By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

Ecological Engineering

Is ecological engineering the key to a harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity?

The term ecological engineering can be traced back to the 1960s when pioneer Howard T. Odum introduced the concept in his publications. Mr. Odum is known for his research and theory regarding energy flow, systems ecology, and other studies relating to ecological engineering. To this day, ecological engineers use previous and new concepts to help reconstruct our environment. For decades, ecological engineers have been working creatively to develop various strategies to integrate human activities with the environment for the mutual benefit of both. Concepts such as restore, conserve, and enhance are used by ecological engineers to bring awareness to creating less waste and to being more conscious of how we use our resources.

One of the key areas where ecological engineers have made significant contributions is in the creation and restoration of wetlands. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ecosystems by filtering pollutants, providing habitat for various species, and mitigating the impacts of floods. Ecological engineers work to design and construct wetlands that mimic natural processes, allowing them to effectively perform these functions. By doing so, they not only provide valuable ecological services but also offer recreational opportunities for humans to enjoy.

Another important aspect of ecological engineering is the development of wastewater treatment plants. These plants play a vital role in ensuring that human waste is properly treated before being released back into the environment. Ecological engineers employ various technologies and techniques to design wastewater treatment systems that are efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. By treating wastewater effectively, these plants help protect water bodies from pollution and ensure the availability of clean water for both humans and wildlife.

Ecological engineers strive to create sustainable solutions that promote the well-being of both humans and the natural world. By adhering to these principles, we can work towards a future where human development and environmental conservation go hand in hand.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

Infrastructure Week, Day 4: Wastewater

Wastewater is the dirty little secret no one likes to talk about. Nevertheless, managing our nations wastewater is of the utmost importance.

No infrastructure plan is complete without wastewater management. It can impact the health of residents, strengthen, or weaken the appeal of a locality, have an effect on the environment.

As the nation’s population continues to grow, wastewater management has become increasingly crucial. About 15% of the more than 16,000 wastewater treatment facilities in the United States have attained or exceeded their design capabilities, with an average operating efficiency of 81%. Growing metropolitan areas point to a trend whereby these facilities will be able to handle a growing share of the wastewater demand in the country. Even while systems suffering from sanitary sewage overflows have seen significant capital upgrades, recent years have seen a slowdown in these efforts. As more treatment facilities and collecting networks near the end of their useful lives, the costs associated with operation and maintenance will rise.

At KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. (KC), our wastewater treatment group has designed, constructed, and helped to operate over 70 facilities. We work with government, industrial, and private clients to meet a full range of wastewater related needs. We approach each project with innovative and creative expertise to deliver comprehensive engineering services that solve the most intricate wastewater challenges from concept through design, construction, and operation.

With projects like the Kauneonga Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant and Collection System Rehabilitation, Tri-Municipal Sewer Commission Compost Permit Renewal, Wallkill Raw Sewage Pump Replacement, and Wappingers Falls Wappingers Falls Sanitary Sewer Pipe TV Inspections, KC has helped to increase capacity and improve the performance of existing treatment facilities. KC strives to meet strict water discharge policies, conserve energy, and reduce environmental impact.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

Infrastructure Week, Day 4: Wastewater

Wastewater is the dirty little secret no one likes to talk about. Nevertheless, managing our nations wastewater is of the utmost importance.

No infrastructure plan is complete without wastewater management. It can impact the health of residents, strengthen, or weaken the appeal of a locality, have an effect on the environment.

As the nation’s population continues to grow, wastewater management has become increasingly crucial. Over the next 20 years, the U.S. is expected to gain more than 56 million wastewater treatment system users. This indicates the need for wastewater infrastructure improvements.

About 14,748 wastewater treatment plants currently serve nearly 240 million Americans, or 76% of the U.S. population. In its current state, our wastewater infrastructure suffers from 23,000 to 75,000 sanitary sewer overflow events every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These facts demonstrate the need for increased wastewater infrastructure funding.

At KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. (KC), our wastewater treatment group has designed, constructed, and helped to operate over 70 facilities. We work with government, industrial, and private clients to meet a full range of wastewater related needs. We approach each project with innovative and creative expertise to deliver comprehensive engineering services that solve the most intricate wastewater challenges from concept through design, construction, and operation.

With projects like the Tri-Municipal Sewer Commission Compost Permit Renewal, Wallkill Raw Sewage Pump Replacement, and Wappingers Falls Wappingers Falls Sanitary Sewer Pipe TV Inspections, KC has helped to increase capacity and improve the performance of existing treatment facilities. KC strives to meet strict water discharge policies, conserve energy, and reduce environmental impact.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Infrastructure Week, Day 4: Wastewater

Wastewater is the dirty little secret no one likes to talk about. Nevertheless, managing our nations wastewater is of the utmost importance.

No infrastructure plan is complete without wastewater management. It can impact the health of residents, strengthen, or weaken the appeal of a locality, have an effect on the environment.

As the nation’s population continues to grow, wastewater management has become increasingly crucial. Over the next 20 years, the U.S. is expected to gain more than 56 million wastewater treatment system users. This indicates the need for wastewater infrastructure improvements.

About 14,748 wastewater treatment plants currently serve nearly 240 million Americans, or 76% of the U.S. population. In its current state, our wastewater infrastructure suffers from 23,000 to 75,000 sanitary sewer overflow events every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These facts demonstrate the need for increased wastewater infrastructure funding.

At KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. (KC), our wastewater treatment group has designed, constructed, and helped to operate over 70 facilities. We work with government, industrial, and private clients to meet a full range of wastewater related needs. We approach each project with innovative and creative expertise to deliver comprehensive engineering services that solve the most intricate wastewater challenges from concept through design, construction, and operation.

With projects like the Tri-Municipal Sewer Commission Compost Permit Renewal, Wallkill Raw Sewage Pump Replacement, and Wappingers Falls Wappingers Falls Sanitary Sewer Pipe TV Inspections, KC has helped to increase capacity and improve the performance of existing treatment facilities. KC strives to meet strict water discharge policies, conserve energy, and reduce environmental impact.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Why is Environmental Engineering Important?

Environmental engineering is one of many methods used to mitigate environmental issues we are facing today.

Environmental engineering is a branch of engineering that concentrates on improving environmental quality. According to the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE), environmental engineering is defined as "the application of engineering principles to the management of the environment for the protection of human health, for the protection of nature's beneficial ecosystems, and for environment-related enhancement of the quality of human life." In other words, the main goal of environmental engineering is to protect humanity from negative environmental effects. Environmental engineering is a key tool to fight against climate change; this is done by using environmentally friendly materials and developing new materials that can adapt to climate change. For example, eco-concrete and eco-bricks are two environmentally friendly materials used by Environmental Engineers.

Some of the main focuses of environmental engineering include air pollution management, water supply and treatment, and wastewater treatment and management, the benefits of which include easily available drinking water, preventing the spread of waterborne diseases with effective sanitation systems, and monitoring air pollution. Focusing on these areas allows mankind to maintain a much healthier quality of life than would otherwise be the case.

KC understands the importance of fighting against environmental issues. KC’s engineering staff includes a wide range of experienced and talented personnel encompassing all our main areas of service, and includes dedicated civil and environmental engineers experienced in drainage, stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater solutions. To learn more about KC’s services, please visit our Services tab.