SSE Intern helps design and construct safer water system in Guatemala as part of Engineers Without Borders

The Engineers Without Borders volunteers and residents
lay pipe in Nahualate, Guatemala

Lake Ozark – Engineering Intern Tyler Bick returned to the lake area last week after a weeklong trip that started months ago. Tyler traveled to Nahualate, Guatemala to help see the construction of a potable drinking water system that had been designed by a team from Engineers without Borders.   There were 300 agricultural homes in the area that had shallow wells which would not produce a safe level of quantity or quality drinking water.

 

Nahualate, Guatemala

 

As one the 10 poorest countries in Latin America, Guatemala is a prime example of how students like Tyler gain real world experience, as well as meet the future leaders of the industry. Tyler said, “The biggest challenge was trying to design a system you could not visually see, examine or inspect in person, so relying on past teams who had been in the area, as well as teams currently there, taught me about teamwork I never learned in my classes.” Tyler went on to say, “I have travelled before and even studied abroad for a semester 100 miles south of the Arctic circle, but the adventure of Guatemala and being able to see how happy the townspeople were when clean drinking water was available to them was really exciting.  I plan on going back after I graduate in December to see the completed water tower we helped to design.”

 

Project faculty advisor Dr. Richard Stephenson added, Tyler is the perfect fit for this type of project. He has that adventurous spirit, and the inherent nature to want to help those in need. Having Tyler on the team was a huge asset. You can tell he is one of those students who will succeed after graduation and in life.”

 

Dr. Ronaldo Luna of Missouri S&T, Ing Luis Garcia

Ing Fernando Callejas, Todd Williams P.E., and Tyler Bick

Tyler came to SSE in the beginning of the summer of 2013 and has quickly become one of the family. Owner Stan Schultz concluded, “Having a young man with Tyler’s energy, knowledge and skills was a big help on our projects this summer.  I almost hate to see him go back to school, but I know he needs to finish his classwork and have no doubt he will be successful wherever he lands after graduation.”

 

To learn more about the Missouri Science and Technology Student Engineers Without Borders Chapter go here.

To learn more about Engineers Without Borders click here.

To see Tyler’s photo album from his trip to Guatemala visit our Facebook album page here.

 

 

Floodgates open at the Lake of the Ozarks

It has been just over two years since lake area residents and visitors have seen the flood gates of the Bagnell Dam opened, and on August 7, 2013 the waiting had ended.

After  17 inches of rain the last 7 days Ameren plant engineers decided to open 11 out of 12 floodgates and release tens of thousands gallons of water. The sudden rush of inflow was expected to raise the river a further four feet causing places like Camp Bagnell and Riverview RV Park to be evacuated.

The evacuation took place with its own set of issues from displacement of campers to emergency vehicles warning residents and fighting fires possibly caused by lightning strikes being mired in the hazards of the flash flooding that occurred during the night’s storm.

The dam was built between 1929 and 1931 by Union Electric and at the time the largest man-made lake in the United States. The brainchild of Ralph Street in 1912 the dam’s original plan called for a smaller sixty foot hydroelectric dam that would have resulted in a lake only forty miles long instead of the current 2,453 foot dam and 180 mile long lake (the actual coast line of the lake is 1,100 miles; longer than coast of California!).

SSE founder Stan Schultz commented “When the dam was built it was an engineering

SSE's Bob Arnold, R.L.S., Ken Farris, and
Tony cobb take in the view of the Dam

marvel well ahead of its time. It is rare when a structure is stronger than when it was first built, but back in the 80’s adding tension rods to the bedrock below made the dam even stronger. Even if the northern Truman Dam were to somehow fail Bagnell Dam would remain. The civil engineers who designed the dam didn’t only bring environmentally friendly hydroelectric power to thousands but created an entire destination spot for the whole country. That is what civil engineering is about; making lives better for people.”


To see all the pictures from the open floodgates click HERE!

Ken Farris is SSE's June Employee of the Month

Ken Farris, June 2013 Employee of the Month

 

LAKE OZARK, MO- Schultz Surveying and Engineering is pleased to announce that Ken Farris will be recognized as the June Employee of the Month. Ken was selected for his work with the drafting department at the Lake Ozark office.  Owner Stan Schultz said, “Ken is a fantastic SSE employee to be chosen for this award. Ken works hard and is always willing to jump in and help where and when needed. He puts SSE’s customers first. I always enjoy watching our employees learn and grow in their roles and Ken is a great example of an employee who has taken that initiative. ”

June Employee of the Month Ken Farris has been with SSE for 3 1/2 years.  In addition to helping with the engineering drafting, Ken also helps with the surveying drafting duties at the Lake office.  When asked what he likes about working at SSE, Ken added "I am so happy to work with the people at SSE and our customers. I like seeing a project idea come to life. Being chosen as Employee of the Month is not something I expected but I really appreciate the compliment."

In honor of Ken being awarded June’s Employee of the Month, SSE will donate $100 on his behalf to the St. Martin School Church Fund of Jefferson City. St. Martin School is where Ken’s young daughter Casey and son Caleb attend classes, and St. Martin is the church Ken and his wife Kelley of 11 years attend services.

“Ken has an excellent work ethic and I can always depend on him to do whatever I ask.  He is always ready to jump in and help anyone get a job out the door.  It does not matter what the task is, he is willing to do it if that is what it takes to get the job done,” concluded operations manager Mike DeLong.

Stan Schultz Awarded Outstanding Environmental Advocate

Stan Schultz with LOWA Executive Director, Donna Swall

Lake Ozark, MO – Recently, Schultz Surveying and Engineering  owner Stan Schultz was awarded the "Outstanding Environmental Advocate" award from the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance, commonly referred to as LOWA.  This award from LOWA recognizes the outstanding environmental advocate who has made significant contributions toward preserving and protecting the lake and watershed.  This is the first year the award has been given, and LOWA Executive Director Donna Swall had this to say, "It was a unanimous decision to select Stan to be the initial recipient of  this award. Stan is a visionary who  can see the value in what we do as an organization. He  has worked with our group since  our formation nearly eight years ago."

LOWA began when 18 local, state, and federal agencies joined together to hold several public meetings around the lake. These agencies have agreed to continue as technical advisors, but clearly want the citizens to lead. The intent was to see if there was any interest in starting a citizen led watershed group for the Lake of the Ozarks. Many of these groups are forming nationally to protect and preserve our waterways and lakes.

"I am very humbled to receive this award”, said Stan. " I feel blessed to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to help improve the water quality of the lake.  I  am proud to have helped LOWA in accomplishing their mission and I look forward to continuing this partnership." Donna concluded by saying, "Stan has kept us going, and without his help in the early days, we would have failed. Stan's level of commitment to protecting the environment and to the lake’s economic success is why we chose him for this award. . Eight years ago he promised me he would do all he could to assist LOWA, and he has proven his word is as good as gold.The lake area needs more people like Stan."

SSE Picked by Eldon

City of Eldon Chooses SSE for Their

Engineering Needs

Eldon's 8th Street Repair Location

Eldon, MO- The City of Eldon, Missouri has announced that Schultz Surveying and Engineering has been chosen as the engineer for a $200,000 Pavement Resurfacing project on 8th Street from Business Hwy. 54 to Industrial Drive. Mayor Ron Bly said, “What SSE can bring to the table was unquestionable. Their dedication to the communities they serve was evident in their proposal and presentation. I look forward to working with Mike and the rest of the SSE team.”

The project is in part funded by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) LPA, or Local Public Agency program and includes surveying, design, testing, and construction observation services.

Cracking in the pavement of Eldon's 8th Street

Project Engineer Mike DeLong of SSE said, “The pavement has suffered major cracking damage most likely due to the heavy traffic loads in and out of the industrial park. SSE prides itself in understanding the challenges faced by rural municipalities and communities.

We will work hard to ensure the City of Eldon’s streets are repaired and up to grade quickly and efficiently, while minimizing the costs. SSE can provide unique solutions in cases like those facing Eldon and we are excited to get started on the work.”

OVER 500 HELP SSE CELEBRATE THEIR 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH HUGE CAJUN SHRIMP BOIL

Cheri Westervelt of Sunrise Beach took home the shotgun

 LAKE OZARK, MISSOURI - Things were hot and spicy at the Lake Ozark area Fairgrounds with Schultz Surveying &Engineering hosting a Cajun Shrimp Boil Tuesday night.  Over 500 business and community leaders from the region attended the festivities.

Owner Stan Schultz said, “Business is continuing to grow in our mid-Missouri offices and the SNG gas line as well as the Sunrise Beach projects are major milestones for us at the lake.  We love working in rural Missouri and to have so many community leaders show up and help us celebrate another great year of business was exciting.”

The festivities started at 5:00 pm with several people already waiting for the first batch of shrimp to finish cooking.  “The SSE folks sure know how to cook Cajun style.  They put on a great party with some outstanding food,” added Brian Mesile

While the slow economy has negatively affected many Missouri businesses, SSE was just recognized as one of the fastest growing companies by Inc. 500|5000.  Marketing Director Rodney Jetton says they are bucking that trend, “Because our company listens to the needs and concerns of community leaders, we don’t try to tell them what to do.  Our engineers know the rules and are used to working with USDA and DNR officials.  They are experts at finding funding and designing projects that meet the community’s needs at the lowest possible price. Our projects consistently meet the short and long range government requirements while saving taxpayers money.”

The night’s activities also included several door nice prizes including a Remington 870 shotgun, a bionic fishing pole and an Android Tablet.  Cindy Campbell of Sunrise Beach won the tablet while Brandon Bowers of Lake Ozark walked away with the fishing pole and Cheri Westervelt of Sunrise Beach took home the shotgun.  SSE Engineer Jim Fisher commented, “Seeing folks enjoy the food, and having fun made the whole party a success!  2012 is shaping up to be our biggest year ever and getting to say thanks to all our customers and visiting with our elected officials was very enjoyable.”

Cindy Campbell of Sunrise Beach won the tablet

COME OUT TO OUR NEXT CAJUN BOIL 

WHEN - THURSDAY OCTOBER 4TH 

TIME - 5:00PM 

WHERE- 4800 West Blvd. POPLAR BLUFF, MO

TEXAS COUNTY MISSOURI TURNS INTO CAJUN COUNTRY

Now this is REAL Cajun food!

Things were hot and spicy at the Texas County fairgrounds with Schultz and Summers Engineering hosting a Cajun Shrimp Boil Tuesday night.  Over 75 business and community leaders from the region attended the festivities.  Velena Ingram, Executive Director of the Houston Chamber of Commerce said, “What a fun party!  SSE knows how to have a good time.  Everyone had a great time and the Cajun food was unbelievable.  I am already looking forward to next year.”   

Cajun Chef Ronnie!

Owner Stan Schultz said, “Business is continuing to grow in our mid-Missouri offices.  We love working in rural Missouri and to have so many community leaders show up and help us celebrate another great year of business was exciting.”

The festivities started at 5:00 pm with several people already waiting for the first batch of shrimp to finish cooking.  “The Schultz and Summers folks sure know how to cook Cajun style.  They put on a great party with some outstanding food,” added T.J. Lewis, Ozark County Commissioner.

While the slow economy has negatively affected many Missouri businesses, SSE was just recognized as one of the fastest growing companies by Inc. 500|5000.  Marketing Director Rodney Jetton says they are bucking that trend, “Because our company listens to the needs and concerns of community leaders, we don’t try to tell them what to do.  Our engineers know the rules and are used to working with USDA and DNR officials.  They are experts at finding funding and designing projects that meet the community’s needs at the lowest possible price. Our projects consistently meet the short and long range government requirements while saving taxpayers money.”    

Tracy Guffey of West Plains
won the Fishing Pole

Shannon County Commissioner,
Dale Counts won the shotgun

The night’s activities also included several door nice prizes including a Remington 870 shotgun, a bionic fishing pole and an Android Tablet.  Robert Ross of Houston won the I-Pad while Tracy Guffrey of West Plains walked away with the fishing pole and Dale Counts, Shannon County Northern Commissioner took home the shotgun.  SSE Engineer Jim Fisher commented, “Seeing folks enjoy the food, and having fun made the whole party a success!  2012 is shaping up to be our biggest year ever and getting to say thanks to all our customers and visiting with our elected officials was very enjoyable.”

Robert Ross of Houston won the
Android Tablet

For the full photo album, click the link below:  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.429887287034270.93346.229182513771416&type=3

FERC approves new Lake of the Ozarks boundary

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BY JEFFREY TOMICH • jtomich@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8320 | Posted: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 11:45 am | 

D

Two buildings in the Lake Valley Condos, center, are among the 4,000 structures — homes, decks, gazebos and patios — built on land that belongs to Ameren Missouri's Bagnell Dam project. This photo is from Sept. 21, 2011. Laurie Skrivan | lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today approved Ameren Missouri's request to re-draw the project boundary for the Osage Hydroelectric project at Lake of the Ozarks to exclude more than 1,500 lakefront homes and other structures in jeopardy of condemnation.

Ameren’s proposal would remove more than 28,000 acres of land around the lake from federal jurisdiction, promising to resolve some of the tumult surrounding a shoreline management plan issued by regulators last summer.

St. Louis-based Ameren owns and manages the lake, Bagnell Dam and Osage hydroelectric plant under FERC's oversight. Terms are spelled out in a 40-year license issued in 2007.

The license requires Ameren to submit a plan to manage land within the Bagnell Dam project, a narrow ring of shoreline encircling the lake. Around much of the lake, the project boundary is defined by elevation, varying from 662 feet to 678 feet above sea level.

The shoreline plan approved by FERC last summer required that homes and other structures built within the Bagnell Dam boundary be "removed, " igniting a furor among lakefront property owners who worried they may lose their homes. 

Banks and real estate companies warned it would damage an already fragile real estate market. And Missouri's congressional delegation proposed legislation to limit federal oversight of the lake.

After weeks of criticism, FERC clarified its order last fall, saying the original plan was widely misinterpreted. The agency also scolded Ameren for lax management of shoreline development and ordered a new plan.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/ferc-approves-new-lake-of-the-ozarks-boundary/article_ec56a466-af1a-11e1-8635-0019bb30f31a.html#ixzz1wx5MPboF

Making Things Happen in Sunrise Beach

LOWA to report on water quality, accomplishments at Monday meeting - lakeexpo.com: Community News

LOWA to report on water quality, accomplishments at Monday meeting - lakeexpo.com: Community News: The Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance will announce the final results of a 20-week water study and new accomplishments at a public meeting…

This story also talks about how LOWA and Schultz and Summers Engineering are partnering on the Rocky Mount sewer project.

Lake Economic Council names top businesses of 2011 - lakeexpo.com: Business

SSE Named 2011 Business Partner of the Year

Brian Meisel, Stan Schultz, Jim Fisher, Bob Summers, and Trisha Creach

Lake Economic Council names top businesses of 2011 - lakeexpo.com: Business: The Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council announced the winners of the 2011 awards at the annual meeting
Thursday, Jan. 19,…

Jim Fisher P.E., Joins Schultz and Summers Engineering

He will be in the operations manager at SSE’s Lake Ozark office. 

LAKE OZARK, MO – Schultz and Summers Engineering is proud to announce that Jim Fisher has been selected to manage their Lake Ozark office.  Jim has worked as a surveyor and engineer throughout southwest and mid-Missouri for the last 12 years.  Owner Stan Schultz said, “Jim is the well rounded P.E. we have been looking for to run our Lake Ozark operations.  His background providing engineering services for commercial clients as well as city and county governments is exactly what we needed. ”  

Danny Roeger (left) and Jim Fisher (right) look over Gravois plans

Jim started in the engineering field right out of high school when he went to work at Heideman & Associates in Springfield as a surveying rodman.  He was quickly promoted to survey crew party chief while he began his college education at Missouri State University.  In preparation to be an engineer he transferred to Missouri University of Science and Technology and worked three different jobs to help pay for his college expenses including working as a part-time surveyor.  Fisher said, “Attending engineering classes and working long hours seemed hard at the time, but now that I am an engineer I’m thankful I found jobs that gave me hands on experience.  That experience along with my classroom studies allowed me to hit the ground running when I graduated.”     

After graduation Jim joined APAC-Missouri where he worked as estimator and manager working with MODOT to deliver quality highway rehabilitation projects, mainly on Interstates 70 & 44.  In 2006 he was asked to join MESA Consulting Engineers in Branson Missouri.   Branson was rapidly expanding and MESA was a company that focused on commercial development.  Jim worked on a number of residential development projects including multiple phases of the Stonebridge Community, Branson Creek, Emory Creek, Terrell Creek, The Woods, and Long Creek to name just a few.  He also helped with a wide-range of commercial developments including banks, gas stations, strip malls, database centers, resort welcome centers, entertainment, and recreational facilities.  “Jim did a very good job for MESA.  His abilities and drive made an immediate impact on the quality and quantity of engineering work they produced,” added Schultz.      

The economic downturn of 2008 caused construction in Branson to slow to a complete halt.  Jim joined Elgin Surveying and Engineering in Rolla, Missouri where he designed several municipal projects for the cities of Licking, Houston, Cabool, Westphaila, and Waynesville.  Additionally, he assisted with the engineering for a number of commercial and residential clients which included Casey's General Stores, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Investment Realty, and Rightway Homes.  Stan remarked, “Our Company does a lot of engineering work for both commercial and public clients.  I wanted a P.E. with the knowledge to design a water treatment plant for a large city and the knowhow to help a developer plan a well designed subdivision.  Jim will be able to help our city customers with all their needs while also helping our private developers properly design subdivisions, banks, gas stations or strip malls that are integrated into the existing road, sewer, water and electrical networks.”  

When asked what he most liked about engineering Jim replied, “It’s enjoyable to sit down with the client and listen to what their requirements or desires are.  Understanding their needs and working with them to design a solution that takes care of their needs or meets their requirements is exciting.” He continued, “Finding cost effective ways to provide a city or private development with sanitary sewer collection and potable water distribution systems, or efficient street and sidewalks designs as well as water wells, storage towers, and storm sewers are all interesting challenges that I enjoyable taking on.”  

Jim and his wife Krystal live in Rolla Missouri.  They enjoy spending time visiting many of the natural and historic curiosities found in the Show-Me-State.  Jim also collects historic engineering and surveying tools such as slide rules and mechanical calculators.  

Schultz and Summers Lake Ozark office provides engineering services to several mid Missouri Counties including, Camden, Miller, Morgan, Montieau, Pulaski, Phelps, Benton, Osage, Crawford, Maries, Laclede, and Dent to name just a few.  Owner Bob Summers concluded by saying, “Jim is the perfect fit for our mid Missouri operations.  He grew up and has worked in this region for years.  His knowledge of the people, terrain, and communities we serve will help us better assist all our customers in the region.”

Sunrise Beach chooses Schultz & Summers for sewer project - lakeexpo.com: Business

The Sunrise Beach City Council

 Sunrise Beach chooses Schultz & Summers for sewer project - lakeexpo.com: Business: SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. – The Board of Trustees voted unanimously
during Tuesday night’s special session to contract Schultz and
Summers Engineerin…

Sunrise Beach considers wastewater system proposals

Great story by the Lake Sun Leader about the upcoming SB city council meeting.  Our proposal takes a long term look at providing all the residents and business the infrastructure they need to continue to grow.  It also allows for expansion in the future. 

    

Sunrise Beach, Mo. —

The Sunrise Beach Board of Trustees may soon get its proposed sewer system off dead center. Trustees are considering two proposals and two engineering firms for a proposed wastewater treatment system. With the potential to get funding sooner than expected, the board has scheduled a special meeting Dec. 20 to make a decision on what direction to take.

 A few months ago, the village began to look at ways to phase the proposed sewer along Highway 5. Olsson Engineering was contracted to study the feasibility of a wastewater system for what has been called the City Hall Ridge area, basically the northern part of town. Its preliminary engineering report (PER) was provided to the board Dec. 12 for review. Schultz & Summers Engineering (SSE) made a proposal Dec. 12 to sewer the Highway 5 corridor focusing on commercial users.

 SSE had previously declined to make a proposal to the village due to a contractual issue between the board and Midwest Engineering, which had completed another PER for a Highway 5 sewer.

SSE had reviewed Midwest's PER for free and recently presented its findings, which were positive, to the trustees. It originally proposed to subcontract with Midwest.  Since then, SSE co-owner Stan Schultz said he has negotiated a deal to purchase the PER information from Midwest, if SSE is selected as the engineer for the sewer project.

 While the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and USDA Rural Development had put off the village until the second phase of the water system had been operating for a year, SSE helped appeal DNR's staff level decision to shelve the project. Getting Sunrise Beach placed on the disadvantaged community list, Schultz with trustees Curt Mooney and Charlie Bott received tentative approval to get 2012 funding if the village could recraft the budget and turn in the revised PER by the first of the year.



Stan Schultz



 The construction cost had to be reduced to approximately $4 million. The original PER from Midwest had a budget of almost $7 million, but that project had included a larger capacity to allow for some growth on the system. In its Dec. 12 presentation, SSE proposed a rough plan to construct a minimum, basic sewer for the entire Highway 5 corridor in Sunrise Beach focusing on commercial users, which has been the main support and reason for a sewer system. Residents along the path of the collection system could hook up if they wanted to but it would not be mandatory.



 Schulz did not have a complete PER to present to the board but said the revised PER could likely be done by the end of the week. Trustees decided to schedule a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 20 to give SSE time to complete the revised PER for more firm numbers, and still meet the DNR timeline.

The board has not rejected the City Hall Ridge proposal at this time. It could also take the SSE concept and request a similar PER from Olsson.

Greg Williams

 Village attorney Greg Williams advised the board to make the decisions on an engineering firm and scope of project independently. SSE has no contract with the village at this time. The work done so far has been on its own time.  During visitor comments, Ron Duggan thanked the board for their work and gave his support of SSE which has been working on a solution to sewer problems at his business, Captain Ron's Bar & Grill. The lakefront entertainment venue that is home to the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout event is being pursued by the State Attorney General's Office for violations of the Clean Water Act.

 His is the most prominent but certainly not the only business in Sunrise Beach that has been in trouble with DNR over wastewater. The proposed plan to sewer the entire corridor could give Captain Ron's and the other businesses a reprieve as a more long term solution would be in the works. It could also provide a boost to economic development in the village.

Copyright 2011 Serving Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks region including Osage Beach, Camdenton, Lake Ozark, Eldon and Sunrise Beach. Some rights reserved

Lake News Online Story- FEMA, FERC alphabet soup leaves a taste of confusion

The Lake News Online published a very good article about the FERC issues. Our technicians did a good job of explaining a few of the problems their ruling was causing.

FEMA, FERC alphabet soup leaves a taste of confusion