Ames environmental pros share lessons in construction challenges, safety, and technology on jobsites.
Phil Ryder, Environmental Manager–West, and Samantha Wood, Environmental Specialist–Southwest, led Stormwater Track sessions at the Tri-State Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 4,800 water and wastewater professionals from Arizona, Nevada, and California attended the event.
🌎 Construction Challenges in a Changing Climate: Planning for Success
Phil’s presentation highlighted Ames’ Pinto Creek Bridge project in Arizona. The project was put to the test by the 2021 Telegraph Fire, which burned 187,000 acres, including the project site. After the fire, the site was subjected to flash floods due to destroyed vegetation that would normally absorb rainfall. Fire also “baked” the soil, adding to water runoff and debris flows.
Phil emphasized:
✅ Listening to crews and being mindful of their safety in a changing climate.
✅ Performing a preconstruction site visit to assess conditions: soil characteristics, vegetation, wildlife, riparian habitat, and so on.
✅ Asking questions: What am I (or the plans) missing? Where are my blind spots? What’s the worst that could happen? What plans do we need to mitigate that possibility?
🌎 Technology in a Changing Environment: The Use of Drones in SWPPP
Samantha outlined the steps to become a certified drone pilot and addressed the use of drones in Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspections, especially on large projects like tailings storage facilities at mining operations. At sites like these, inspection locations are often difficult or unsafe to access on foot, and heavy equipment is always on the move. Drones offer both safety and efficiency. Samantha also delivered her presentation at the Arizona Water Conference in Phoenix.
