engineers provided wastewater consulting services to Fleur De Lait Ltd. Read more about it here.
1996 | Egg-Shaped Digester SSM was responsible for the planning, engineering design, and construction management of an innovative treatment technology. Read more about it here.
1994 | Wellhead Protection Program SSM’s water resources group worked with Telford Borough Authority to develop one of the first recognized Wellhead Protection Programs. Read more about it here.
2001 | Pa DEP Source Water Protection SSM spent more than 20 years as the technical partner for PaDEP’s Source Water Protection Program. Read more about it here.
2018 | Improving Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance SSM performed a High Strength Wastes Review of the Lincoln University facilities and its Wastewater Treatment Plant. Read more about it here.
2019 | NPDES Permitting and Erosion Control Plans SSM assisted with the planning and design including landscape architectural and engineering services, of a new concrete skatepark including stormwater management. Read more about it here.
Story #43 - Desserts at the Office
Story #43 are some of our favorite memories of when dessert came to the office.
Story #43 are some of our favorite memories of when dessert came to the office.
Over the years we’ve always looked for fun (and tasty) ways to make our employees happy. Here is a collection of some of the best excuses we made to bring dessert to the office.
Story #42 - Logo Evolution
Story #42 is the evolution of the SSM logo.
Story #42 is the evolution of the SSM logo
Over the course of 90 years, our logo received a few well-deserved facelifts. But with each change, we've expanded on the story of SSM - who we are, what we do, and why we do it. Today, we're proud of our logo because it defines us. It displays our value, and it reinforces our purpose.
The original SSM logo. Our civil/surveying capabilities represented by the tripod, and our engineering services for air, water and buildings represented in the other three symbols.
The logo design was modified in 1985 to remove the symbols, as well as to revise the oval shape.
SSM acquired an environmental laboratory and other engineering firms in various regions. In July 1991 a new logo was developed for use by The SSM Group, Inc., SSM’s parent company.
New logo and colors are introduced in 1997. The white space creates a sigma, the symbol for “sum of.” For SSM, it represents the sum of our deep and diverse technical expertise and synergistic services as well as our commitment to quality and responsiveness. The sum of all of these things is that value that SSM brings.
The logo is updated in 2004. Maintaining the sigma, the arrow is extended. The arrow sits not only ahead; it is also intentionally offset. This represents forward motion. It showcases the driving force that began all the way back in 1932 and continues to drive us toward the future.
Our current logo, updated in 2016, maintains our forward-thinking arrow, as well as our sigma to represent the sum of all things. SSM returned our colors to include Lou’s Blue as a representation of our founders.
Story #41 - Serena DiMagno Recognized to Hall of Fame
Story #41 is the story of Serena DiMagno’s induction into the WWOAP Hall of Fame in 2022.
Story #41 is the story of Serena DiMagno’s induction into the WWOAP Hall of Fame in 2022.
In October of 2022 Serena DiMagno was inducted into the WWOAP’s prestigious Hall of Fame. The Water Works Operators' Association of Pennsylvania recognized Serena A. DiMagno during their Annual Conference for her contributions to the water industry and her immeasurable value as an industry leader, instructor, mentor, and colleague.
The Hall of Fame designation honors very select individuals who the organization deems worthy based upon their dedication & contributions to the drinking water industry. DiMagno is only the 16th industry professional to receive Hall of Fame status since the WWOAP's inception 95 years ago.
Serena joined SSM in 2014 and serves our clients as a Senior Environmental Consultant. Since joining the team she has consistently demonstrated her expertise both within our staff and for the public year after year.
October 4, 2022 - Today, we are very proud and honored to induct an extremely deserving individual into the Water Works Operators' Association of Pennsylvania's prestigious Hall of Fame. Serena earned a B.S in Biology/Chemistry from Chatham University before embarking on a more than 45-year career in water and wastewater system investigation, design, operations and treatment, management, regulatory negotiation, permitting and compliance. She has held leadership positions in both the private and public sectors including business development, client relationship management and marketing, in addition to having owned her own consulting firm, which she managed for 20 years. Although semi-retired, she is currently a Special Consultant for Spotts, Stevens and McCoy.
Serena is a Pennsylvania certified water and wastewater treatment plant operator. She has continued to serve the water industry, and representing WWOAP, as the Chair of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Agency’s Small Systems Technical Advisory Committee (TAC Board).
In addition to her extensive service to WWOAP, she has served in several leadership roles in AWWA, is an active member of the Pennsylvania Water Utility Council and has chaired the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee for the Water Works Operator’s Association of Pennsylvania since 1990.
Just as she has served in many roles for water industry associations, Serena has held many positions at several companies, including one of her own, over her illustrious career. She was the Service Area Director for Environmental Engineering and Air Quality with Rettew, Inc., which encompassed 11 offices in 4 states. She was also the Vice President of Environmental Regulatory Compliance and Assistant Vice President of Water and Wastewater Services with Spotts, Stevens McCoy, a multi-disciplinary engineering firm with 2 offices in PA. She was responsible for the technical and business functions of the Service Area Groups for both firms and lead their department’s efforts in business development, client relationship management and marketing.
She was President and owner of DiMagno Associates, Inc. At DA inc, Serena was responsible for project management encompassing a wide range of diverse environmental and engineering projects; permit preparation; design, operations, and maintenance evaluations; water quality evaluations; water quality investigations and laboratory studies, including process pilot plant studies; water treatment plant residual land application (both agricultural utilization and beneficial use) site evaluations, permit applications and permit management; and expert witness testimony for court proceedings and before public utility commissions, including document and exhibit preparations. She also prepared environmental and community impact statements and conducted feasibility studies.
Prior to establishing DAI, she was Superintendent of Production for Dauphin Consolidated Water Supply Company, General Waterworks Company in Harrisburg. She supervised all supply, pumping, and production operations including a 7.2 Million Gallon per day filter plant, a 2 MGD filter plant, a 1 MGD Zeolite Softening plant, a 1 MGD standby filter plant, three well systems, eight booster stations, and a 6.3 Million Gallon storage system of 10 standpipes and two reservoirs supplying three multi-municipal distribution systems serving 20,000 domestic, commercial, and industrial customers. She also participated in engineering studies, surveys, and designed statistical analyses, as well as supervised construction projects utilizing outside contractors.
She was Director of Water Quality for the City of Harrisburg, Public Works Department. She was responsible for quality control and regulatory compliance for the municipal wastewater treatment plant, and the water treatment plant and distribution system. These systems included a 30 MGD pure-oxygen activated sludge plant with on-site cryogenic oxygen generation, incorporating a residuals management facility with mechanical dewatering, drying and incineration capabilities. The water system included a 6 billion gallon impoundment reservoir and dam supplying 13 MGD. She directly supervised two laboratory operations that performed bacteriological, chemical and physical analyses of potable water, wastewater and industrial waste samples.
She has authored and presented numerous technical papers for various professional conferences, meetings, and workshops.
Serena is a Past President of the Water Works Operators Association of Pennsylvania and the recipient of the organization’s Harry J. Krum Award, the Ivan M. Glace Award, the Fred G. Eckardt Award, and the Elton D. Walker Award. She has also been recognized by PA-AWWA with the Special Recognition Award, the George Warren Fuller Award, and the Samuel S. Baxter Award.
Story #40 - Fire Safety Week
Story #40 is a memory of Fire Safety Week many years ago.
Story #40 is a memory of Fire Safety Week many years ago.
Many of our 90th anniversary stories represent our services and expertise. This time, we're sharing an office memory from years ago.
During fire safety week, the team took the day to receive building safety and fire training - including how to use a fire extinguisher!
Story #39 - Dave Bright
Story #39 is the story of Dave Bright’s career at SSM.
Story #39 is the story of Dave Bright’s career at SSM.
August 1, 1978 is the day Dave Bright came to join the SSM team.
It's a significant day because it was the start of 44 years dedicated to SSM and our clients. In 2022 we gave Dave all of our best wishes and officially sent him off into retirement.
Dave is known around the SSM office not only for being an engineer. But for being the type of engineer that gives 100% to everything he does. He works with integrity and maximizes on the skills of everyone around him. He's a great example of what we strive for at SSM: unmatched expertise and happy employees.
It's clear why we chose Dave's historic career to be a part of this series. Thank you to Dave for 44 years with us and serving our clients. Best wishes for a wonderful retirement!
Story #38 - West Chester Office
Story #38 is the story of our West Chester Office.
Story #38 is the story of our West Chester Office.
In January of 2020, SSM announced our expansion to Chester County, Pa. The newest office would be dedicated to serving a growing base of Chester County clients.
At the time, we shared the office space with Practical Energy Solutions; a team that would later become the newest division of SSM.
Today, our West Chester office is home to our Energy and Sustainability Services team. It also serves as an office space for hybrid employees, and members of our team who live and work in the Chester County area.
Our West Chester location is one of four offices including Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, and Reading.
Story #37 - Swag through the Years
Story #37 is a walk through SSM company swag over the years.
Story #37 is a walk through SSM company swag over the years.
The previous story was a tour of past SSM coffee mugs. This one is swag through the years.
If there's something we're good at (besides being experts in our fields of engineering, surveying, and environmental services) it's SSM goodies. We've always loved getting SSM's name out there and sharing the news of the work we do and the members of our team.
From golf tees to dog waste bags and everything in between - enjoy a tour of past, and present, SSM swag.
Story #36 - Coffee Mugs through the Years
Story #36 is a tour of SSM coffee mugs through the years.
Story #36 is a tour of SSM coffee mugs through the years.
Over SSM's 90 years, we've acquired quite a few mugs. From logos that have since evolved, to colors that have changed their shade. When you take a tour through our collection, you enjoy a tour through our 90 years.
This year, we added one more. Our 90th Anniversary mug reminds us of our inception, established 1932. And, it is intentionally designed to be a "classic" mug. You know, the kind of mug you can count on. After all, 90 years and many, many cups of coffee later - SSM will always be the ones you can count on.
Story #35 - Then and Now Water Testing
Story #35 is a then and now of water quality testing.
Story #35 is a then and now of water quality testing.
We love these action photos of water quality testing and level measuring - one from the early 90's and one from just last year.
Protecting water quality has been a staple of SSM's repertoire since the beginning. We're proud to continue to support water systems and communities in keep their water clean, safe, and healthy.
Story #34 - Brian Kelly and Patrick McCoy
Story #34 is here to tell you more about our family-owned and operated leadership team.
Story #34 is here to tell you more about our family-owned and operated leadership team.
When Mr. McCoy led our firm, he believed in doing work that made the world a better place. Today, Brian and Patrick continue to lead SSM with the same vigor and enthusiasm for providing solutions and being a part of great things.
We are proud to celebrate our second generation leadership team who continue to lead by the mission of our founders years ago. Not for themselves. But for their teams, clients, and communities.
Story #33 - Leadership Team
Story #33 is an introduction of our leadership team.
Story #33 is an introduction to our leadership team.
Expertise, experience and passion aren’t the only things that have carried our firm throughout the years. It’s family.
Previously, we wrote about Lewis McCoy Sr. and his vision for the SSM firm. As a second-generation leadership team, Mr. McCoy’s son-in-law, Brian Kelly serves as the President and CEO alongside Mr. McCoy's son, Patrick McCoy, who serves as Executive Vice President.
Brian and Patrick are the firm owners who together make SSM a family-owned and operated firm. Today, the two continue to lead us in the purpose of our founders – to make the world a better place. (But more on that in the next story).
Story #32 - 75th Anniversary Memories
Story #32 is some memories of when we celebrated our 75th Anniversary!
Story #32 is some memories of when we celebrated our 75th Anniversary!
This story is collection of photos and memories of an anniversary from fifteen years ago.
Our 75th anniversary was celebrated with an open house celebration, and luminaries around our parking lot: one light to represent every year we were in business.
Story #31 - Lou's Blue
Story #31 is the story of the SSM blue.
Story #31 is the story of the SSM blue.
The SSM blue is a time honored tradition.
Story #30 introduced you to Lewis McCoy Sr. This story introduces you to his blue!
When Mr. McCoy opened his individual engineering practice in 1967, he chose this blue for his logo. Since then, we've continued to honor Lou's blue and use it as the primary accent to our logo and brand palette.