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Current Articles and Releases
Koontz-Bryant Participates in RVA Reality Check
On Tuesday, Koontz-Bryant principals George Bryant and Martha Shotwell participated in the Urban Land Institute's (ULI's) "RVA Reality Check." Working in groups of ten, about 300 people from the region mapped their visions of Richmond's economic growth.
Completing Projects Faster with “No Rise” Certifications
(May 2013)
By Thomas Kelley, PE, Project Manager, Koontz-Bryant, P.C.How many of you have worked on projects that involved some kind of construction that would take place within a flood source that has an established floodway? How many of those projects required significant changes just to avoid a floodway? How many of those projects were scrapped even though, as designed, they theoretically would not make an impact...
New Hires
Koontz-Bryant is pleased to welcome two new CADD Technicians!
Jamie Bland and David Williams...
CCPS STEAM Fair at the Science Museum
On April 19, Chris Workman, PE, Director of Environmental Services, participated in the Second Annual Chesterfield County Public Schools STEAM (Scientific, Technological, Engineering, Artistic, and Mathematical) Fair at the Science Museum of Virginia. STEAM encourages students to demonstrate their critical and creative thinking skills, share their projects, and consult with STEAM professionals. There are events for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Bio-Friendly Stormwater Treatment (April 2013)
By Chris Workman,
PE, Director of Environmental Services, Koontz-Bryant,
P.C.
Many residential communities and commercial facilities have incorporated the use
of bio-friendly stormwater treatment methods to address their stormwater runoff.
Filterra© Bioretention Systems is one of these systems. Several surrounding
counties require that the systems be consistently maintained and routinely
inspected for proper operation.
4Ways Engineers can Avoid the “Dark” Side of Technology (March 2013)
By Greg Koontz,
PE, LS,, President, Koontz-Bryant, P.C.
I have been working in the civil engineering and surveying field for over 30
years and there have been some amazing advances in technology. I hate to admit
that I had a slide rule in high school and probably still remember how to work
one. There have been so many changes that affected the consulting engineer and
how they go about their business in the last three decades.
Cranston Mill Pond Earns Award for "Most Improved Dam"
Congratulations to Cranston Mill Pond, LLC for having Virginia's "Most Improved Dam" in 2012. The Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association Dam Safety Committee recognized Cranston Mill Pond at its annual conference on March 5th, 2013. Cranston Mill Pond is permitted as a non-point nutrient offset bank with the Department of Environmental Quality. To satisfy stormwater quality requirements, an owner may purchase phosphorous credits from the Cranston Mill Pond.
American Society of Civil Engineers Popsicle Bridge Competition
Paul Hinson, Principal at Koontz-Bryant and a past president of the Richmond Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) volunteered at the ASCE popsicle bridge competition held on Sunday 2-10-13 at the Science Museum of Virginia as part of Engineer’s Week. The popsicle bridge competition is open to all area Middle and High School students. Cash prizes were...
The “Shocking” Benefits of Shock Pads (Feb. 2013)
By Andy Sisson,
LA, Project Manager, Koontz-Bryant, P.C.
“Can we cut the shock pad?” All too often, as owners and designers work to get
synthetic turf projects in line with budgets, the answer to this question is
yes. The current breed of infilled synthetic turf systems are designed to
provide a safe playing surface with only the resilient infill providing
cushioning. The addition of a shock pad under the synthetic turf has benefits
which make it desirable, but it is still easy to categorize it as unnecessary
and therefore expendable.
Paul Hinson Presents Update to Stormwater Regulations
Our own Paul Hinson, P.E., LEED AP was at the University of Virginia on January 28, 2013 making a presentation to the Project and Construction Managers of the University of Virginia Facilities Planning and Construction group. Paul provided the group with an overview of the recently adopted Virginia Stormwater Management Regulations and the changes that are included in the new regulations.
Pilot Project Update
By Dan Jamison, Group Manager, Koontz-Bryant, P.C.
Pilot has purchased the Flying J and Shell location in Ruthers Glen, VA at the
intersection of Rt. 207 and I-95. The are renovating the travel center and
restaurant and making site improvements, namely relocating the auto and truck
fueling islands. Koontz-Bryant has been hired to provide the civil engineering support for the
site work and prepare plans to address the revised grading, drainage,
landscaping, and Chesapeake Bay compliance.
Condemnation, the Virginia Constitution, and
What Will it Mean to Development
By Dan Jamison, Group Manager, Koontz-Bryant, P.C.
The November 6th election didn’t
bring any change in the White House, but it did bring about a change to the
Constitution of Virginia. The Virginia Eminent Domain Amendment, Question 1 was
on the ballot as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment where it was
approved by over 82% of the Virginia voters. The changes to Article I. Bill of
Rights of the Constitution were....
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Washington Lacy Park – Phase II
Koontz-Bryant Principal Bob Fitz and Project Manager Andy Sisson attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Washington Lacy Park – Phase II in Hanover County.
Hanover County Parks and Recreation Director, Greg Sager, provided a welcome to the group. Remarks were made by Steve Schwartz, President, Friends of Hanover Trails, Aubrey "Bucky" Stanly, Hanover Board of Supervisors, Beaverdam District, and Ed Via III, Chairman, Hanover County Board of Supervisors.
Celebrating the Holidays
The Koontz-Bryant team gathered together for the annual Christmas party at president Greg Koontz's home. The setting was intimate and cozy and there was much laughter amongst everyone. This year we decided to send out a digital Holiday card with a video greeting. The party was the perfect occasion to film everyone's message. You can see the video here.
Happy Holidays from the Team at Koontz-Bryant
Giving Thanks by Giving Back
By Chris Workman, Senior Party Chief, Koontz-Bryant, P.C.
As the pastor of a three-point Methodist charge, my wife Karen established
Asbury United Methodist Church in McKenney, Virginia as a food distribution
center for the Richmond Food Bank. Many people in the community come by the
church from time to time to receive food, supplies, and fellowship.
WHEN INCHES COUNT…
By John Hiatt, Senior Party Chief, Koontz-Bryant, P.C.
Today is another example of why I love my job. Surveying is everywhere and can be applied to just about anything. Whether you take advantage of today’s technology or kick it old school, the end product is the same. Today was as simple as measuring a distance from beginning point “A” to an ending point “B”. It wasn’t a construction job or a boundary survey, but a charity benefit truck and tractor pull for the Gage Edwards Memorial Foundation
UPDATE: ADA Compliance
Koontz-Bryant's Director of Landscape Architecture, Bob Fitz, recently spoke to the Hanover Business Council on ADA Compliance. The following is an update to his discussion:
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has approved a comprehensive settlement agreement between the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia, resolving the department’s findings that Virginia’s system for serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The department had found that Virginia was violating the ADA requirement, as interpreted by the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C., to provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to live and receive services in the community.
To learn more about the Department’s efforts to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. and about the Americans with Disabilities Act, go to www.ADA.gov or call the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY).
Chesterfield Working to Adopt New FEMA Flood Maps
Koontz-Bryant has received inquiries by our clients concerning the revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Chesterfield County. The revised maps are not currently posted on the FEMA website but are available for review at the Environmental Engineering Office located at the Chesterfield Courthouse Complex. FEMA adopted the new maps June 18, 2012 and Chesterfield has until December 18, 2012 to amend the County Flood Ordinance. The current maps are based on a 1983 flood study and will be replaced by maps based on....
Celebrating 20 Years
Congratulations Tommy Williams on 20 years of service with Koontz-Bryant! We are pleased to celebrate Tombo's 20 years with Koontz-Bryant. In addition to keeping contractors happy and mentoring the field crews, Tommy can be counted on to help a coworker with her car… make us laugh with his goofy newspaper captions… or even play Santa. Happy anniversary, Tommy! We are glad you are here.
Are Nutrient Offsets the Cost Effective Answer to Your
Stormwater
Quality Compliance?
Developers and property owners are often on the hook for expensive BMPs or manufactured stormwater devices to meet increasingly stringent water quality standards. Nutrient Offsets have emerged as a new tool to control development costs associated with stormwater quality.
Dan Jamison Gives an Update on the Pilot Project
Construction continues on Pilot #491 on Rt. 11 north of Harrisonburg in Rockingham County. The permanent BMP has been graded and is being stabilized. All storm sewer construction going to the pond has been completed. The Outfall pipe from the BMP is being installed through a lot of rock. The bypass pipe carrying offsite storm around the site has been installed and is functioning. All fuel tanks have been installed and the tank farm was being backfilled.
Bob Fitz Speaks to Hanover Business Council on ADA Compliance
Bob Fitz, Koontz-Bryant’s Director of Landscape Architecture, recently addressed the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s Hanover Business Council Breakfast. He presented “Accessibility: Americans with Disabilities Act Regulations Compliance.”
Client Surveys: A Valuable Tool in a Slow Market
In the face of a still-sluggish economy, most businesses count client retention among their top priorities. We all want to treat our clients well. We talk with employees about client relationships and about client expectations. But far too often, companies exhort staff to serve clients without asking clients what they think, and staff are shielded from client comments, good and bad.
DCR Grant Program
Are You Eligible for a
Grant?
Do you or your organization own a regulated dam?
Does your government agency need to improve your 100-year flood plain warning system, educational programs or need additional improvements?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may be eligible for up to a 50% matching grant to assist you with costs associated with preparing engineering plans or flood control projects.
Low Impact Development Approach to Managing the New Stormwater Regulations
The new Virginia stormwater regulations scheduled to go into full effect on July 1, 2014 present significant challenges for site design and development. Much of the current focus is on avoiding these challenges by taking advantage of the grandfathering provisions available, allowing sites to be developed under the existing regulations until July 1, 2019. While Koontz-Bryant is active in helping those who want to qualify their projects for grandfathered status, we are also preparing for the challenges of developing sites under the new regulations.
Stormwater Panel Discussion
On March 22, 2012 Koontz-Bryant held an interactive panel discussion and luncheon with guest speakers from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to help increase awareness of the upcoming changes to the Virginia stormwater regulations. The attendees were representatives from both public and private colleges and universities throughout Virginia.
2008 Dam Regulations May Cost Private Dam Owners Millions of Dollars
Task Force Hopes to Intervene
In September 2011, Governor McDonnell announced the creation of the Governor’s Task Force for Local Government Mandate Review. This five-member task force resulted from legislation introduced during the 2011 General Assembly session to review state mandates and to recommend suspension or repeal of such mandates.
Greening Virginia Universities and Colleges Conference
On February 29 Paul Hinson, Director of Engineering and Bob Fitz, Director of Landscape Architecture at Koontz-Bryant, attended the fifth annual “Greening Virginia Universities and Colleges Conference,” hosted by George Mason University. The event was organized by Virginia Sustainable Building Network. The featured speaker was Senator John Warner, Senior Advisor, Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate.
George Bryant Gives Insight into Space-Based Positioning
Where ARE You?
I was fortunate to recently attend a seminar titled “Modernization of the National Spatial Reference System” sponsored by the Virginia Association of Surveyors. I went to this seminar for two reasons. First, I needed to acquire professional development hours, which are required by the State to keep my land surveyor’s license active. The second reason was to gain knowledge about improvements that are being made to our State Grid coordinate system and...
Chris Workman Shares his Story on his Trip to Haiti
My Trip to Haiti
Early in the morning of January 25, 2012, I left Petersburg, Virginia for Ronald Reagan National Airport. From Washington, DC we travelled to Miami, Florida and then onto Port-au-Prince, Haiti. After a short while, we caught a twin-engine turbo-prop to the little village of Anse á Galets, Haiti, which is located on the island of la Gonave (pronounced “logging off”). It took about fifteen hours to get to our destination.
Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans
Is your Facility Prepared?
As of November 10, 2011, facilities that store petroleum fuel in aboveground storage tanks must have a functioning SPCC plan in place. The EPA will now be moving from compliance assistance to enforcement. Failure to meet regulation requirements may result in Class I fines up to $16,000 per violation and Class II fines up to $16,000 per day.
Congratulations Jonathan Murray on Earning your P.E. License!
Koontz-Bryant is proud to announce that our very own Jonathan Murray recently earned his Professional Engineering license. The team celebrated at a company lunch honoring Jonathan's acheivement. Koontz-Bryant is happy to report that currently all of our engineers are licensed Professional Engineers in the State of Virginia!
Koontz-Bryant Celebrates the Holidays
Koontz-Bryant celebrated the holidays at our annual holiday party at the Raintree Club over the weekend. It was an evening of joy and laughter.
What Is the Future of GPS and the AE Industry?
There is a large debate going on in Washington and across the country concerning the future of GPS. The debate surrounds the company LightSquared and their proposed wireless broadband network.
Virginia's Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) passes revised Secondary
Street Acceptance Requirements (SSAR)
Striving to exceed expectations is a priority at Koontz Bryant, P.C. and we continuously submit feedback surveys to our clients during all stages of our projects. To date we have received over 80 client responses with very positive feedback.
Survey Says... Positive Feedback From Our Clients.
Striving to exceed expectations is a priority at Koontz Bryant, P.C. and we continuously submit feedback surveys to our clients during all stages of our projects. To date we have received over 80 client responses with very positive feedback.
Koontz-Bryant Engineers Continue Professional Education
On October 5, Koontz-Bryant engineers gathered for a lunch and learn with ACF Environmental and Hydro International Stormwater to learn about the latest geotechnical and stormwater management solutions. Koontz-Bryant is focused on keeping technical staff up to date on the current products and technologies available to better serve their clients. Paul Hinson, Director of Engineering said, “I thought it was helpful to hear about the various products available to assist us in meeting our clients’ stormwater management needs.”
Recreation Facilities will be affected by ADA Regulation Changes
After soliciting public comment, the Department of Justice amended its regulations implementing Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), applicable to all commercial and public facilities, and to certain private businesses that accommodate the public. To minimize compliance burdens on entities subject to more than one legal standard, the Department of Justice adopted the revised 2010 ADA design standards for accessible design to harmonize with...
Chris Workman Conducts Erosion and Sediment Control Presentation to Seniors
at Thomas Dale High School
At the request of Mr. Al Stafford, Science teacher for Chesterfield County, Christopher A. Workman, P.E. presented a program on Erosion and Sediment Control to a group of about 25 seniors at Thomas Dale High School. The presentation catered specifically to students in the Environmental AP Honors Program who are most likely moving on to a college education.
Congratulations Martha on 10 Years!
Martha Shotwell, Controller of Koontz-Bryant, celebrates 10 years of service. In a surprise breakfast party, President of Koontz-Bryant, Greg Koontz, presented Martha with a custom designed Koontz-Bryant shirt and congratulated her on 10 years with the firm. Martha is an avid volunteer with a local youth organization and enjoys the theatre and is proud to be the only Wahoo amongst several Hokies at Koontz-Bryant.
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See Martha's Bio here »
Joe Ketchem Joins Koontz-Bryant
Koontz-Bryant is happy to welcome Joe Ketchem, our new Survey Project Manager. Joe brings with him over 33 years of experience in land surveying. "We're excited to have such an experienced and talented survey manager join our team!", says Vice President, George Bryant.
Koontz-Bryant Celebrates CNU's 50th Anniversary
"The 50th Anniversary Gala at CNU was a wonderful event showcasing the amazing changes that have taken place at the school over the last 50 years," says Greg Koontz, President of Koontz-Bryant. President Paul Tribble’s leadership and vision, along with a fantastic team of employees at CNU, have created a unique environment. The University has grown and matured at an unbelievable pace over the last 10 years, with $700 million in new construction. Koontz continues, "We feel very privileged to have been a part of this process."
Final Changes to Virginia Stormwater Regulations May Have Tremendous Impact
Many organizations in the public and private sector are unaware of how they will be impacted by recent changes to Virginia’s stormwater regulations. Paul F. Hinson, PE, LEED AP, Director of Engineering at Richmond-based civil engineering firm, Koontz-Bryant, P.C., has been conducting seminars to educate organizations on the possible impact of the changes. Different industries and organizations may be impacted in different ways.
And the Work Goes On...
Even though the Koontz-Bryant offices were closed for a few days due to thepower outages as a result of Hurricane Irene, our staff was able to continue to provide construction administration services to ongoing projects unaffected by the storm.
Bob Fitz conducted a site inspection at the University of Mary Washington to get an update on the progress of the construction of the University’s new synthetic turf fields. Construction is well underway, and completion of the two new multi purpose athletic synthetic turf fields is projected to be this fall.
Christopher Newport University’s Athletic Expansion Contributes to National Ranking of Athletic Program
For the past 11 years, Christopher Newport University has been working with Koontz-Bryant, P.C. to expand its athletic facilities as well as other campus facilities. Koontz-Bryant has helped the university with capital improvements in excess of $600 million.
Join Koontz-Bryant for the Henrico School Supply Challenge
There are many students in Henrico County who need school supplies, and we want to help these students receive the tools necessary to foster learning. Can you help us? Donations will be accepted at Koontz-Bryant at 1703 N. Parham Rd, Suite 100 until August 15.
- To see what supplies are needed, see the flyer. (PDF) »
Koontz-Bryant Celebrates 20 Years
Koontz-Bryant opened its doors in 1990 with founders Greg Koontz and George Bryant focused on offering surveying and engineering services to the private sector.