Hydraulic Modeling Experience
Tetra Tech, Inc.In December of 2018 I was hired as an entry level hydraulics and hydrology technical professional for Tetra Tech, Inc., focusing primarily in computer modeling applications for hydraulic systems, including collection systems, pressure flow systems, and open channel flow. My experience includes the use of PCSWMM, InfoSWMM, InfoWorks ICM, and HEC-RAS for modeling urban drainage systems. I have also had experience with model optimization software iPOP and Optimizer.
ProjectsPSE&G Roseland Pleasant Valley Project, New Jersey. Current.
Hydraulic Engineer. Created seven HEC-RAS models for different river sections based on predetermined cross sections, survey data, and FEMA Flood Insurance Study’s. Modeling techniques included: extracting cross section data from the DEM; implementing river cross sections from survey data, where the LIDAR data is inaccurate; determining appropriate manning’s values across the project area, corresponding to ground conditions; generating an arched bridge based on survey data; calculating downstream reach lengths for left and right of bank as well as the channel within ArcGIS; implementing ineffective flow areas based on the floodplains; creating steady flow profiles based on FEMA Flood Insurance Study’s for the corresponding county; generating floodplains and floodways; adding obstructions to model future power pole locations. The models were utilized to evaluate the impact of adding power poles within the Flood Hazard Area on the extent and depth of the Flood Hazard Area and Floodway. Results were presented as map files depicting the visual extent of the Flood Hazard Area and Floodway as well as tables documenting the water surface elevation and change therein. Cherry Bayou Drainage Evaluation, Memphis, TN. Current. Hydraulic Engineer. Updated the model network in InfoSWMM using survey data and as-built records. The 3,200-acre project area was sub-delineated into 685 subcatchments for the model hydrology. A detailed map based impervious coverage and NRCS soil data were used for initial hydrologic parameters. Created cross sections for open channels from DEM and survey points. Evaluated overland flow for events up to the 100-year design storm using a 2D mesh system. The actual paths of overland flow were identified and used to develop simplified 1D overland flow channels. Calibrated the model using data from two level sensors in the open channel system and observational data of flooding at a local school. Currently developing a capacity evaluation of the existing system including flooding locations and floodplain delineations using automated tools in InfoSWMM. Orange County Combined Sewer Modeling and Master Plan, Orange County, FL. December 2018. Hydraulic Engineer. Organized a database for Orange County’s sewer system with emphasis on the pump networks. Created a pump hierarchy to depict re-pumping within the system and subsequently calculated both tributary and total flow for each pump station. Additionally, categorized manholes, parcels, and sewers into their tributary pump stations. This information was then utilized in InfoSWMM to create a risk analysis to ascertain the impact of pump station failure during a power outage. |
ONYX ENTERPRISE, INC.In June of 2018 I was hired as an hydraulic and hydrology engineer for Onyx Enterprise, Inc. My main responsibilities include technical modeling support for the North Eastern Ohio Regional Sewer District. This opportunity grew my experience in InfoWorks ICM.
ProjectsNorth Eastern Ohio Regional Sewer District Master Model Management, NEORSD, Cleveland, OH. July-November 2018. Hydraulic Engineer. Implemented Project Model Updates into the NEORSD Master Model in InfoWorks ICM. Ensured model accuracy via CSO performance by simulating design events. Updated CSO tracking spreadsheets, model CSO stats template, wastewater profile, and other groups updated during the project model updates. The purpose of these model updates was to maintain an accurate and up-to-date model of the North Eastern Ohio Regional Sewer District.
EPA Discussion Models, NEORSD, Cleveland, OH. September 2018. Hydraulic Engineer. Provided nine alternative model scenarios to the Environmental Protection Agency for consent decree negotiations. Scenarios required optimizing storage tunnels, re-sizing designed storage tunnels, implementing green infrastructure, and updating the models to current conditions. The CSO activations needed to be within the Consent Decree requirements. The main objective of this exercise was to reduce overflow volume to avoid the implementation of a High Rate Treatment Plant. Stickney Creek Re-Calibration, NEORSD, Cleveland, OH. August 2018. Hydraulic Engineer. Produced a model assessment to determine the model’s accuracy during a recent flow monitoring period and subsequent re-calibration in InfoWorks ICM. The project area, a separated collection system spanning approximately 300 acres and 15 subcatchments, was recalibrated to new and historic flow monitoring data metered at one location and three locations respectively. The project area consisted of approximately 300 acres and 15 subcatchments. Dry weather flow and wet weather flow response were calibrated. Design events were simulated to ascertain appropriate replacement sewer sizes within the project area. A sanitary sewer evaluation was suggested to reduce overall inflow and infiltration into the system. Euclid Creek Tunnel Calibration, NEORSD, Cleveland, OH. October-November 2018. Hydraulic Engineer. Assisted in a model assessment to determine the model’s accuracy during a recent flow monitoring period. The flow monitoring consisted of 14 flow meters, over two different flow monitoring periods and two different hydraulic scenarios. The project area was a combined sewer system and spanned approximately 4,000 acres 100 subcatchments. The project was modeled in InfoWorks ICM. Dry weather flow and wet weather flow response were calibrated over both flow monitoring periods and hydraulic conditions. One flow monitoring period was utilized as validation events and the other was utilized for calibration. Hydraulics were updated with available as built and record drawings. Subcatchments were re-delineated based on topology and sewer connectivity. Typical year events were simulated and CSO statistics were compared to previous statistics within the project area to determine both model and storage tunnel performance. |
Co-operative Education
The University of Cincinnati has a very prestigious Co-operative Education program (COOP), one of the few universities in the United States which offers such a program, invented in 1906. Since then, many companies and individuals have helped build a solid foundation to create opportunities for students. The Environmental Engineering program has four semesters of COOP opportunities built into the program. Please find my personal COOP experiences below.
Water & Wastewater Experience
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GREATER CINCINNATI WATER WORKS
In the summer of 2017 I interned with Greater Cincinnati Water Works as a part of their Water Quality & Treatment division. During my time with GCWW , my knowledge on treatment processes and operations grew extensively. Daily tasks included sampling from multiple sample sites across the plant and testing samples for turbidity, pH, chlorine demand, and fluoride content for state mandated daily reporting. In addition to daily tasks, I took a particular interest in the harmful algal bloom event of 2015. I spent down time researching weather patterns over the summers of 2014, 2015, and 2016 and compared them to one another in an attempt to better understand the harmful algal bloom event of 2015. A small report was prepared to document my findings and was accompanied by a presentation at a treatment meeting.
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KERAMIDA INC
In 2014 I interned with Keramida in Cincinnati for a semester. This COOP grew my technical knowledge in environmental consulting. I gained experience in writing Phase I ESA's, data configuration for Phase II ESA's, and writing INOD and FNOD response. As apart of this I learned how to perform a site walk, collect field samples over a multitude of medias, perform statistical analysis on data collected from samples, and write Protection of Ground Water Meeting Unrestricted Potable Use Standards (POGWMUPUS) statements for a plethora of sites. My greatest learning experience with Keramida was without a doubt learning how to write POGWMUPUS statements that Ohio EPA would approve.
TETRA TECH INCIn 2015 and 2016 I interned with Tetra Tech in Cincinnati, full time for one semester and part time for another. This COOP grew my project managment knowledge in environmental consulting. I gained experience in drafting project billings, communication with clients, subcontractor procurement, drafting proposals, and participating in major contract applications. As apart of this I learned how to manage a major re-compete proposals for the Cincinnati office including Ohio EPA LOE and US EPA START contracts. In addition I helped prepare a US EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Application.
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CENTER for URBAN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING (CUGIE)
In spring of 2017 I accept a research internship at the Center for Urban Green Infrastructure Engineering, Inc. My research focused on the food, energy and water nexus crisis, solutions, proposals, and grants, specifically focusing on urban agriculture. Over the course of the semester I developed a proposal for urban agriculture as a feasible, economic and social solution to the food, energy and water nexus. A research paper was partially drafted and I am still working with my employer on finishing this project before my graduation at UC in the spring of 2018.
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