Press Releases

ACEC Award Submittal for the Hood Canal Bridge Program Management

Engineering Excellence Award Presented for the Hood Canal Bridge Project Program Management

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Washington Chapter presented the 2009 Gold Engineering Excellence Award to Parametrix and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for innovative program management and engineering. The project will now compete for National recognition.

The Hood Canal Bridge project won the award for successfully managing the replacement of the east half of the structure, which was near the end of its useful structural life. The success of the project is due largely to the out-of-the-box thinking of the entire team. The level of teamwork, problem-solving, and coordination set a high standard of performance that is a benchmark for future mega-projects.

In a letter to Parametrix, Dave Ziegler, WSDOT Principal Engineer, said:
…congratulations to you and your crew on another big milestone. This is something to be proud of, not only because this work had more than it's share of challenges, but the bridge is not at risk during a storm event and many people are sleeping a little easier. I'm not sure everyone understands and appreciates the importance of the work you and your team are doing and how challenging it can be.

The Hood Canal Bridge originally opened in August 1961. At 7,869 feet long, it is the longest floating bridge in the world located in a saltwater tidal basin, and the second longest floating bridge overall. The east and west halves of the bridge are independent structures. A severe storm in February 1979 caused the west half to sink. It was rebuilt and the bridge reopened to traffic in 1982. In 1997, WSDOT began working on replacing the east half of the structure, which was near the end of its useful structural life.

By 2004, the project ground to a halt with the discovery of a Native American Village at the Port Angeles graving dock, where the floating pontoons were to be constructed. To exacerbate the situation, the 20-year-old engineering documents were inadequate, WSDOT was facing potentially huge claims from the contractor, and there were internal labor and resource shortages because of other mega-projects throughout the State. WSDOT began their search for a new way to deliver the project.

Parametrix came onboard and together they explored new ways to deliver the project. The innovative approach had to include new locations to construct the bridge components and the expedited removal and restoration of the Port Angeles site to support tribal efforts to repatriate remains to the site. The answer came in the form of a blended project team, co-located in one project office to jointly manage the project. WSDOT entered into a “Target Pricing” agreement with Kiewit-General to construct the bridge. This was the first application of this approach in the United States by a public agency. With this method, the client, contractor, and consultant formed an alliance and worked together towards the ultimate success of the project.

The out-of-the box thinking resulted in a successful project. In May 2009 the bridge was closed, old components were taken away, and new components were brought in and assembled. On June 3, 2009, the new bridge reopened to traffic, approximately one week ahead of schedule.

Today, the public enjoys the straighter, wider roadway, and the project’s completion ensures that this vital connection to the Olympic Peninsula will remain open. Wider shoulders create more room for both motorists and bicyclists, improving safety for both as they cross the bridge. Wider lanes and safety shoulders help keep the 15,000-20,000 vehicles that cross the bridge daily moving smoothly. Upgraded mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems translate into more reliable bridge openings. The challenges faced during the course of this project, including ground-breaking project delivery methods will change the way future infrastructure projects are approached and completed.

ACEC Award Submittal for the Vancouver Lake Lowlands Aquifer Restoration Project

Engineering Excellence Award Presented for the Vancouver Lake Lowlands Aquifer Restoration Project

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Washington Chapter presented the 2009 Silver Engineering Excellence Award to Parametrix and the Port of Vancouver for restoration of a contaminated critical regional water supply.

The Vancouver Lake Lowlands Aquifer Restoration project won the award for successful completion of a pump and treat system that uses air stripping technology to treat more than 100,000,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater each month. The water, which is treated to levels better than drinking water standards, is then discharged into the Columbia River. Alternative uses for the treated water are being evaluated, including industrial purposes and stream augmentation. Geothermal use could provide a significant source of sustainable green heat.

In a letter to Parametrix, Patty Boyden, Environmental Director, Port of Vancouver, said:
Installation of the Vancouver Lake Lowlands Aquifer Restoration system is a major milestone for the Port of Vancouver and a step towards clean drinking water for the larger Clark County community. Today, thanks to Parametrix, the Vancouver Lake Lowlands Aquifer Restoration system is running at 100% removal efficiency ensuring that our community has clean drinking water reserves for the future.
Rapid economic development and dramatic population growth that promises to continue into the immediate future created an ever-increasing demand for resources, including water. Even now, area wellfields have drawn down many aquifers to the point of reducing summer recharge of some salmon-bearing streams.

The Vancouver Lake Lowlands Aquifer, already an important water source for the region, was identified by the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board as a critical future water resource. However, portions of the aquifer were contaminated, limiting the potential use of the resource.

In 1998, the Port hired Parametrix to investigate and begin cleanup of groundwater contamination beneath Port property in the Vancouver Lake Lowlands and beneath the adjacent Fruit Valley Neighborhood.

In June of 2009, this 11-year effort resulted in the completion and start-up of a groundwater pump and treat system to remove contamination from the affected portion of the Vancouver Lake Lowlands Aquifer. “Through sound engineering, Parametrix was able to demonstrate to agency satisfaction that additional engineering controls were not needed; saving over $2 million dollars in the process,” added Boyden.
Today, alternative uses of the treated water, currently discharged to the Columbia River, are being evaluated, including industrial purposes and stream augmentation. Geothermal use, also under study, could provide a significant source of sustainable green heat.

While this project focused on the restoration of a contaminated critical regional water supply, it will also facilitate improved management of regional water resources. The Port and Parametrix share a vision of long-term, sustainable solutions that balance human and environmental needs, and are proud of the Vancouver Lake Lowlands Aquifer Restoration project as a contribution to that vision.

Commissioner Goldmark Selects Parametrix for Biomass Initiative
Four firms across the state chosen to turn woody biomass from state land into clean energy and jobs

Parametrix today announced it was one of four firms selected to partner with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in renewable energy projects using biomass from state forestlands.

“These four partners will put their technologies to work using forest products they purchase from state trust lands to produce clean, sustainable energy and rural jobs,” said Commissioner of Public Lands, Peter Goldmark. “These projects have a huge potential to help encourage rural economic development and improve the health of fire-prone forests. This will hopefully be the beginning of a new green industry on state lands.”

The pilot projects will use woody biomass—the residual waste (slash)—that the companies purchase in part from state trust lands managed by DNR. The biomass can come from timber harvests or be removed during forest health treatments such as thinning over-crowded and fire-prone tree stands.

“The partnership with DNR validates this technology as a viable operation that will help in the pursuit of private investment funds,” said Ken Fellows of Parametrix.

New Biomass Legislation
Today’s announcement came in the same week that House and Senate committees in the Washington Legislature were conducting hearings on the Forest Biomass Supply Agreements Bill requested by Goldmark.

The bill (SB 6236 / HB 2481) would allow DNR to enter into long-term biomass supply agreements with the emerging biomass energy economy. The ability to secure reliable and predictably priced biomass feedstock supply is central to triggering private investment in the emerging biomass energy economy.

Neither the requested legislation nor the projects announced today would have any cost to the State’s General Fund, and they may lead to new markets and revenue for forest products.

Biomass Initiative
In 2009, HB 2165 was enacted into law authorizing DNR to implement biomass energy pilot projects in eastern and western Washington.

Removing biomass feedstock in ecologically sustainable ways to produce energy (liquid fuels or heat and electricity) can:

Parametrix hired Charlie Dougherty, PE, as a senior water supply and treatment engineer in the Bellevue office, and Darold Woodward, PE, as a senior electrical engineer in the Sumner office. Dougherty brings 30 years of experience in the design of municipal water engineering projects in the Pacific Northwest. He will focus on managing water system planning and design projects. Woodward has 20 years of experience in the design and implementation of electrical, SCADA, and control systems for water, wastewater, and electric utilities.

Dougherty specializes in water infrastructure projects including project planning and development, water treatment plant design, pipelines, reservoirs, and pump stations. He will be responsible for oversight and coordination of water projects throughout all Parametrix offices. Previously, Dougherty worked with a national consulting firm and was involved with a variety of projects in the Northwest, including water treatment plant work for Tacoma Water, Seattle Public Utilities, the City of Everett, the City of Bellingham, Medford Water Commission, and the Joint Water Commission (Hillsboro, OR).

Woodward will focus on electrical, controls, and SCADA for water/wastewater design projects, as well as be involved in the development of projects that increase the sustainability of client operations and facilities. He has extensive experience teaching automation technology and writing technical documentation including instruction manuals, product specifications, and training manuals. Prior to joining Parametrix, Woodward was with a local consulting firm and provided the City of Shelton water SCADA and control system replacement for the wastewater treatment plant.

Parametrix hired Joe Merth, PE, as a bridge and structures engineer in the Sumner office. Merth has 16 years of experience in the coordination and design of Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge and structure projects. As a senior engineer, Merth will manage and design federal, state, and local agency projects.

Merth’s expertise is in the analysis and design of various bridge types including prestressed girders, post-tensioned box girders, and steel plate girders. His experience also includes project coordination and construction support. Merth will be working on the I-5/116th Street Interchange and the Port of Tacoma Pier Improvements.

Previously, Merth worked for WSDOT and was involved with a variety of structural projects including, the 38th Street Bridge in Tacoma, SR161/SR18 Interchange Improvements, the Second Street Bridge Replacement in Mount Vernon, and the rapid replacement design of the Hood Canal Bridge approach structures. Merth will continue his involvement as a panel member for the National Cooperative Highway Research Program and is a member of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute and the American Institute of Steel Construction.

Parametrix has received the Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) national award for "Infrastructure, Less than $15 million" on the Cape Flattery Scenic Byway project for the Makah Tribe in Neah Bay, Washington. Greg Stidham of the Parametrix Sumner office served as project manager and was on hand with our client to accept this prestigious recognition on Tuesday, October 27, at CMAA’s national conference in Orlando, Florida.

Last Spring, the Cape Flattery Scenic Byway project also received the Pacific Northwest CMAA award for projects “Under $10 Million,” and was the 2008 Parametrix Project of the Year.

Parametrix hired Chuck Schott, PE, as a transportation engineer in the Sumner office. Schott has 20 years of experience in the design of civil and transportation projects in Western Washington. As a senior engineer, he will be focused primarily on managing transportation design projects for local agencies.

Schott’s expertise is in the area of roadway, highway, and interchange analysis and design, including roadway widening, signalization, illumination, and accessibility improvements. He will be working on the 27th Avenue reconstruction design and the water transmission main projects for the Tulalip Tribes.

Previously, Schott worked for a local consulting firm and was involved with a variety of local projects including, 1st Ave South Roadway and Drainage Improvements in Burien, Stewart Heights Park Upgrade and Accessibility Improvements in Tacoma, the Seattle Neighborhood Street Fund Sidewalk Planning and Design, in Seattle, and the SR 167 HOT Lanes.

Parametrix recently hired Bob Pusey, PLS, as a survey supervisor in our Bremerton office. Pusey has 16 years of survey experience providing a diverse range of land survey services including topographic surveys in support of design, bathymetric surveys, and land development assistance. In his new position, Pusey will manage the Parametrix Bremerton survey team as well as be responsible for business and client development on the peninsula.

Pusey has been an active member in the Puget Sound survey community, including the Land Surveyor’s Association of Washington and is committed to growth of his profession as it relates to the local Kitsap community.

Prior to joining Parametrix, Pusey worked for a local land surveying and design mapping firm where he served both public and private clients. Some examples of his key projects include Apple Tree Cove development in Kingston, Skokomish River survey in Shelton, Crystal Mountain emergency spill response mapping support in Pierce County, Harbor Square Survey Support on Bainbridge Island, the Microsoft Campus survey, and base mapping services for the US Coast Guard.

Parametrix ranked number one out of 25 in the Puget Sound Business Journal's recent Top 25 Environmental Services firms list. Rankings are based upon gross revenue. The number one ranking is up from number two last year.

Parametrix hired Emily Moshofsky as an environmental transportation planner in the Portland office. Moshofsky has 10 years of experience in project management, environmental policy, and transportation planning. In her new position, Moshofsky will provide guidance and management for clients navigating complex environmental policies.

Her experience includes writing and management of documentation to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other regulations, such as the National Historic Preservation Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.

Previously, Moshofsky worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation working on some of the State’s larger transportation projects, such as the Sellwood Bridge replacement project, and the Sunrise Project, I-205 to Rock Creek Junction.

The Boise office of Parametrix has hired David Meldrum, PE, Jeremy Robbins, PE, and promoted Kristen Levandusky to Planner I. Meldrum and Levandusky are both part of the firm’s growing Community Building practice, which focuses on community planning, parks and recreation planning and design, and urban infill and brownfields redevelopment projects that stimulate economic vitality. Robbins joins the firm’s transportation team with a focus on transportation engineering and will help to further develop the firm’s roundabout design expertise.

Meldrum is a civil engineer specializing in hydraulic, hydrologic, and irrigation design. He has extensive experience as a civil project manager managing site development projects from initial concept through entitlements, design, and construction. He has provided modeling and analyzed a variety of streams, ditches, detention facilities, and pressurized pipe networks, and prepared corresponding technical reports. Additional capabilities include low impact development and LEED certification requirements. His recent experience includes the utilities and site design for CenterCal’s proposed Meridian Town Center, Avimor, Dry Creek Ranch, the Riverstone International School expansion, Sawgrass Village, and irrigation improvements for the Kleiner Memorial Park Trust.

Levandusky is focused on community planning and transportation, with an emphasis in document preparation, coordination, and communication with clients. Her project experience includes NEPA and SEPA documentation, multi-county corridor studies, venue management and transportation design projects with a focus on the built environment. Kristen has worked on a variety of projects including the managing the Bogus Basin Venue for the Special Olympic World Winter Games, preparing the Master Plan for the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, and writing several elements of the US 20/26 corridor preservation study.

Robbins is a civil engineer with extensive experience in transportation and municipal projects. His design experience includes roundabouts, roadways, traffic signals, drainage, irrigation, utility coordination, permanent/temporary traffic control, and water/sewer design. He also has technical experience in topographic and boundary surveys, and construction staking. As the former assistant city engineer for the City of Cascade and the City of Homedale, he oversaw projects related to transportation, federal funding applications, and construction administration.

Previously, Robbins has worked with clients such as the Idaho Transportation Department, Utah Department of Transportation, City of Nampa, the cities Kellogg, Mountain Home, Chubbuck, and Fairfield, as well as the Division of Public Works, Ada County Highway District, and City of Caldwell. Robbins also serves as the American Public Works Association, Idaho Director and Rocky Mountain Section Secretary.

Parametrix has hired Robert Mitchell, PLS, as a Senior Survey Consultant. Mitchell has more than 18 years of experience in leading multi-million dollar survey projects. Mitchell will focus on business development across markets and diversified services, both externally and internally within Parametrix.

Mitchell’s areas of expertise include large mapping/geodetic control surveys, route surveys, aerial mapping, construction, and topographic mapping.

Prior to joining Parametrix, Mitchell worked for a local consulting firm where he managed the survey and GIS development program for the Port of Tacoma’s Blair Hylebos Peninsula Terminal Redevelopment project. Other notable survey projects include the Brightwater Tunneling project, the Alaska Way Viaduct project; the Wild Horse Wind Power project, the SR 520 Right-of-Way for WSDOT, and the Thea Foss Waterway project.

Parametrix was pleased to be hosted by the National Park Service for the centennial celebration of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Two of our Albuquerque employees, William Penner and Shawn Kelley, were asked to give a presentation on their non-traditional mitigation work in Abo Canyon. The presentation was the finale of an eight-part lecture series. About 50 people came to see the Abo presentation despite inclement weather. William Penner said, “The presentation was given by Parametrix but the community felt it was theirs.”

William and Shawn presented the history of the Abo canyon from the nineteenth century to the present, which focused on homesteading and how the introduction of the railroad influenced the lifestyles of the people who lived in that area. As part of the project, Shawn Kelley interviewed over 60 people from the region about their history. William noted that, “each of their stories are important individually, but combined they tell the history of the area and the importance of the railroad.” The presentation was a way to show the people who contributed to the project that their histories are going to be preserved. When asked what his favorite part of the presentation was Shawn said, “many community members contributed significantly to the project and the presentation was a way to give back to them and foster a reciprocal relationship.”

One of the community members Shawn interviewed for the history of the canyon. The interviewee is demonstrating the use of an artifact found at one of the archaeological sites.

Pictured is a major culvert on the single track that is still in place today. Abo Canyon mitigation resulted from BNSF building a second track.

An early twentieth century homestead undergoing excavation in Abo Canyon.

Mule teamster at work circa 1903 to 1907 when the rail line was originally built.

A Santa Fe work gang from the 1930s at the Sais Crusher in the back of a rail car.

The Abo Canyon project is a multi-year project that we are completing for HDR and the BNSF Railway that will result in four main mitigation efforts, including:

The Bellevue office of Parametrix recently hired Craig Hansen as a senior scientist. Hansen is a professional wildlife biologist and project manager with more than 15 years of experience in Endangered Species Act (ESA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance. Hansen will be managing a variety of ESA permitting and NEPA compliance projects related to endangered species conservation and energy development, such as hydropower and wind power.

Previously, Hansen was a project lead wildlife biologist and division manager for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Lacey, Washington. He managed the Division of Conservation and Hydropower Planning from 1998 to 2006 and oversaw the development of Habitat Conservation Plans, and the associated Environmental Impact Statements, throughout the Pacific Northwest. Hansen also managed staff preparing pre-licensing study plans, developing multi-party hydropower agreement provisions and license articles, and writing biological opinions for hydropower licensing efforts.

After working for the federal government, Hansen joined a consulting firm in Olympia, Washington where he managed significant species conservation projects, such as the recently permitted Port Blakely Safe Harbor Agreement and Environmental Assessment. Currently, Hansen is providing advice and guidance to Energy Northwest for development of a wind power habitat conservation plan. This is the first wind power project to be developed in western Washington State.

The Bremerton office of Parametrix has selected Brian Bunker, PE, as the office principal. Bunker is a highly regarded professional with 20 years experience providing engineering solutions and client advocacy to both public and private sector clients. Some of Bunker’s responsibilities will be to promote client stewardship, monitor project delivery, and to proactively mitigate project related issues by providing assistance and guidance as necessary. He plans to become an active member of the Kitsap Peninsula community.

Prior to joining Parametrix, Bunker was a senior vice president with Wade Trim and a regional municipal services market segment manager for their Michigan and Ohio based operations. With experience in all phases of project development, he has served as a client steward, as a project manager, and as Principal-in-Charge to many clients. Licensed in six states as a professional engineer, Bunker has worked on a wide variety of municipal and private initiatives including water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, watershed management projects, water and sewer master plans, wastewater treatment plant improvements, transportation and traffic engineering projects, and miscellaneous community sponsored facility improvements.

Bunker has also been actively involved in his community and professional associations including holding positions as the president of the American Public Works Association Midwest Michigan branch and as a Planning Commissioner for the Charter Township of Flushing, Michigan. He is also a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Parametrix recently hired Stephen Phillips, Jr, as a Survey Supervisor. Phillips has 20 years of experience, specializing in High Definition Laser Scanning (HDS), structural monitoring, historic preservation, maritime ship construction, and GPS network surveys. In his new position, Phillips will manage the Parametrix HDS, and 3D Modeling projects. He is currently managing HDS surveys for the Hood Canal Bridge, Shaw Road Extension Bridge, Wawona Historic Preservation.

Phillips is also active in the community, and has been an Autodesk Certified Instructor for the last fourteen years. He is the continued education instructor for Civil Design for Land Surveyors, AutoCAD, Land Development Desktop and Civil 3D at Renton Technical College, Lake Washington Technical College, and the Seattle Pacific University.

Prior to joining Parametrix, Phillips worked for local consulting firms where he managed large scale commercial and residential construction projects, and HDS and modeling services. His key projects include the University of Washington Medical Center Expansion, Suncadia resort community infrastructure, and the Interstate 5/Highway 18 Interchange sound wall survey.

The Parametrix Ecosystem team recently attended and spoke at the Northwest Environmental Business Council (NEBC) Ecosystem Markets conference in Portland, Oregon. Issue #2 of the Mission Markets blog discusses a few of the highlights from the conference. You can view the blog online at http://missionmarkets.blogspot.com/ . Conference presentations can also be viewed online.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Parametrix and an opportunity to revisit it’s history and plan for the next forty years. In 1969, Parametrix began as the dream of two young entrepreneurs. The first office opened with no clients or money, owners who had little experience running a business, and a simple a vision to follow their passion for innovation. Today, Parametrix is the largest locally headquartered engineering, planning and environmental service firms in the Puget Sound region.

“We have built our reputation on a spirit of creating great communities, dedication to client service, quality and innovation, and the integration of planning, engineering, and environmental sciences. Now, with a deep commitment to our vision and core values and a renewed sense of purpose we honor all that has come before and are prepared for the next steps in our evolution,” said Jeff Peacock, president and CEO.

The impact and importance of the company’s work for society and the environment cannot be understated. To continue it’s success for the next 40 years, it is important that Parametrix be aligned around a common purpose for what it’s doing, who it is, and where it’s efforts will be focused.

Our guiding purpose is grounded in our belief that, “we are dedicated to creating vibrant, sustainable communities and restoring the health of the planet for future generations,” added Peacock.

From our humble roots of two, Parametrix grew in the first year to 30 employees and began to expand geographically. By 1990, the company had grown to over 200 employees and the five company owners began looking at options for the future of Parametrix. The resulting decision was to establish an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, (ESOP) in 1992 and by 1999; the company was 100-percent employee-owned.

"As a strong advocate of employee-ownership, I am proud of the company, its employee-owners, and the positive difference we've made in many local communities," said founding owner and current Board member, Waite Dalrymple.

Today Parametrix continues a 40-year tradition of dedication to quality engineering, planning, and environmental sciences with superior client service. Parametrix now has 13 offices across the western United States and nearly 600 professionals providing multi-disciplinary services in transportation, natural resources, community building, water solutions, and environmental engineering and science.

Parametrix Portland office employee-owner, Jason Franklin’s opinion on broader land-use and a truly sustainable ecosystem approach was highlighted in the June 30, 2009 edition of The Oregonian. You can view the article online at www.oregonlive.com.

Parametrix was presented the American Public Works Associating (APWA) 2009 Washington State Project of the Year award in the Historical Preservation, $5,000,000 - $25,000,000 category for the Cama Beach State Park project, located on Camano Island in May 2009. Parametrix was recently notified that the project has been selected as APWA National Public Works Project of the Year in the same category, which will be presented in Columbus, Ohio on September 14th.

Cama Beach opened nearly a year ago, the first state park to open in Washington in over a decade. The park features waterfront rental cedar cabins and bungalows with modern conveniences in a 1930s-era fishing village setting. Highlights include over a mile of waterfront shoreline, woodlands, a wetland area, beach access, trails, and a picnic area. Parametrix provided master planning, interpretive planning, site and architectural design, and construction services for the park’s entire infrastructure. This infrastructure involved grading and drainage, a water storage and distribution system, onsite sewer collection and disposal system, vehicle parking, stormwater collection and treatment, electrical and communications systems, low-pressure gas, historic restoration and preservation, wetland surveys, and environmental permitting.

The Cama Beach project has earned high praise from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as from park visitors since the grand opening in June 2008.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has awarded Parametrix the "Under $10 Million Construction Management Award" for the Cape Flattery Scenic Byway project for the Makah Tribe in Neah Bay, Washington. Greg Stidham of the Parametrix Sumner office served as project manager and he will provide a brief presentation at the commemoration dinner on May 21st, where he will be granted this award.